"The church is very precious in God's sight. He values it, not for its external advantages, but for the sincere piety which distinguishes it from the world. He estimates it according to the growth of the members in the knowledge of Christ, according to their progress in spiritual experience. COL 298.1"
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."
Both passages emphasize the spiritual nature of the church and its value to God, focusing on inner qualities rather than outward appearances. 1 Peter 2:5 uses the metaphor of 'lively stones' to describe believers built into a spiritual house, while EGW speaks of the church's value based on the 'sincere piety' and 'growth of the members in the knowledge of Christ.'
"Christ hungers to receive from His vineyard the fruit of holiness and unselfishness. He looks for the principles of love and goodness. Not all the beauty of art can bear comparison with the beauty of temper and character to be revealed in those who are Christ's representatives. It is the atmosphere of grace which surrounds the soul of the believer, the Holy Spirit working upon mind and heart, that makes him a savor of life unto life, and enables God to bless his work. COL 298.2"
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Both passages discuss the fruit or result of a relationship with God. Galatians 5:22-23 lists specific virtues as the 'fruit of the Spirit,' while the EGW passage speaks of 'the fruit of holiness and unselfishness' and 'the principles of love and goodness.' The connection is thematic, focusing on the character development that results from a spiritual life.
"The Lord desires us to make mention of His goodness and tell of His power. He is honored by the expression of praise and thanksgiving. He says, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me.” Psalm 50:23 . The people of Israel, as they journeyed through the wilderness, praised God in sacred song. The commandments and promises of the Lord were set to music, and all along the journey these were sung by the pilgrim travelers. And in Canaan as they met at their sacred feasts God's wonderful works were to be recounted, and grateful thanksgiving was to be offered to His name. God desired that the whole life of His people should be a life of praise. Thus His way was to be made “known upon earth,” His “saving health among all nations.” Psalm 67:2 . COL 298.4"
"Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 50:23 in this passage.
"That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 67:2 in this passage.