"us a part to act in the plan of redemption. He has granted men the privilege of becoming partakers of the divine nature and, in their turn, of diffusing blessings to their fellow men. This is the highest honor, the greatest joy, that it is possible for God to bestow upon men. Those who thus become participants in labors of love are brought nearest to their Creator. SC 79.1"
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."
EGW's phrase 'partakers of the divine nature' is a direct allusion to 2 Peter 1:4. This is a key phrase that connects the two passages strongly.
"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."
Both passages emphasize the idea of humans working with God. EGW expands on this by connecting it to the plan of redemption and diffusing blessings, but the core concept of being 'laborers together with God' is present.
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Both passages connect acts of service to others with a relationship to God. EGW speaks of 'diffusing blessings' and 'labors of love,' while Matthew 25:40 equates service to 'the least of these' with service to Christ himself.
"God might have committed the message of the gospel, and all the work of loving ministry, to the heavenly angels. He might have employed other means for accomplishing His purpose. But in His infinite love He chose to make us co-workers with Himself, with Christ and the angels, that we might share the blessing, the joy, the spiritual uplifting, which results from this unselfish ministry. SC 79.2"
"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."
Both passages emphasize the idea of humans working together with God. The EGW passage expands on the blessings and joy derived from this collaboration, while 1 Corinthians 3:9 directly states that believers are 'labourers together with God.'
"We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain."
Both passages highlight the concept of being 'workers together with' God. The EGW passage speaks of being co-workers with God, Christ, and the angels, while 2 Corinthians 6:1 directly refers to believers as 'workers together with him.'
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Matthew 28:19-20 is the Great Commission, which directly commands believers to spread the gospel. The EGW passage discusses God entrusting the 'message of the gospel' and 'loving ministry' to humans, reflecting the principle of evangelism and service outlined in Matthew 28:19-20.
"We are brought into sympathy with Christ through the fellowship of His sufferings. Every act of self- sacrifice for the good of others strengthens the spirit of beneficence in the giver's heart, allying him more closely to the Redeemer of the world, who “was rich, yet for your sakes ... became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9 . And it is only as we thus fulfill the divine purpose in our creation that life can be a blessing to us. SC 79.3"
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."
Ellen White directly references 2 Corinthians 8:9 in this passage.