"To live for self is to perish. Covetousness, the desire of benefit for self's sake, cuts the soul off from life. It is the spirit of Satan to get, to draw to self. It is the spirit of Christ to give, to sacrifice self for the good of others. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” 1 John 5:11, 12 . COL 259.1"
"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."
The passage directly quotes 1 John 5:11-12, emphasizing that eternal life is found in the Son of God.
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
EGW quotes 1 John 5:11, 12 directly and connects it to the idea of selflessness vs. selfishness.
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."
The statement 'To live for self is to perish' reflects the principle that those who seek to save their life will lose it, while those who lose their life for Christ's sake will find it.
"Wherefore He says, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” COL 259.2"
"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
EGW directly quotes Luke 12:15.