God claims the whole earth as His vineyard. Though now in the hands of the usurper, it belongs to God. By redemption no less than by creation it is His. For the world Christ's sacrifice was made. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” John 3:16 . It is through that one gift that every other is imparted to men. Daily the whole world receives blessing from God. Every drop of rain, every ray of light shed on our unthankful race, every leaf and flower and fruit, testifies to God's long forbearance and His great love. COL 301.3 And what returns are made to the great Giver? How are men treating the claims of God? To whom are the masses of mankind giving the service of their lives? They are serving mammon. Wealth, position, pleasure in the world, is their aim. Wealth is gained by robbery, not of man only, but of God. Men are using His gifts to gratify their selfishness. Everything they can grasp is made to minister to their greed and their love of selfish pleasure. COL …
"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."
Ellen White directly references John 3:16 in this passage.
"The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
The EGW passage directly states that God claims the whole earth and the Psalm states the same. The EGW passage expands on the implications of this claim, but the core idea is directly from the verse.
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
The EGW passage discusses redemption and the idea that we belong to God because we were bought with a price. 1 Corinthians 6:20 states this directly. The EGW passage expands on the implications of this principle.
"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."
Both passages discuss God's blessings being given to all, regardless of their righteousness. The EGW passage uses this as a basis for discussing ingratitude, while Matthew 5:45 uses it to illustrate God's nature. The connection is thematic and meaningful.
"The sin of the world today is the sin that brought destruction upon Israel. Ingratitude to God, the neglect of opportunities and blessings, the selfish appropriation of God's gifts—these were comprised in the sin that brought wrath upon Israel. They are bringing ruin upon the world today. COL 302.2"
"Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:"
Both passages discuss the danger of forgetting God and His commandments, leading to negative consequences. The EGW passage specifically links this to ingratitude and selfish appropriation, while Deuteronomy 8:11 focuses on obedience. The connection is thematic and relevant.
"But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."
The EGW passage discusses the selfish appropriation of God's gifts and the neglect of opportunities and blessings. Luke 12:48 states that those who are given much, much will be required. The EGW passage is an application of this principle.
"The tears which Christ shed upon Olivet as He stood overlooking the chosen city were not for Jerusalem alone. In the fate of Jerusalem He beheld the destruction of the world. COL 302.3"
"And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,"
The EGW passage directly references Christ weeping over Jerusalem, which is the central event described in Luke 19:41. It's more than a thematic parallel; it's a direct allusion to the biblical scene.
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"
Both passages deal with Christ's lament over Jerusalem and its impending doom. While not a direct quote, the theme of Christ's sorrow and the city's rejection is present in both.
"“If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.” Luke 19:42 . COL 302.4"
"Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes."
Ellen White directly references Luke 19:42 in this passage.
"“In this thy day.” The day is nearing its close. The period of mercy and privilege is well-nigh ended. The clouds of vengeance are gathering. The rejectors of God's grace are about to be involved in swift and irretrievable ruin. COL 302.5"
"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:"
Both passages discuss the nearness of a significant event (summer/judgment) and the importance of recognizing the signs of the times. The connection is thematic, focusing on the urgency of the present moment.
"Yet the world is asleep. The people know not the time of their visitation. COL 302.6"
"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."
Both passages emphasize the idea of spiritual slumber and the need to awaken to the present reality. The phrase 'knowing the time' and the call to 'awake out of sleep' in Romans 13:11 directly relate to EGW's statement about the world being asleep and not knowing the time of their visitation.