"It is true that men sometimes become ashamed of their sinful ways, and give up some of their evil habits, before they are conscious that they are being drawn to Christ. But whenever they make an effort to reform, from a sincere desire to do right, it is the power of Christ that is drawing them. An influence of which they are unconscious works upon the soul, and the conscience is quickened, and the outward life is amended. And as Christ draws them to look upon His cross, to behold Him whom their sins have pierced, the commandment comes home to the conscience. The wickedness of their life, the deep-seated sin of the soul, is revealed to them. They begin to comprehend something of the righteousness of Christ, and exclaim, “What is sin, that it should require such a sacrifice for the redemption of its victim? Was all this love, all this suffering, all this humiliation, demanded, that we might not perish, but have everlasting life?” SC 27.1"
"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
EGW's statement about Christ drawing men to Himself is a clear allusion to John 12:32. The context of looking upon the cross further strengthens this connection.
"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn."
The EGW passage directly alludes to Zechariah 12:10, specifically the phrase "look upon me whom they have pierced." The context in SC 27.1 describes the process of conviction and repentance, which aligns with the mourning and recognition of sin described in Zechariah 12:10. The EGW passage expands on the emotional and spiritual impact of beholding Christ's sacrifice, directly connecting it to the experience of conviction and repentance.
"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."
Both passages discuss Christ's role in repentance and forgiveness. However, the connection is less direct than an explicit quote or allusion. Acts 5:31 focuses on God exalting Christ to give repentance, while EGW describes Christ drawing people to repentance. The principle is similar, but the expression is different.
"The sinner may resist this love, may refuse to be drawn to Christ; but if he does not resist he will be drawn to Jesus; a knowledge of the plan of salvation will lead him to the foot of the cross in repentance for his sins, which have caused the sufferings of God's dear Son. SC 27.2"
"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
EGW directly echoes the language of John 12:32, specifically the concept of being 'drawn to Christ.' The context of Christ being 'lifted up' (crucified) is also present in the EGW passage's reference to the 'sufferings of God's dear Son.'
"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
EGW's statement that a 'knowledge of the plan of salvation' leads to repentance aligns with Romans 2:4, which states that 'the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.' Both passages connect God's actions (love, goodness) with the sinner's repentance.