"Chapter 12—What to Do with Doubt Many, especially those who are young in the Christian life, are at times troubled with the suggestions of skepticism. There are in the Bible many things which they cannot explain, or even understand, and Satan employs these to shake their faith in the Scriptures as a revelation from God. They ask, “How shall I know the right way? If the Bible is indeed the word of God, how can I be freed from these doubts and perplexities?” SC 105.1 God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith. SC 105"
"Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?"
The EGW passage directly references Job 11:7, acknowledging the limitations of human understanding when it comes to God.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
The EGW passage discusses faith resting on evidence, not demonstration, which aligns with Hebrews 11:1's definition of faith as 'the evidence of things not seen.' Both emphasize the importance of faith in the absence of complete proof.
"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
Both passages address the issue of doubt and how to overcome it. John 7:17 suggests that obedience leads to understanding, while the EGW passage emphasizes the importance of evidence and a willingness to believe. Both suggest a path to resolving doubt through action and a sincere desire for truth.
"It is impossible for finite minds fully to comprehend the character or the works of the Infinite One. To the keenest intellect, the most highly educated mind, that holy Being must ever remain clothed in mystery. “Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?” Job 11:7, 8 . SC 105.3"
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."
Both passages highlight the incomprehensibility of God's thoughts and ways compared to human understanding. While the EGW passage quotes Job directly elsewhere, this pairing shows a similar theme of God's ways being beyond human comprehension.