"Just here is a point on which many may err, and hence they fail of receiving the help that Christ desires to give them. They think that they cannot come to Christ unless they first repent, and that repentance prepares for the forgiveness of their sins. It is true that repentance does precede the forgiveness of sins; for it is only the broken and contrite heart that will feel the need of a Saviour. But must the sinner wait till he has repented before he can come to Jesus? Is repentance to be made an obstacle between the sinner and the Saviour? SC 26.1"
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
The EGW passage directly addresses the concept of coming to Christ, which is the central theme of Matthew 11:28. While not a direct quote, it expands on the invitation and clarifies a potential misunderstanding about preconditions for approaching Christ.
"Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."
Acts 5:31 states that God gives repentance and forgiveness. The EGW passage directly addresses the relationship between repentance and forgiveness, questioning whether repentance should be a prerequisite for coming to Christ. The connection lies in the divine provision of both repentance and forgiveness.
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"
Acts 3:19 links repentance with the blotting out of sins. The EGW passage discusses the common misconception that repentance must precede coming to Christ for forgiveness. Both passages deal with the timing and necessity of repentance in relation to forgiveness of sins.
"when he said, “Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31 . We can no more repent without the Spirit of Christ to awaken the conscience than we can be pardoned without Christ. SC 26.2"
"Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."
Ellen White directly references Acts 5:31 in this passage.
"Christ is the source of every right impulse. He is the only one that can implant in the heart enmity against sin. Every desire for truth and purity, every conviction of our own sinfulness, is an evidence that His Spirit is moving upon our hearts. SC 26.3"
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
Philippians 2:13 states that God works in us to will and to do His good pleasure. EGW's statement that Christ is the source of every right impulse and implants enmity against sin directly reflects this principle of God working within individuals to guide their desires and actions.
"No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day."
Both passages discuss the idea that drawing closer to God is initiated by God himself. John 6:44 states that no one can come to Jesus unless drawn by the Father, and EGW states that Christ is the source of every right impulse and conviction of sinfulness, indicating that He initiates the process.
"Jesus has said, “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” John 12:32 . Christ must be revealed to the sinner as the Saviour dying for the sins of the world; and as we behold the Lamb of God upon the cross of Calvary, the mystery of redemption begins to unfold to our minds and the goodness of God leads us to repentance. In dying for sinners, Christ manifested a love that is incomprehensible; and as the sinner beholds this love, it softens the heart, impresses the mind, and inspires contrition in the soul. SC 26.4"
"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
Ellen White directly references John 12:32 in this passage.