"Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of being like Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himself man is utterly unable to reach this condition. The holiness that God's word declares he must have before he can be saved is the result of the working of divine grace as he bows in submission to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of truth. Man's obedience can be made perfect only by the incense of Christ's righteousness, which fills with divine fragrance every act of obedience. The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sin-sick soul. He has not the wisdom or the strength to overcome; these belong to the Lord, and He bestows them on those who in humiliation and contrition seek Him for help. AA 532.1"
"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"
Both passages discuss the righteousness of God being obtained through faith in Jesus Christ. The EGW passage elaborates on how this righteousness enables obedience, while Romans 3:22 establishes the foundation of righteousness through faith. There is a clear thematic connection.
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
The EGW passage speaks of God working within believers to enable obedience and holiness. Philippians 2:13 directly states that God works in believers to will and to do His good pleasure. The EGW passage expands on this principle, explaining how this divine working leads to Christ-like character.
"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."
Both passages address the idea of Christ living within the believer and enabling a transformed life. Galatians 2:20 speaks of being crucified with Christ and Christ living within. The EGW passage describes the possibility of being like Christ and the necessity of divine grace for achieving this, echoing the theme of Christ's life being manifested in the believer.
"The work of transformation from unholiness to holiness is a continuous one. Day by day God labors for man's sanctification, and man is to co-operate with Him, putting forth persevering efforts in the cultivation of right habits. He is to add grace to grace; and as he thus works on the plan of addition, God works for him on the plan of multiplication. Our Saviour is always ready to hear and answer the prayer of the contrite heart, and grace and peace are multiplied to His faithful ones. Gladly He grants them the blessings they need in their struggle against the evils that beset them. AA 532.2"
"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,"
Both passages discuss the multiplication of grace and peace. EGW's statement directly echoes the sentiment in 2 Peter 1:2, making it more than just a thematic parallel.
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
Both passages deal with drawing near to God and the process of purification. While not a direct quote, the theme of approaching God and being cleansed is present in both.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Both passages touch on the idea of God working in us to produce good works and transformation. The connection is thematic, focusing on God's active role in our spiritual development.
"There are those who attempt to ascend the ladder of Christian progress; but as they advance they begin to put their trust in the power of man, and soon lose sight of Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith. The result is failure—the loss of all that has been gained. Sad indeed is the condition of those who, becoming weary of the way, allow the enemy of souls to rob them of the Christian graces that have been developing in their hearts and lives. “He that lacketh these things,” declares the apostle, “is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” AA 532.3"
"But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins."
EGW directly quotes 2 Peter 1:9, making this an explicit allusion. The surrounding context in EGW further reinforces the connection.
"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."
EGW directly references Jesus as the 'Author and Finisher of their faith,' which is a clear allusion to Hebrews 12:2. The context of losing sight of Jesus also aligns with the warning in Hebrews.