"Lead the people to study the manifestation of God's love and wisdom in the works of nature. Lead them to study that marvelous organism, the human system, and the laws by which it is governed. Those who perceive the evidences of God's love, who understand something of the wisdom and beneficence of His laws, and the results of obedience, will come to regard their duties and obligations from an altogether different point of view. Instead of looking upon an observance of the laws of health as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, they will regard it, as it really is, as an inestimable blessing. MH 147.1"
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"
Both passages emphasize understanding God through His creation. Romans 1:20 speaks of understanding God's power through creation, while EGW encourages studying nature and the human body to understand God's love and wisdom.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
Both passages highlight God's revelation through His creation, though the EGW passage extends this to the human body. The connection is thematic but not a strong, direct allusion.
"Every gospel worker should feel that the giving of instruction in the principles of healthful living is a part of his appointed work. Of this work there is great need, and the world is open for it. MH 147.2"
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
The EGW passage applies the general commission in Matthew 28:19-20 to the specific task of teaching healthful living. It sees this as a part of the broader gospel work. The connection is valid and meaningful.
"Everywhere there is a tendency to substitute the work of organizations for individual effort. Human wisdom tends to consolidation, to centralization, to the building up of great churches and institutions. Multitudes leave to institutions and organizations the work of benevolence; they excuse themselves from contact with the world, and their hearts grow cold. They become self-absorbed and unimpressible. Love for God and man dies out of the soul. MH 147.3"
"Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me."
Both passages emphasize the importance of individual action and personal responsibility in caring for the needy, rather than relying solely on organizations. The EGW passage expands on the principle found in Matthew 25:45.
"Christ commits to His followers an individual work—a work that cannot be done by proxy. Ministry to the sick and the poor, the giving of the gospel to the lost, is not to be left to committees or organized charities. Individual responsibility, individual effort, personal sacrifice, is the requirement of the gospel. MH 147.4"
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Both passages emphasize the importance of individual responsibility in ministering to others, particularly the needy. The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of personal involvement in acts of service, as exemplified in Matthew 25:40.
"And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of individual action and responsibility found in Luke 10:37, where Jesus instructs to 'go and do likewise' in showing mercy. EGW emphasizes that ministry should not be delegated but undertaken personally.
"“Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in,” is Christ's command, “that My house may be filled.” He brings men into touch with those whom they seek to benefit. “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house,” He says. “When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him.” “They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Luke 14:23 ; Isaiah 58:7 ; Mark 16:18 . Through direct contact, through personal ministry, the blessings of the gospel are to be communicated. MH 147.5"
"And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."
Ellen White directly references Luke 14:23 in this passage.
"Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 58:7 in this passage.
"They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
Ellen White directly references Mark 16:18 in this passage.