“According to His Mercy He Saved Us” A centurion's servant was lying sick of the palsy. Among the Romans the servants were slaves, bought and sold in the market places, and often treated with abuse and cruelty; but the centurion was tenderly attached to his servant, and greatly desired his recovery. He believed that Jesus could heal him. He had not seen the Saviour, but the reports he had heard inspired him with faith. Notwithstanding the formalism of the Jews, this Roman was convinced that their religion was superior to his own. Already he had broken through the barriers of national prejudice and hatred that separated the conquerors from the conquered people. He had manifested respect for the service of God and had shown kindness to the Jews as His worshipers. In the teaching of Christ, as it had been reported to him, he found that which met the need of the soul. All that was spiritual within him responded to the Saviour's words. But he thought himself unworthy to approach Jesus, and …
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"
EGW quotes Titus 3:5 and then proceeds to tell the story of the Centurion's servant, illustrating the concept of salvation through mercy rather than works. The story serves as an example of God's mercy extending even to those considered unworthy, aligning with the verse's message.
"The elders present the case to Jesus, urging that “he was worthy for whom He should do this: for he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.” Luke 7:4, 5 . MH 63.2"
"And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:"
EGW directly quotes Luke 7:4, 5, making this an explicit allusion.
"But on the way to the centurion's home, Jesus receives a message from the officer himself, “Lord, trouble not Thyself: for I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof.” Verse 6 . MH 63.3"
"The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed."
EGW directly quotes Matthew 8:8, making this an explicit allusion.