"Chapter 37—The Scriptures a Safeguard “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20 . The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness. Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. At every revival of God's work the prince of evil is aroused to more intense activity; he is now putting forth his utmost efforts for a final struggle against Christ and His followers. The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested. GC 593"
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 8:20 in this passage.
"Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and derided. They can stand only in God. In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His word; they can honor Him only as they have a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them. None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. To every soul will come the searching test: Shall I obey God rather than men? The decisive hour is even now at hand. Are our feet planted on the rock of God's immutable word? Are we prepared to stand firm in defense of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? GC 593.2"
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up."
Both passages highlight the importance of obedience to God's law in the face of opposition and the need to stand firm in one's faith, even when threatened with punishment. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego serves as a powerful example of choosing God over human authority, which is the central theme of the EGW passage.
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Both passages emphasize that true faith is demonstrated through obedience to God's will. The EGW passage speaks of understanding and acting in accordance with God's will, while the Matthew verse states that only those who do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven. The principle of obedience as a sign of true faith is directly present in both.
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified."
Both passages address the idea of facing trials and opposition for one's faith and the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity. The EGW passage speaks of obeying God rather than men, while the 1 Peter passage speaks of rejoicing in suffering for Christ's name. The connection is thematic, focusing on enduring trials for one's faith.