"So it should be now. The people of the world are worshiping false gods. They are to be turned from their false worship, not by hearing denunciation of their idols, but by beholding something better. God's goodness is to be made known. “Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.” Isaiah 43:12 . COL 299.1"
"I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 43:12 in this passage.
"The Lord desires us to appreciate the great plan of redemption, to realize our high privilege as the children of God, and to walk before Him in obedience, with grateful thanksgiving. He desires us to serve Him in newness of life, with gladness every day. He longs to see gratitude welling up in our hearts because our names are written in the Lamb's book of life, because we may cast all our care upon Him who cares for us. He bids us rejoice because we are the heritage of the Lord, because the righteousness of Christ is the white robe of His saints, because we have the blessed hope of the soon coming of our Saviour. COL 299.2"
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
The EGW passage directly quotes the concept of 'casting all our care upon Him who cares for us,' which is a clear allusion to 1 Peter 5:7. The wording is very similar, making the connection undeniable.
"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Both passages emphasize rejoicing in the Lord. Philippians 4:4 is a direct command to rejoice, while the EGW passage lists reasons for rejoicing, such as having our names written in the Lamb's book of life and the hope of Christ's return. The connection is thematic, focusing on the importance of joy in the Christian life.
"And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life."
EGW directly mentions the 'Lamb's book of life,' which is a key phrase from Revelation 21:27. The context in EGW is also about salvation and belonging to God, aligning with the verse's meaning.
"To praise God in fullness and sincerity of heart is as much a duty as is prayer. We are to show to the world and to all the heavenly intelligences that we appreciate the wonderful love of God for fallen humanity and that we are expecting larger and yet larger blessings from His infinite fullness. Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience. After a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, our joy in the Lord and our efficiency in His service would be greatly increased by recounting His goodness and His wonderful works in behalf of His children. COL 299.3"
"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
EGW's statement about praise being a duty aligns with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which commands rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in everything. The core principle of consistent gratitude and devotion is present in both.
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."
Both passages emphasize the importance of praising God and expressing gratitude. EGW expands on the idea of praising God with fullness of heart, while Psalms 100:4 encourages entering His gates with thanksgiving and praise.
"And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing."
Both passages connect praise and thanksgiving with declaring God's works. EGW speaks of recounting God's goodness, while Psalms 107:22 encourages declaring His works with rejoicing.