"In the matchless gift of His Son, God has encircled the whole world with an atmosphere of grace as real as the air which circulates around the globe. All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmosphere will live and grow up to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. SC 68.1"
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Both passages highlight God's love for the world expressed through the gift of His Son. EGW expands on the implications of this gift, describing it as an 'atmosphere of grace' that enables spiritual life, which directly stems from the principle of salvation offered in John 3:16.
"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"
Both passages discuss spiritual growth and maturity in Christ. Ephesians 4:13 speaks of attaining 'the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ,' while EGW describes believers growing 'up to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.' The connection lies in the shared theme of progressive spiritual development towards Christlikeness.
"As the flower turns to the sun, that the bright beams may aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry, so should we turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that heaven's light may shine upon us, that our character may be developed into the likeness of Christ. SC 68.2"
"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."
EGW directly uses the phrase "Sun of Righteousness" from Malachi 4:2, making this more than just a thematic parallel. The context of turning to the "Sun" for growth also strongly echoes the verse.
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Both passages discuss being transformed into the likeness of Christ/the Lord through beholding or turning to Him. The connection is thematic, focusing on spiritual transformation.
"to grow in grace and holiness. Abiding in Him, you may flourish. Drawing your life from Him, you will not wither nor be fruitless. You will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. SC 68.3"
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
The phrase 'tree planted by the rivers of water' is a direct quote from Psalm 1:3, making this an explicit allusion.
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
Both passages emphasize the importance of abiding in Christ to bear fruit. The EGW passage uses the metaphor of a tree drawing life, while John 15:5 uses the metaphor of a vine and branches.
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
Both passages connect growth in grace with a relationship with Christ. The EGW passage expands on the idea of 'growing in grace' by linking it to abiding in Christ and drawing life from Him.