"Of the hitherto polluted spring at Jericho, the Lord declared, “I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.” The polluted stream represents the soul that is separate from God. Sin not only shuts away from God, but destroys in the human soul both the desire and the capacity for knowing Him. Through sin, the whole human organism is deranged, the mind is perverted, the imagination corrupted; the faculties of the soul are degraded. There is an absence of pure religion, of heart holiness. The converting power of God has not wrought in transforming the character. The soul is weak, and for want of moral force to overcome, is polluted and debased. PK 233.1"
"Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh."
EGW uses the healing of the waters at Jericho as an analogy for spiritual healing and transformation. While she doesn't directly quote Ezekiel 47:8-9, the theme of polluted waters being healed and bringing life is present in both passages. The connection is thematic, focusing on the restorative power of God.
"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
EGW's statement about sin separating us from God and destroying our capacity for knowing Him aligns with the principle expressed in John 8:34, that those who commit sin are servants of sin. Both passages highlight the enslaving and corrupting nature of sin.
"To the heart that has become purified, all is changed. Transformation of character is the testimony to the world of an indwelling Christ. The Spirit of God produces a new life in the soul, bringing the thoughts and desires into obedience to the will of Christ; and the inward man is renewed in the image of God. Weak and erring men and women show to the world that the redeeming power of grace can cause the faulty character to develop into symmetry and abundant fruitfulness. PK 233.2"
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
The EGW passage clearly echoes the sentiment of 2 Corinthians 5:17 regarding being a new creature in Christ and the transformation that occurs.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
The EGW passage speaks of the fruitfulness of a transformed character, which aligns with the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23. The connection is thematic and focuses on the results of spiritual transformation.