"Luther saw the danger of exalting human theories above the word of God. He fearlessly attacked the speculative infidelity of the schoolmen and opposed the philosophy and theology which had so long held a controlling influence upon the people. He denounced such studies as not only worthless but pernicious, and sought to turn the minds of his hearers from the sophistries of philosophers and theologians to the eternal truths set forth by prophets and apostles. GC 126.1"
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
Both passages warn against the dangers of relying on human philosophy and traditions instead of the word of God. Luther's attack on the schoolmen and their philosophy directly reflects the warning in Colossians 2:8 to beware of being spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit.
"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
Both passages contrast human wisdom with the power of God. Luther's emphasis on the eternal truths set forth by prophets and apostles aligns with the idea that faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
"Precious was the message which he bore to the eager crowds that hung upon his words. Never before had such teachings fallen upon their ears. The glad tidings of a Saviour's love, the assurance of pardon and peace through His atoning blood, rejoiced their hearts and inspired within them an immortal hope. At Wittenberg a light was kindled whose rays should extend to the uttermost parts of the earth, and which was to increase in brightness to the close of time. GC 126.2"
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
Both passages discuss the concepts of justification, peace, and the role of Jesus Christ. The EGW passage speaks of 'pardon and peace through His atoning blood,' which directly relates to the justification and peace mentioned in Romans 5:1.
"Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent."
Both passages describe the reception of a message of salvation. Luther's message of a Saviour's love and pardon through His atoning blood parallels the word of salvation sent to the children of Abraham in Acts 13:26.
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."
The EGW passage describes the message brought by the reformer as a 'light' that would extend to the uttermost parts of the earth. This echoes the imagery of Isaiah 9:2, which speaks of a 'great light' shining upon those who walk in darkness.
"But light and darkness cannot harmonize. Between truth and error there is an irrepressible conflict. To uphold and defend the one is to attack and overthrow the other. Our Saviour Himself declared: “I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34 . Said Luther, a few years after the opening of the Reformation: “God does not guide me, He pushes me forward. He carries me away. I am not master of myself. I desire to live in repose; but I am thrown into the midst of tumults and revolutions.”—D'Aubigne, b. 5, ch. 2. He was now about to be urged into the contest. GC 126.3"
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."
Ellen White directly references Matthew 10:34 in this passage.