"pharisaism, a self-righteousness, that is always a snare. It is the form of godliness without the power thereof. 8T 85.3 When the power of the truth is felt in the heart, when the principles of truth are brought into the daily life, there will be a great movement of reform in the Battle Creek church. Soon will be fulfilled the words: “I will turn and overturn.” We know not now just when this will be accomplished, but the time will come when there will be a scattering from Battle Creek. Those who moved to Battle Creek without any call from the Lord will move away. 8T 86.1"
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
EGW uses the phrase "form of godliness without the power thereof" which is a direct allusion to 2 Timothy 3:5.
"***** Earnest workers have no time to dwell upon the defects of others. They behold the Saviour, and by beholding become changed into His likeness. He is the One whose example we are to follow in our character building. In His life upon the earth He plainly revealed the divine nature. We should strive to be perfect in our sphere, as He was perfect in His sphere. No longer are the members of the church to remain unconcerned in regard to the formation of right characters. Placing themselves under the molding influence of the Holy Spirit, they are to form characters that are a reflection of the divine character. 8T 86.2"
"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 through beholding Him.
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
EGW's statement about striving to be perfect aligns with the principle of Matthew 5:48, which calls for perfection as the Father in heaven is perfect.