"God's Ideal for Man The religion of Christ never degrades the receiver. It never makes him coarse or rough, discourteous or self- important, passionate or hardhearted. On the contrary, it refines the taste, sanctifies the judgment, and purifies and ennobles the thoughts, bringing them into captivity to Jesus Christ. CT 365"
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
EGW's phrase 'bringing them into captivity to Jesus Christ' directly echoes the language of 2 Corinthians 10:5, 'bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.' The connection is clear and intentional, indicating a direct influence.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Both passages describe the positive effects of a relationship with God/Christ on one's character. EGW lists qualities like refined taste, sanctified judgment, and ennobled thoughts, while Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, gentleness, and goodness. The connection is strong and reflects a similar understanding of spiritual transformation.
"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
Both passages discuss the transformative power of Christ/God in changing a person's character from a negative state to a more refined and righteous one. EGW's description of the effects of Christ's religion aligns with Paul's call to put off the 'old man' and put on the 'new man' created in righteousness.
"God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. The living God has given in His holy law a transcript of His character. The greatest Teacher the world has ever known is Jesus Christ; and what is the standard He has given for all who believe in Him? “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 . As God is perfect in His high sphere of action, so man may be perfect in his human sphere. CT 365.2"
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
EGW directly quotes Matthew 5:48 and builds her argument around it. This is a clear and explicit reference.
"Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy."
Both passages address the concept of holiness and perfection as a goal for believers, linking it to God's own holiness. While EGW focuses on Christlikeness and Matthew 5:48, Leviticus 19:2 provides the Old Testament basis for the call to holiness.
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
Both passages connect the call to holiness with the holiness of God. 1 Peter 1:15-16 directly quotes the Old Testament command to 'be ye holy; for I am holy,' which resonates with EGW's emphasis on God's character as the standard.
"The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. There is opened before us a path of continual advancement. We have an object to reach, a standard to gain, which includes everything good and pure and noble and elevated. There should be continual striving and constant progress onward and upward toward perfection of character.... CT 365.3"
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Both passages discuss the idea of progressive spiritual growth and transformation into the likeness of Christ/God. EGW's emphasis on 'continual advancement' and 'perfection of character' aligns with Paul's description of being 'changed into the same image from glory to glory.'
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Both passages discuss striving towards a goal in Christ. Philippians 3:14 speaks of pressing toward the mark, while the EGW quote speaks of continual advancement and progress toward perfection. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Both passages discuss running a race with perseverance, laying aside hindrances, and looking to Jesus. The EGW quote speaks of a path of continual advancement, while Hebrews 12:1-2 speaks of running the race set before us. The connection is valid.
"Without the divine working, man can do no good thing. God calls every man to repentance, yet man cannot even repent unless the Holy Spirit works upon his heart. But the Lord wants no man to wait until he thinks he has repented before he takes steps toward Jesus. The Saviour is continually drawing men to repentance; they need only to submit to be drawn, and their hearts will be melted in penitence. CT 365.4"
"No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day."
The EGW quote directly echoes the principle in John 6:44 that no one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. Both emphasize the necessity of divine influence in drawing people to repentance and salvation.
"Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."
Both passages connect God with the giving of repentance. Acts 5:31 states that God exalted Jesus to give repentance, while the EGW quote states that God calls every man to repentance and the Holy Spirit works upon the heart.