"But in vain are men's dreams of progress, in vain all efforts for the uplifting of humanity, if they neglect the one Source of hope and help for the fallen race. “Every good gift and every perfect gift” ( James 1:17 ) is from God. There is no true excellence of character apart from Him. And the only way to God is Christ. He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6 . SC 21.1"
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
Ellen White directly references James 1:17 in this passage.
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Ellen White directly references John 14:6 in this passage.
"The heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a love stronger than death. In giving up His Son, He has poured out to us all heaven in one gift. The Saviour's life and death and intercession, the ministry of angels, the pleading of the Spirit, the Father working above and through all, the unceasing interest of heavenly beings, —all are enlisted in behalf of man's redemption. SC 21.2"
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Romans 8:32, elaborating on the idea that God's gift of His Son implies the provision of all other blessings. The phrase "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" is directly amplified by the EGW quote.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
The EGW passage expands on the principle of God's love demonstrated through the gift of His Son, as expressed in John 3:16. While not a direct quote, the core idea of God's love leading to the sacrifice of His Son is central to both passages.
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
The EGW passage mentions the 'ministry of angels' in the context of redemption, which aligns with the concept of angels as 'ministering spirits' in Hebrews 1:14. The connection is thematic, highlighting the role of angels in God's plan.
"Oh, let us contemplate the amazing sacrifice that has been made for us! Let us try to appreciate the labor and energy that Heaven is expending to reclaim the lost, and bring them back to the Father's house. Motives stronger, and agencies more powerful, could never be brought into operation; the exceeding rewards for right- doing, the enjoyment of heaven, the society of the angels, the communion and love of God and His Son, the elevation and extension of all our powers throughout eternal ages—are these not mighty incentives and encouragements to urge us to give the heart's loving service to our Creator and Redeemer? SC 21.3"
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Both passages emphasize God's sacrifice and love for humanity, with John 3:16 being the foundational verse for the concept of God giving His Son for salvation, which EGW elaborates on.
"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
Both passages touch on the theme of Heaven's joy and effort in reclaiming the lost. EGW speaks of Heaven's labor to bring the lost back, while Luke 15:7 highlights the joy in heaven over one repentant sinner.
"And, on the other hand, the judgments of God pronounced against sin, the inevitable retribution, the degradation of our character, and the final destruction, are presented in God's word to warn us against the service of Satan. SC 21.4"
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of Romans 6:23, contrasting the consequences of sin with God's provision for salvation. The 'wages of sin is death' aligns with 'inevitable retribution' and 'final destruction,' while the 'gift of God' contrasts with the 'service of Satan.'