"whole armor, for they are the special marks for Satan to attack. I saw that there is danger of becoming unguarded so that Satan will obtain an entrance and imperceptibly divert the mind from the great work. Those who fill responsible positions in the office are in danger of getting above the work and losing humbleness of mind and the simplicity which has hitherto characterized the work. 1T 586.1"
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
The EGW passage directly references the 'whole armor,' which is a clear allusion to Ephesians 6:11. The context of spiritual warfare and protection against the devil's wiles further strengthens the connection.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Both passages discuss spiritual warfare against Satan and his forces. The EGW passage speaks of Satan's attacks, while Ephesians 6:12 describes the nature of the enemy. The connection is strong and relevant.
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
Both passages address the danger of being led astray from simplicity and purity of mind. The EGW passage warns against losing humbleness and simplicity, while 2 Corinthians 11:3 warns against corruption from the simplicity that is in Christ. The connection is valid.
"Satan had a special object in striking down one at the head of the work who had a thorough experience in the rise and progress of present truth. He designed to get him out of the way, that he himself might come in and imperceptibly affect minds that were not experienced and thoroughly consecrated to the work. God designed to raise my husband to health after others had become acquainted with the burdens he had borne and had felt some of the weariness attending these burdens. At the same time they will never throw their whole soul, all the energies of mind and body, into the work and venture what he has ventured. It would never be their duty to do as he has done, for they could not stand at their post should they pass through a twentieth part of what he has endured. 1T 586.2"
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
The EGW passage explicitly mentions Satan's intention to deceive and influence minds, which aligns with the concept of Satan transforming into an angel of light in 2 Corinthians 11:14. Both passages highlight Satan's deceptive nature.
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
Both passages touch on the idea of human frailty and God's power working through imperfect vessels. EGW describes her husband's vulnerability to Satan's attacks despite his leadership role, echoing the sentiment of 2 Corinthians 4:7 about having treasure in earthen vessels.