"Such an education provides more than mental discipline; it provides more than physical training. It strengthens the character, so that truth and uprightness are not sacrificed to selfish desire or worldly ambition. It fortifies the mind against evil. Instead of some master passion becoming a power to destroy, every motive and desire are brought into conformity to the great principles of right. As the perfection of His character is dwelt upon, the mind is renewed, and the soul is re-created in the image of God. Ed 18.1"
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Both passages discuss transformation and renewal of the mind. Romans 12:2 speaks of being transformed by the renewing of your mind, while the EGW passage speaks of the mind being renewed and the soul re-created in the image of God through education. The connection is strong and relevant.
"What education can be higher than this? What can equal it in value? Ed 18.2"
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
The EGW passage asks rhetorical questions about the value of a certain type of education, which directly aligns with the principle in Proverbs 4:7 that wisdom is the most important thing to acquire. The EGW passage emphasizes the supreme value of the education it describes, mirroring the emphasis on wisdom in Proverbs.
"“It cannot be gotten for gold, Neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, With the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it And the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: For the price of wisdom is above rubies.” Job 28:15-18 . Ed 18.3"
"It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof."
The EGW passage directly quotes Job 28:15-18, making it a clear and undeniable explicit allusion.
"It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies."
Ellen White directly references Job 28:15-18 in this passage.
"Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God's ideal for His children. Godliness—godlikeness— is the goal to be reached. Before the student there is opened a path of continual progress. He has an object to achieve, a standard to attain, that includes everything good, and pure, and noble. He will advance as fast and as far as possible in every branch of true knowledge. But his efforts will be directed to objects as much higher than mere selfish and temporal interests as the heavens are higher than the earth. Ed 18.4"
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
The EGW passage directly echoes the call to perfection found in Matthew 5:48, elaborating on the process and goal of achieving godliness. The connection is strong and intentional.
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."
Both passages speak of partaking in the divine nature. EGW's statement about godliness and godlikeness aligns with 2 Peter's concept of becoming partakers of the divine nature through God's promises.