"Teach the youth that sin in any line is defined in the Scriptures as “transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4 .... Teach them in simple language that they must be obedient to their parents and give their hearts to God. Jesus Christ is waiting to accept and bless them if they will only come to Him and ask Him to pardon all their transgressions and take away their sins. And when they ask Him to pardon all their transgressions they must believe that He does it. CT 169.1"
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."
Ellen White directly references 1 John 3:4 in this passage.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Both passages discuss confession of sins and forgiveness. EGW's statement that Jesus is waiting to pardon transgressions echoes the promise of forgiveness in 1 John 1:9.
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right."
EGW directly instructs to teach youth to be obedient to their parents. Ephesians 6:1 directly commands children to obey their parents.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Both passages discuss confessing Jesus and believing in Him. EGW emphasizes believing that Jesus pardons transgressions, while Romans 10:9 focuses on believing in Jesus' resurrection for salvation. Both highlight the importance of belief for salvation/forgiveness.
"God wants every child of tender age to be His child, to be adopted into His family. Young though they may be, the youth may be members of the household of faith and have a most precious experience. They may have hearts that are tender and ready to receive impressions that will be lasting. They may have their hearts drawn out in confidence and love for Jesus, and live for the Saviour. Christ will make them little missionaries. The whole current of their thought may be changed, so that sin will not appear a thing to be enjoyed, but to be shunned and hated. CT 169.2"
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"
Both passages discuss becoming children of God through receiving/believing in Jesus. EGW speaks of being adopted into God's family, while John 1:12 speaks of the power to become sons of God.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
The EGW passage echoes the idea of being a 'new creature' in Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of faith, especially in children. The verse speaks of a complete change, and EGW applies this to the young, suggesting a change in their desires and direction.
"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Both passages emphasize the importance of children coming to Jesus. EGW speaks of God wanting every child to be His, while Matthew 19:14 records Jesus welcoming little children and stating that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such.
"Small children, as well as those who are older, will be benefited by this instruction; and in thus simplifying the plan of salvation, the teachers will receive as great blessings as those who are taught. The Holy Spirit of God will impress the lessons upon the receptive minds of the children, that they may grasp the ideas of Bible truth in their simplicity. And the Lord will give an experience to these children in missionary lines; He will suggest to them lines of thought that even the teachers did not have. The children who are properly instructed will be witnesses to the truth. CT 169.3"
"At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
Both passages highlight the idea that God reveals wisdom and understanding to those who are humble and receptive, particularly children. Matthew 11:25 speaks of God revealing things to 'babes' that are hidden from the wise, and EGW suggests that children can grasp Bible truths in their simplicity and even offer insights that teachers may not have.
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:"
The EGW passage speaks of children being witnesses to the truth and having experiences in missionary lines through the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:17-18 describes the outpouring of the Spirit, resulting in prophecy and visions among all people, including young people. The connection lies in the idea of the Spirit empowering children to share God's message.