"In all ages the Saviour's chosen have been educated and disciplined in the school of trial. They walked in narrow paths on earth; they were purified in the furnace of affliction. For Jesus’ sake they endured opposition, hatred, calumny. They followed Him through conflicts sore; they endured self-denial and experienced bitter disappointments. By their own painful experience they learned the evil of sin, its power, its guilt, its woe; and they look upon it with abhorrence. A sense of the infinite sacrifice made for its cure humbles them in their own sight and fills their hearts with gratitude and praise which those who have never fallen cannot appreciate. They love much because they have been forgiven much. Having been partakers of Christ's sufferings, they are fitted to be partakers with Him of His glory. GC 649.1"
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:"
The EGW passage discusses the 'furnace of affliction' and enduring trials, which resonates with 1 Peter 4:12's encouragement not to be surprised by 'the fiery trial.' The connection lies in the shared theme of suffering and testing as part of the Christian experience.
"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
The EGW passage speaks of the 'narrow paths' and 'school of trial,' aligning with the concept of the 'narrow way' in Matthew 7:14. The connection is thematic, focusing on the challenges and difficulties faced by those who follow Christ.
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
The EGW passage mentions enduring 'opposition, hatred, calumny' for Jesus' sake, which aligns with 2 Timothy 3:12's statement that 'all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.' The connection is thematic, highlighting the reality of persecution for those who live a godly life.