"The righteousness of Christ will not cover one cherished sin. A man may be a law-breaker in heart; yet if he commits no outward act of transgression, he may be regarded by the world as possessing great integrity. But God's law looks into the secrets of the heart. Every act is judged by the motives that prompt it. Only that which is in accord with the principles of God's law will stand in the judgment. COL 316.2"
"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."
Both passages emphasize that sin exists in the heart, not just in outward actions. Matthew 5:28 is a specific example of this principle, and EGW's statement echoes and expands upon it.
"(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."
Both passages address the importance of not just hearing or knowing the law, but actually doing it. The EGW passage emphasizes that God looks at the motives behind actions, which aligns with the idea that true righteousness involves more than just outward compliance with the law. Romans 2:13 highlights that only those who *do* the law will be justified, implying a deeper commitment than mere knowledge. The connection is thematic, focusing on the importance of obedience and genuine righteousness.
"God is love. He has shown that love in the gift of Christ. When “He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” He withheld nothing from His purchased possession. ( John 3:16 .) He gave all heaven, from which we may draw strength and efficiency, that we be not repulsed or overcome by our great adversary. But the love of God does not lead Him to excuse sin. He did not excuse it in Satan; He did not excuse it in Adam or in Cain; nor will He excuse it in any other of the children of men. He will not connive at our sins or overlook our defects of character. He expects us to overcome in His name. COL 316.3"
"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."
EGW directly quotes John 3:16.
"Those who reject the gift of Christ's righteousness are rejecting the attributes of character which would constitute them the sons and daughters of God. They are rejecting that which alone could give them a fitness for a place at the marriage feast. COL 316.4"
"And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
EGW's statement about rejecting Christ's righteousness and fitness for the marriage feast directly relates to the parable of the wedding garment in Matthew 22:11-13. The connection is strong and meaningful.