"One of the principles most firmly maintained by Luther was that there should be no resort to secular power in support of the Reformation, and no appeal to arms for its defense. He rejoiced that the gospel was confessed by princes of the empire; but when they proposed to unite in a defensive league, he declared that “the doctrine of the gospel should be defended by God alone.... The less man meddled in the work, the more striking would be God's intervention in its behalf. All the politic precautions suggested were, in his view, attributable to unworthy fear and sinful mistrust.”—D'Aubigne, London ed., b. 10, ch. 14. GC 209.1"
"Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
The EGW passage describes Luther's belief that the gospel should be defended by God alone, not by secular power or arms. This strongly parallels the message of Zechariah 4:6, which states that success comes not by might nor by power, but by God's spirit.
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
The EGW passage, discussing Luther's rejection of secular power for defending the Reformation, aligns with the sentiment of Psalm 20:7, which contrasts trusting in earthly means (chariots and horses) with remembering the name of the Lord. Both emphasize reliance on God rather than human strength.
"When powerful foes were uniting to overthrow the reformed faith, and thousands of swords seemed about to be unsheathed against it, Luther wrote: “Satan is putting forth his fury; ungodly pontiffs are conspiring; and we are threatened with war. Exhort the people to contend valiantly before the throne of the Lord, by faith and prayer, so that our enemies, vanquished by the Spirit of God, may be constrained to peace. Our chief want, our chief labor, is prayer; let the people know that they are now exposed to the edge of the sword and to the rage of Satan, and let them pray.”—D'Aubigne, b. 10, ch. 14. GC 209.2"
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Both passages deal with spiritual warfare and the need for prayer in the face of opposition. Ephesians 6:12 describes the nature of the enemy, while the EGW passage (quoting Luther) describes the response to that enemy through prayer.
"O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee."
Both passages describe situations where people are facing overwhelming opposition and turn to God for help. 2 Chronicles 20:12 is a direct plea to God for intervention when facing a seemingly insurmountable enemy, mirroring Luther's call to prayer in the EGW passage.
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Both passages emphasize the importance of prayer, particularly in times of difficulty. The EGW passage, quoting Luther, calls for prayer in the face of threats, while James 5:16 highlights the power of fervent prayer.
"Again, at a later date, referring to the league contemplated by the reformed princes, Luther declared that the only weapon employed in this warfare should be “the sword of the Spirit.” He wrote to the elector of Saxony: “We cannot on our conscience approve the proposed alliance. We would rather die ten times than see our gospel cause one drop of blood to be shed. Our part is to be like lambs of the slaughter. The cross of Christ must be borne. Let your highness be without fear. We shall do more by our prayers than all our enemies by their boastings. Only let not your hands be stained with the blood of your brethren. If the emperor requires us to be given up to his tribunals, we are ready to appear. You cannot defend our faith: each one should believe at his own risk and peril.”— Ibid., b. 14, ch. 1. GC 209.3"
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"
The EGW passage directly quotes Luther referring to "the sword of the Spirit," which is a clear allusion to Ephesians 6:17. The context further reinforces the connection, as both passages discuss spiritual warfare and the importance of relying on God's word rather than physical force.