"If those who today are teaching the word of God, would uplift the cross of Christ higher and still higher, their ministry would be far more successful. If sinners can be led to give one earnest look at the cross, if they can obtain a full view of the crucified Saviour, they will realize the depth of God's compassion and the sinfulness of sin. AA 209.2"
"For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of uplifting the cross of Christ in ministry, leading sinners to see God's compassion and the sinfulness of sin. 1 Corinthians 2:2 reflects Paul's determination to focus on Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Both passages highlight the centrality of the cross in Christian teaching and its impact on believers.
"Christ's death proves God's great love for man. It is our pledge of salvation. To remove the cross from the Christian would be like blotting the sun from the sky. The cross brings us near to God, reconciling us to Him. With the relenting compassion of a father's love, Jehovah looks upon the suffering that His Son endured in order to save the race from eternal death, and accepts us in the Beloved. AA 209.3"
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
The EGW passage directly reflects the core message of John 3:16, emphasizing God's love for humanity demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, offering salvation. The connection is clear and fundamental.
"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."
The EGW passage directly echoes the concept of reconciliation through Christ's death and God's love, as presented in Romans 5:10. The idea of being accepted 'in the Beloved' also aligns with the reconciliation theme.
"Without the cross, man could have no union with the Father. On it depends our every hope. From it shines the light of the Saviour's love, and when at the foot of the cross the sinner looks up to the One who died to save him, he may rejoice with fullness of joy, for his sins are pardoned. Kneeling in faith at the cross, he has reached the highest place to which man can attain. AA 209.4"
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
Both passages emphasize the access to God and forgiveness of sins made possible through Christ's sacrifice. Ephesians 2:13 speaks of being brought near through the blood of Christ, while EGW speaks of union with the Father and pardon at the cross.
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,"
Both passages highlight the access to God made possible through the blood of Jesus. Hebrews 10:19 speaks of boldness to enter the holiest, while EGW speaks of reaching the highest place at the cross.
"And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."
Both passages link the work of Christ to joy and atonement. Romans 5:11 speaks of 'joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement,' while EGW speaks of rejoicing with fullness of joy and sins being pardoned at the foot of the cross.