"Righteousness has its root in godliness. No man can steadily maintain before his fellow men a pure, forceful life unless his life is hid with Christ in God. The greater the activity among men, the closer must be the communion of the heart with heaven. MH 136.1"
"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the idea of being 'hid with Christ in God' from Colossians 3:3.
"The more urgent his duties and the greater his responsibilities, the greater the physician's need of divine power. Time must be redeemed from things temporal, for meditation upon things eternal. He must resist an encroaching world, which would so press upon him as to separate him from the Source of strength. Above all other men should he, by prayer and the study of the Scriptures, place himself under the protecting shield of God. He is to live in hourly contact and conscious communion with the principles of truth, righteousness, and mercy that reveal God's attributes within the soul. MH 136.2"
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Ephesians 6:18 regarding prayer and reliance on God, especially in the context of demanding responsibilities. It's not a direct quote, but a clear thematic connection.
"Just to the degree in which the word of God is received and obeyed will it impress with its potency and touch with its life every spring of action, every phase of character. It will purify every thought, regulate every desire. Those who make God's word their trust will quit themselves like men and be strong. They will rise above all baser things into an atmosphere free from defilement. MH 136.3"
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Both passages highlight the transformative power of God's word, emphasizing its ability to purify, strengthen, and influence character. The EGW passage expands on the practical implications of receiving and obeying God's word, while Hebrews 4:12 describes its penetrating and discerning nature.
"When man is in fellowship with God, that unswerving purpose which preserved Joseph and Daniel amidst the corruption of heathen courts will make his a life of unsullied purity. His robes of character will be spotless. In his life the light of Christ will be undimmed. The bright and morning Star will appear shining steadfastly above him in changeless glory. MH 136.4"
"I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."
The EGW passage directly references the 'bright and morning Star,' which is a clear allusion to Revelation 22:16, where Jesus identifies himself as such. The context in EGW connects this to a life of purity and fellowship with God.
"Such a life will be an element of strength in the community. It will be a barrier against evil, a safeguard to the tempted, a guiding light to those who, amidst difficulties and discouragements, are seeking the right way. MH 136.5"
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
Both passages describe the positive influence that a righteous life can have on the surrounding community. The EGW passage elaborates on the specific ways this influence manifests, such as being a barrier against evil and a guiding light, while Matthew 5:14 uses the metaphor of light to represent this influence.