"Counterfeit holiness, spurious sanctification, is still doing its work of deception. Under various forms it exhibits the same spirit as in the days of Luther, diverting minds from the Scriptures and leading men to follow their own feelings and impressions rather than to yield obedience to the law of God. This is one of Satan's most successful devices to cast reproach upon purity and truth. GC 193.1"
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
Both passages discuss counterfeit holiness and Satan's ministers appearing as righteous. The connection is strong and thematic.
"Fearlessly did Luther defend the gospel from the attacks which came from every quarter. The word of God proved itself a weapon mighty in every conflict. With that word he warred against the usurped authority of the pope, and the rationalistic philosophy of the schoolmen, while he stood firm as a rock against the fanaticism that sought to ally itself with the Reformation. GC 193.2"
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"
The EGW passage explicitly states that 'the word of God proved itself a weapon' in Luther's conflicts. This is a clear allusion to Ephesians 6:17, which describes the 'sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.' The context of spiritual warfare is also present in both passages.
"Each of these opposing elements was in its own way setting aside the Holy Scriptures and exalting human wisdom as the source of religious truth and knowledge. Rationalism idolizes reason and makes this the criterion for religion. Romanism, claiming for her sovereign pontiff an inspiration descended in unbroken line from the apostles, and unchangeable through all time, gives ample opportunity for every species of extravagance and corruption to be concealed under the sanctity of the apostolic commission. The inspiration claimed by Munzer and his associates proceeded from no higher source than the vagaries of the imagination, and its influence was subversive of all authority, human or divine. True Christianity receives the word of God as the great treasure house of inspired truth and the test of all inspiration. GC 193.3"
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
Both passages contrast true worship of God with worship based on human traditions and doctrines. EGW expands on the different forms this can take, while Matthew 15:9 is a direct condemnation of it.
"Upon his return from the Wartburg, Luther completed his translation of the New Testament, and the gospel was soon after given to the people of Germany in their own language. This translation was received with great joy by all who loved the truth; but it was scornfully rejected by those who chose human traditions and the commandments of men. GC 193.4"
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
This passage directly follows the previous one and continues the same theme. Luther's translation was rejected by those who preferred human traditions, echoing the sentiment in Matthew 15:9.