"We are not doing the will of God when we speculate upon things that He has seen fit to withhold from us. The question for us to study is: “What is truth, the truth for this time, which is to be cherished, loved, honored, and obeyed?” The devotees of science have been defeated and disheartened in their efforts to find out God. What they need to inquire at this time is: “What is the truth that will enable us to win the salvation of our souls?” 8T 317.1"
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
Both passages emphasize the importance of knowing God and truth for salvation.
"Christ revealed God to His disciples in a way that performed in their hearts a special work, such as He has long been urging us to allow Him to do in our hearts. There are many who, in dwelling too largely upon theory, have lost sight of the living power of the Saviour's example. They have lost sight of Him as the humble, self- denying worker. What they need is to behold Jesus. Daily we need the fresh revealing of His presence. We need to follow more closely His example of self-renunciation and sacrifice. 8T 317.2"
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Both passages emphasize the importance of looking to Jesus' example, particularly his self-sacrifice, as a model for believers.
"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?"
Both passages emphasize the importance of knowing and seeing God through Jesus. EGW's statement that 'What they need is to behold Jesus' directly echoes the sentiment in John 14:9, where Jesus says, 'he that hath seen me hath seen the Father.'
"We need the experience that Paul had when he wrote: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 . 8T 317.3"
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
Ellen White directly references Galatians 2:20 in this passage.
"The knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ expressed in character is an exaltation above everything else that is esteemed on earth or in heaven. It is the very highest education. It is the key that opens the portals of the heavenly city. This knowledge it is God's purpose that all who put on Christ shall possess. 8T 317.4"
"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:"
Both passages connect the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ with spiritual growth and attainment. EGW speaks of it as the 'highest education' and 'key' to heaven, while Peter describes it as the means to 'all things that pertain unto life and godliness.'
To our ministers, physicians, teachers, and all others engaged in any line of service for the Master, I have a message to bear. The Lord bids you to come up higher, to reach a holier standard. You must have an experience much deeper than you have yet even thought of having. Many who are already members of God's great family know little of what it means to behold His glory and to be changed from glory to glory. Many of you have a twilight perception of Christ's excellence, and your souls thrill with joy. You long for a fuller, deeper sense of the Saviour's love. You are unsatisfied. But do not despair. Give to Jesus the heart's best and holiest affections. Treasure every ray of light. Cherish every desire of the soul after God. Give yourselves the culture of spiritual thoughts and holy communings. You have seen but the first rays of the early dawn of His glory. As you follow on to know the Lord, you will know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. “The path of the righteous is…
"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 4:18 in this passage.