"sins and defects of others do not excuse anyone, for the Lord has not given us an erring human pattern. The spotless Son of God has been given as our example, and those who complain of the wrong course of professed Christians are the ones who should show better lives and nobler examples. If they have so high a conception of what a Christian should be, is not their own sin so much the greater? They know what is right, and yet refuse to do it. SC 32.1"
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:"
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle in 1 Peter 2:21 that Christ is our example. The EGW passage explicitly states that the 'spotless Son of God has been given as our example,' which aligns perfectly with the Bible verse.
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle in James 4:17, that knowing what is right and not doing it is sin. The EGW passage expands on this principle in the context of judging others.
"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
Both passages address the issue of focusing on the faults of others while neglecting one's own. The EGW passage expands on this theme by suggesting that those who are critical of others should strive to be better examples themselves.
"Beware of procrastination. Do not put off the work of forsaking your sins and seeking purity of heart through Jesus. Here is where thousands upon thousands have erred to their eternal loss. I will not here dwell upon the shortness and uncertainty of life; but there is a terrible danger—a danger not sufficiently understood— in delaying to yield to the pleading voice of God's Holy Spirit, in choosing to live in sin; for such this delay really is. Sin, however small it may be esteemed, can be indulged in only at the peril of infinite loss. What we do not overcome, will overcome us and work out our destruction. SC 32.2"
"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
The EGW passage's statement, 'What we do not overcome, will overcome us and work out our destruction,' directly reflects the principle in Romans 6:16 that yielding to sin leads to death. Both passages highlight the consequences of choosing to serve sin.
"While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation."
Both passages warn against delaying obedience to God's call. Hebrews 3:15 speaks of hardening hearts, while EGW speaks of the danger of delaying yielding to the Holy Spirit. The core message of not procrastinating spiritual decisions is present in both.
"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"
Both passages emphasize the urgency of responding to God's call. 2 Corinthians 6:2 highlights 'now' as the time of salvation, while EGW warns against procrastination in forsaking sins. The theme of seizing the present moment for spiritual decision is central to both.