"The knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ expressed in character is the very highest education. It is the key that opens the portals of the heavenly city. This knowledge it is God's purpose that all who put on Christ shall possess. CT 37.1"
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
EGW's statement about the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ being the highest education and opening the portals of the heavenly city directly reflects the principle in John 17:3, which defines eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ.
"***** He whose mind is enlightened by the opening of God's word to his understanding will realize his responsibility to God and to the world, and he will feel that his talents must be developed in a way that will produce the very best results; for he is to “show forth the praises” of Him who has called him “out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 . While growing in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, he will realize his own imperfections, he will feel his real ignorance, and he will seek constantly to preserve and put to the stretch his powers of mind, that he may become an intelligent Christian. Students who are imbued with the Spirit of Christ will grasp knowledge with all their faculties. Without this experience, education is disrobed of its true brightness and glory. CT 37.2"
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:"
EGW directly quotes 1 Peter 2:9.
"The entrance of God's word is the application of divine truth to the heart, purifying and refining the soul through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The faculties devoted unreservedly to God, under the guidance of the divine Spirit, develop steadily and harmoniously. Devotion and piety establish so close a relation between Jesus and His disciples that the Christian becomes like Him. Through the power of God, his weak, vacillating character becomes changed to one of strength and steadfastness. He becomes a person of sound principle, clear perception, and reliable, well-balanced judgment. Having a connection with God, the source of light and understanding, his views, unbiased by his own preconceived opinions, become broader, his discernment more penetrative and farseeing. The knowledge of God, the understanding of His revealed will, as far as human minds can grasp it, will, when received into the character, make efficient men. CT 37.3"
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
The EGW passage directly echoes and expands upon the idea that God's word is truth and that it sanctifies. The EGW passage elaborates on the transformative power of God's word when applied to the heart, aligning with the sanctifying effect mentioned in John 17:17.
"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 the transformation of character through the influence of God/the Spirit. The EGW passage describes how devotion to God and the guidance of the Spirit lead to a stronger, more balanced character, while 2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks of being changed into the image of Christ through beholding His glory by the Spirit. The connection is strong and thematic.