"Jesus had given him no assurance of divine help. The man might have stopped to doubt, and lost his one chance of healing. But he believed Christ's word, and in acting upon it he received strength. DA 203.1"
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
The EGW passage directly illustrates the principle that faith comes by hearing and acting on the word of God.
Through the same faith we may receive spiritual healing. By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. There are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striving to obtain it. In despair they cry, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24 , margin. Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, “Wilt thou be made whole?” He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which throug…
"O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"
The EGW passage directly quotes Romans 7:24.
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;"
The EGW passage discusses spiritual healing and being severed from the life of God due to sin, which aligns with the theme of Ephesians 2:1 about being dead in trespasses and sins and then being made alive.
"The restored paralytic stooped to take up his bed, which was only a rug and a blanket, and as he straightened himself again with a sense of delight, he looked around for his Deliverer; but Jesus was lost in the crowd. The man feared that he would not know Him if he should see Him again. As he hurried on his way with firm, free step, praising God and rejoicing in his new-found strength, he met several of the Pharisees, and immediately told them of his cure. He was surprised at the coldness with which they listened to his story. DA 203.3"
"And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath."
The EGW passage directly recounts and expands upon the events described in John 5:9, including the detail of the man taking up his bed. It's more than a thematic parallel; it's a retelling with added details.
"Him as a Sabbath-breaker. In their judgment He had not only broken the law in healing the sick man on the Sabbath, but had committed sacrilege in bidding him bear away his bed. DA 203.4"
"The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed."
This is a direct reference to the events and accusations described in John 5:10. The EGW passage specifically mentions the charge of Sabbath-breaking and carrying the bed, mirroring the biblical text.
"But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day."
While not a direct quote or event from Matthew 12:2, the EGW passage discusses the Pharisees' view of Sabbath observance and their accusations of breaking the law, which aligns thematically with the Pharisees' complaints about the disciples' actions on the Sabbath in Matthew 12:2.