"In the work of reform, Luther had been urged forward by the Spirit of God, and had been carried beyond himself. He had not purposed to take such positions as he did, or to make so radical changes. He had been but the instrument in the hand of Infinite Power. Yet he often trembled for the result of his work. He had once said: “If I knew that my doctrine injured one man, one single man, however lowly and obscure,—which it cannot, for it is the gospel itself,—I would rather die ten times than not retract it.”— Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7. GC 188.1"
"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
Both passages emphasize the role of God's grace in empowering individuals to accomplish great things. 1 Corinthians 15:10 highlights Paul's labor being enabled by God's grace, while EGW describes Luther being 'urged forward by the Spirit of God' and being an instrument of 'Infinite Power.' Both acknowledge a power beyond themselves driving their actions.
"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"
Both passages describe individuals being instruments in God's hand. Acts 9:15 states Paul is a 'chosen vessel,' while EGW describes Luther as 'the instrument in the hand of Infinite Power.' The connection lies in the idea of divine agency and human instrumentality.
"And now Wittenberg itself, the very center of the Reformation, was fast falling under the power of fanaticism and lawlessness. This terrible condition had not resulted from the teachings of Luther; but throughout Germany his enemies were charging it upon him. In bitterness of soul he sometimes asked: “Can such, then, be the end of this great work of the Reformation?”— Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7. Again, as he wrestled with God in prayer, peace flowed into his heart. “The work is not mine, but Thine own,” he said; “Thou wilt not suffer it to be corrupted by superstition or fanaticism.” But the thought of remaining longer from the conflict in such a crisis, became insupportable. He determined to return to Wittenberg. GC 188.2"
"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."
Luther's statement, "The work is not mine, but Thine own," echoes the sentiment of Psalm 127:1, emphasizing God's role in the success of the Reformation. The verse highlights the futility of human effort without divine blessing, which aligns with Luther's reliance on God's power.