"But God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms. The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority—not one nor all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord” in its support. GC 595.1"
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
Both passages emphasize the importance of adhering to the Bible as the ultimate authority. Isaiah 8:20 calls for reliance on 'the law and the testimony,' while EGW asserts that the Bible, and the Bible only, should be the standard for doctrines and reforms. Both passages reject other sources of authority that contradict the Bible.
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
Both passages emphasize the importance of searching the scriptures to verify truth. The Bereans' example of diligently examining the scriptures to confirm Paul's teachings directly supports EGW's call to demand a "Thus saith the Lord".
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
Both passages encourage critical evaluation and discernment. EGW's statement that we should demand a "Thus saith the Lord" before accepting doctrine aligns with the principle of proving all things and holding fast to what is good.
"Satan is constantly endeavoring to attract attention to man in the place of God. He leads the people to look to bishops, to pastors, to professors of theology, as their guides, instead of searching the Scriptures to learn their duty for themselves. Then, by controlling the minds of these leaders, he can influence the multitudes according to his will. GC 595.2"
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
Both passages address the issue of following human leaders and traditions over the direct teachings of God. EGW's passage expands on the dangers of this practice, aligning with the core message of Matthew 15:9.
"When Christ came to speak the words of life, the common people heard Him gladly; and many, even of the priests and rulers, believed on Him. But the chief of the priesthood and the leading men of the nation were determined to condemn and repudiate His teachings. Though they were baffled in all their efforts to find accusations against Him, though they could not but feel the influence of the divine power and wisdom attending His words, yet they incased themselves in prejudice; they rejected the clearest evidence of His Messiahship, lest they should be forced to become His disciples. These opponents of Jesus were men whom the people had been taught from infancy to reverence, to whose authority they had been accustomed implicitly to bow. “How is it,” they asked, “that our rulers and learned scribes do not believe on Jesus? Would not these pious men receive Him if He were the Christ?” It was the influence of such teachers that led the Jewish nation to reject their Redeemer. GC 595.3"
"The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children."
Both passages discuss the rejection of Jesus by religious leaders and the common people's perception of Him based on the leaders' opinions. EGW elaborates on the reasons for the rejection, echoing the sentiment in Matthew 11:19, where Jesus's wisdom is questioned.