***** There is only one path that leads from darkness upward to the light until it touches the throne of God,—the path of faith. This path is not dark and uncertain; it is not the way of finite minds, not a path made by human hands, in which toll is exacted from every traveler. Entrance to it cannot be gained by works of penance. GW 160.2 The way that God has provided is so complete, so perfect, that man cannot, by any works that he can do, add to its perfection. It is broad enough to receive the most hardened sinner, if he truly repents, and yet so narrow that in it sin can find no place. This is the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. GW 160.3 Righteousness By Faith The thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, is a precious thought. The enemy of God and man is not willing that this truth should be clearly presented; for he knows that if the people receive it fully, his power will be…
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
EGW's statement about righteousness being imputed as a free gift, not based on merit, directly reflects the principle articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9: 'For by grace are ye saved through faith...it is the gift of God: Not of works.' Both emphasize salvation as a gift received through faith, not earned through works.
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
EGW's description of 'the path' leading to God, accessible only through faith and not works, directly alludes to Jesus' statement in John 14:6, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.' The context of salvation through Christ is central to both passages.
"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
EGW's description of the 'narrow' path that is 'broad enough to receive the most hardened sinner' is a clear allusion to Matthew 7:14, 'strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life.' The concept of a difficult but ultimately life-giving path is central to both.
"That simple faith which takes God at His word should be encouraged. God's people must have that faith which will lay hold of divine power; “for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” [ Ephesians 2:8 .] Those who believe that God for Christ's sake has forgiven their sins, should not, through temptation, fail to press on to fight the good fight of faith. Their faith should grow stronger until their Christian life, as well as their words, shall declare, “The blood of Jesus Christ ... cleanseth us from all sin.” [ 1 John 1:7 .] GW 161.2"
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
Ellen White directly references Ephesians 2:8 in this passage.
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
Ellen White directly references 1 John 1:7 in this passage.
"moving upon the hearts of those who are loyal, to exalt the law, and to lift up Jesus as a complete Saviour. Unless divine power is brought into the experience of the people of God, false theories and ideas will take minds captive, Christ and His righteousness will be dropped out of the experience of many, and their faith will be without power or life. GW 161.3"
"Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."
Both passages address the relationship between faith and the law. EGW emphasizes exalting the law and lifting up Jesus, while Romans 3:31 asserts that faith establishes the law, rather than making it void. The shared theme is the proper understanding and integration of law and faith in the Christian experience.
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
Both passages discuss Christ's sacrifice and its purpose of redeeming and purifying a people. EGW emphasizes the importance of Christ and His righteousness, while Titus speaks of Christ giving Himself to redeem us from iniquity and purify a people zealous of good works. The connection is thematic, focusing on redemption and purity through Christ.
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
Both passages touch on the idea of Christ living within the believer. EGW speaks of Christ and His righteousness being dropped out of experience, while Galatians speaks of Christ living in the believer. The connection is thematic, focusing on the indwelling Christ and its impact on the believer's life.