"God designs that His precious word, with its messages of warning and encouragement, shall come to those who are in darkness and are ignorant of our faith. It is to be given to all, and will be to them a witness, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear. Do not feel that the responsibility rests upon you to convict and convert the hearers. The power of God alone can soften the hearts of the people. You are to hold forth the word of life, that all may have an opportunity of receiving the truth if they will. If they turn from the truth of heavenly origin, it will be their condemnation. 7T 35.1"
"And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious."
The phrase 'whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear' is a direct allusion to Ezekiel 2:7, indicating a clear connection.
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Both passages emphasize the spiritual nature of God's word and its power to bring life. The EGW passage focuses on the word as a witness and opportunity for salvation, while John 6:63 highlights the life-giving power of Jesus' words. There is a thematic connection, though not a direct quote or principle.
"We must not hide the truth in the corners of the earth. It must be made known; it must shine in our large cities. Christ in His labors took His position by the lakeside and in the great thoroughfares of travel where He could meet people from all parts of the world. He was giving the true light; He was sowing the gospel seed; He was rescuing truth from its companionship with error, and presenting it in its original simplicity and clearness, so that men could comprehend it. 7T 35.2"
"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Matthew 5:15, emphasizing the importance of making the truth known and not hiding it. The 'candle under a bushel' metaphor is reflected in the idea of not hiding the truth 'in the corners of the earth.'
"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
Both passages refer to 'the true light.' The EGW passage speaks of Christ giving the true light, while John 1:9 identifies Jesus as the true light. The connection is thematic, focusing on the concept of truth and enlightenment.
"The heavenly Messenger who was with us said: “Never lose sight of the fact that the message you are bearing is a world-wide message. It is to be given to all cities, to all villages; it is to be proclaimed in the highways and the byways. You are not to localize the proclamation of the message.” In the parable of the sower, Christ gave an illustration of His own work and that of His servants. The seed fell upon all kinds of soil. Some seed fell upon poor soil, yet the sower did not therefore cease his work. You are to sow the seeds of truth in every place. Wherever you can gain access, hold forth the word of God. Sow beside all waters. You may not at once see the result of your labors, but be not discouraged. Speak the words that Christ gives you. Work in His lines. Go forth everywhere as He did during His ministry on the earth. 7T 35.3"
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
Both passages emphasize the importance of spreading the gospel to all people and nations. EGW's passage directly echoes the sentiment of Matthew 28:19, expanding on the idea of a world-wide message.
"And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."
Both passages speak of going out to the 'highways' to reach people with the message. EGW's passage uses similar language, indicating a clear connection to Luke 14:23.