"In France, before the name of Luther had been heard as a Reformer, the day had already begun to break. One of the first to catch the light was the aged Lefevre, a man of extensive learning, a professor in the University of Paris, and a sincere and zealous papist. In his researches into ancient literature his attention was directed to the Bible, and he introduced its study among his students. GC 212.1"
"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."
The verse speaks of God's word giving light and understanding. The EGW passage speaks of Lefevre gaining light through studying the Bible. The connection is valid and meaningful.
"Lefevre was an enthusiastic adorer of the saints, and he had undertaken to prepare a history of the saints and martyrs as given in the legends of the church. This was a work which involved great labor; but he had already made considerable progress in it, when, thinking that he might obtain useful assistance from the Bible, he began its study with this object. Here indeed he found saints brought to view, but not such as figured in the Roman calendar. A flood of divine light broke in upon his mind. In amazement and disgust he turned away from his self-appointed task and devoted himself to the word of God. The precious truths which he there discovered he soon began to teach. GC 212.2"
"And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do."
Both passages describe a transformative encounter with divine truth that leads to a change in direction. In Acts 9, Saul's encounter with Jesus leads to his conversion, while in the EGW passage, Lefevre's study of the Bible leads him to abandon his previous work and embrace the truths he finds there.
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Both passages highlight the power and impact of the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word as sharp and discerning, while the EGW passage describes how Lefevre's study of the Bible led to a "flood of divine light" and a change in his beliefs and actions.
"In 1512, before either Luther or Zwingli had begun the work of reform, Lefevre wrote: “It is God who gives us, by faith, that righteousness which by grace alone justifies to eternal life.”—Wylie, b. 13, ch. 1. Dwelling upon the mysteries of redemption, he exclaimed: “Oh, the unspeakable greatness of that exchange,—the Sinless One is condemned, and he who is guilty goes free; the Blessing bears the curse, and the cursed is brought into blessing; the Life dies, and the dead live; the Glory is whelmed in darkness, and he who knew nothing but confusion of face is clothed with glory.”—D'Aubigne, London ed., b. 12, ch. 2. GC 212.3"
"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"
Both passages discuss righteousness being obtained through faith. The EGW passage directly quotes Lefevre on this topic, which aligns with the principle in Romans 3:22.
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
The EGW passage (quoting Lefevre) directly echoes the concept of Christ taking our sin and giving us righteousness, which is the core message of 2 Corinthians 5:21. The language used is very similar.