"It is true that there may be an outward correctness of deportment without the renewing power of Christ. The love of influence and the desire for the esteem of others may produce a well-ordered life. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish heart may perform generous actions. By what means, then, shall we determine whose side we are on? SC 58.1"
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Both passages address the importance of inner transformation versus outward appearance. Matthew 7:20 speaks of judging by fruits, implying that outward actions reveal inner character. EGW expands on this by acknowledging that outward correctness can exist without genuine inner change, thus amplifying the need to discern true conversion.
"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."
Romans 2:28-29 contrasts outward observance with inward transformation, emphasizing that true faith is a matter of the heart, not merely external actions. EGW's statement echoes this sentiment by highlighting that outward correctness doesn't necessarily indicate genuine conversion, aligning with the Pauline emphasis on inward transformation.
"Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ's, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest thoughts are of Him. All we have and are is consecrated to Him. We long to bear His image, breathe His spirit, do His will, and please Him in all things. SC 58.2"
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
The EGW passage directly expands on the principle of Matthew 6:21, explaining what it means to have your heart (treasure) with Christ.
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
The EGW passage directly reflects the command to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, as it discusses where our affections and thoughts should be directed.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
The EGW passage describes the transformation that occurs when someone is in Christ, echoing the theme of being a 'new creature' in 2 Corinthians 5:17. The connection is present, but not as strong as a direct principle.
"Those who become new creatures in Christ Jesus will bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Galatians 5:22, 23 . They will no longer fashion themselves according to the former lusts, but by the faith of the Son of God they will follow in His steps, reflect His character, and purify themselves even as He is pure. The things they once hated they now love, and the things they once loved they hate. The proud and self-assertive become meek and lowly in heart. The vain and supercilious become serious and unobtrusive. The drunken become sober, and the profligate pure. The vain customs and fashions of the world are laid aside. Christians will seek not the “outward adorning,” but “the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” 1 Peter 3:3, 4 . SC 58.3"
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
EGW explicitly uses the phrase 'new creatures in Christ Jesus,' which is a clear allusion to 2 Corinthians 5:17, 'if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.' The surrounding context in EGW further elaborates on the transformation implied by being a 'new creature,' mirroring the verse's emphasis on old things passing away and all things becoming new.
"And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
Both passages discuss purification as a result of faith and hope in Christ. EGW's statement that new creatures purify themselves 'even as He is pure' directly echoes 1 John 3:3.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Both passages discuss transformation and not conforming to the world. EGW speaks of no longer fashioning oneself according to former lusts, while Romans 12:2 speaks of not being conformed to this world. Both emphasize a change in mindset and behavior.