"Those who received the light concerning the sanctuary and the immutability of the law of God were filled with joy and wonder as they saw the beauty and harmony of the system of truth that opened to their understanding. They desired that the light which appeared to them so precious might be imparted to all Christians; and they could not but believe that it would be joyfully accepted. But truths that would place them at variance with the world were not welcome to many who claimed to be followers of Christ. Obedience to the fourth commandment required a sacrifice from which the majority drew back. GC 454.1"
"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
The EGW passage describes how some rejected the Sabbath truth because it would cause conflict with the world. John 7:17 speaks of doing God's will to understand doctrine. While not a direct quote, the principle of obedience leading to understanding is a relevant parallel.
"As the claims of the Sabbath were presented, many reasoned from the worldling's standpoint. Said they: “We have always kept Sunday, our fathers kept it, and many good and pious men have died happy while keeping it. If they were right, so are we. The keeping of this new Sabbath would throw us out of harmony with the world, and we would have no influence over them. What can a little company keeping the seventh day hope to accomplish against all the world who are keeping Sunday?” It was by similar arguments that the Jews endeavored to justify their rejection of Christ. Their fathers had been accepted of God in presenting the sacrificial offerings, and why could not the children find salvation in pursuing the same course? So, in the time of Luther, papists reasoned that true Christians had died in the Catholic faith, and therefore that religion was sufficient for salvation. Such reasoning would prove an effectual barrier to all advancement in religious faith or practice. GC 454.2"
"Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?"
The EGW passage uses similar reasoning to that used by the Jews in rejecting Christ, as described in John 7:48. Both involve clinging to tradition and the perceived wisdom of the majority, rejecting new truth. The confidence is increased due to the clear parallel in reasoning.
"But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?"
The EGW passage discusses the argument that tradition justifies continuing Sunday observance, similar to how the Jews used tradition to reject Christ. Matthew 15:3 addresses transgressing God's commandments through tradition. The parallel is strong, highlighting the danger of prioritizing tradition over divine law.
"Many urged that Sundaykeeping had been an established doctrine and a widespread custom of the church for many centuries. Against this argument it was shown that the Sabbath and its observance were more ancient and widespread, even as old as the world itself, and bearing the sanction both of angels and of God. When the foundations of the earth were laid, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy, then was laid the foundation of the Sabbath. Job 38:6, 7 ; Genesis 2:1-3 . Well may this institution demand our reverence; it was ordained by no human authority and rests upon no human traditions; it was established by the Ancient of Days and commanded by His eternal word. GC 454.3"
"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."
Ellen White directly references Genesis 2:1-3 in this passage.