"But what do we give up, when we give all? A sin-polluted heart, for Jesus to purify, to cleanse by His own blood, and to save by His matchless love. And yet men think it hard to give up all! I am ashamed to hear it spoken of, ashamed to write it. SC 46.1"
"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you."
Both passages discuss cleansing from sin and impurity. Ezekiel 36:25 speaks of God cleansing from filthiness and idols, while the EGW passage speaks of Jesus purifying a sin-polluted heart. The shared theme of purification makes this a valid connection.
"God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain. In all that He does, He has the well-being of His children in view. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves. Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God. No real joy can be found in the path forbidden by Him who knows what is best and who plans for the good of His creatures. The path of transgression is the path of misery and destruction. SC 46.2"
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
Both passages convey the idea that God withholds no good thing from those who follow Him. EGW expands on this by stating that God only asks us to give up things that are not in our best interest, aligning with the principle that God's will is for our well-being.
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Both passages contrast the destructive path of sin with the abundant life offered by Christ. EGW speaks of the "path of transgression" leading to "misery and destruction," while John 10:10 contrasts the thief's destructive purpose with Christ's provision of abundant life.
"Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard."
Both passages contrast the positive outcome of wisdom/understanding with the negative consequences of transgression. Proverbs 13:15 states that "the way of transgressors is hard," while EGW describes the "path of transgression" as the "path of misery and destruction."
"It is a mistake to entertain the thought that God is pleased to see His children suffer. All heaven is interested in the happiness of man. Our heavenly Father does not close the avenues of joy to any of His creatures. The divine requirements call upon us to shun those indulgences that would bring suffering and disappointment, that would close to us the door of happiness and heaven. The world's Redeemer accepts men as they are, with all their wants, imperfections, and weaknesses; and He will not only cleanse from sin and grant redemption through His blood, but will satisfy the heart-longing of all who consent to wear His yoke, to bear His burden. It is His purpose to impart peace and rest to all who come to Him for the bread of life. He requires us to perform only those duties that will lead our steps to heights of bliss to which the disobedient can never attain. The true, joyous life of the soul is to have Christ formed within, the hope of glory. SC 46.3"
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
The EGW passage directly alludes to Matthew 11:28 with the phrase 'wear His yoke, to bear His burden' and the promise of 'peace and rest.' This is a clear echo of Jesus' invitation to those who labor and are heavy laden.
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Both passages contrast the destructive forces with the life-giving power of God. John 10:10 speaks of the thief who steals, kills, and destroys, versus Jesus who gives abundant life. The EGW passage similarly contrasts indulgences that bring suffering with the peace and rest found in Christ, leading to a joyous life.
"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
Both passages deal with the idea that God desires joy and happiness for His people, even amidst suffering. The EGW passage expands on this idea, stating that God does not close avenues of joy and that true life is found in Christ. The Psalm speaks of joy coming in the morning after weeping, suggesting a similar theme of God's favor leading to joy.