"It was asked if we would confess that we had departed from their rules, and if we would also agree to conform to them in the future. We answered that we dared not yield our faith or deny the sacred truth of God; that we could not forego the hope of the soon coming of our Redeemer; that after the manner which they called heresy we must continue to worship the Lord. LS 53.1"
"But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:"
The EGW passage echoes Acts 24:14 in its defiant declaration of faith despite being labeled as heretical. Both passages involve individuals maintaining their beliefs even when those beliefs are considered unorthodox by others.
"There were many in the church who waited for the appearing of the Saviour, and this threat was made for the purpose of frightening them into subjection. In some cases this policy brought about the desired result, and the favor of God was sold for a place in the church. Many believed, but dared not confess their faith, lest they should be turned out of the synagogue. But some left soon afterward, and joined the company of those who were looking for the Saviour. LS 53.4"
"These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue."
The EGW passage directly parallels the situation described in John 9:22, where individuals feared confessing their faith in Jesus due to the threat of being expelled from the synagogue. Both passages highlight the pressure to conform and the consequences of openly declaring one's beliefs.
"But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."
Both passages address the consequences of denying one's faith. The EGW passage describes people who dared not confess their faith, while Matthew 10:33 warns of being denied by Christ before the Father for denying Him before men. The connection is thematic, focusing on the importance of openly acknowledging one's faith.
"At this time the words of the prophet were exceedingly precious: “Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.” Isaiah 66:5 . LS 53.5"
"Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 66:5 in this passage.