The man traveling into a far country represents Christ, who, when speaking this parable, was soon to depart from this earth to heaven. The “bondservants” (R.V.), or slaves, of the parable, represent the followers of Christ. We are not our own. We have been “bought with a price” ( 1 Corinthians 6:20 ), not “with corruptible things, as silver and gold, ... but with the precious blood of Christ” ( 1 Peter 1:18, 19 ); “that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again” ( 2 Corinthians 5:15 ). COL 325.3 All men have been bought with this infinite price. By pouring the whole treasury of heaven into this world, by giving us in Christ all heaven, God has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, of every human being. Whether believers or unbelievers, all men are the Lord's property. All are called to do service for Him, and for the manner in which they have met this claim, all will be required to render an account at…
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
Ellen White directly references 1 Corinthians 6:20 in this passage.
"And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."
Ellen White directly references 2 Corinthians 5:15 in this passage.
"But the claims of God are not recognized by all. It is those who profess to have accepted Christ's service who in the parable are represented as His own servants. COL 326.2"
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Both passages highlight that merely professing faith is insufficient; true service and obedience are required. EGW's statement about 'those who profess to have accepted Christ's service' aligns with Matthew 7:21's emphasis on doing the will of the Father.
"Christ's followers have been redeemed for service. Our Lord teaches that the true object of life is ministry. Christ Himself was a worker, and to all His followers He gives the law of service—service to God and to their fellow men. Here Christ has presented to the world a higher conception of life than they had ever known. By living to minister for others, man is brought into connection with Christ. The law of service becomes the connecting link which binds us to God and to our fellow men. COL 326.3"
"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment and action of Christ as described in Matthew 20:28, emphasizing service as a core principle of Christian life.
"To His servants Christ commits “His goods”—something to be put to use for Him. He gives “to every man his work.” Each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven. Each is to work in co-operation with Christ for the salvation of souls. Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God. COL 326.4"
"But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
Both passages discuss the idea that each individual has a specific role or gift assigned to them by God/the Spirit for the purpose of service and contributing to a larger plan.