"Among the most successful agencies of the great deceiver are the delusive teachings and lying wonders of spiritualism. Disguised as an angel of light, he spreads his nets where least suspected. If men would but study the Book of God with earnest prayer that they might understand it, they would not be left in darkness to receive false doctrines. But as they reject the truth they fall a prey to deception. GC 524.1"
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
The EGW passage directly references and builds upon the idea of Satan disguising himself as an angel of light, which is explicitly stated in 2 Corinthians 11:14.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
Both passages address the deceptive and destructive nature of Satan. While 2 Corinthians 11:14 focuses on disguise, 1 Peter 5:8 highlights his predatory behavior. The EGW passage speaks of Satan's deceptive agencies, which aligns with the general warning about Satan's activity.
Another dangerous error is the doctrine that denies the deity of Christ, claiming that He had no existence before His advent to this world. This theory is received with favor by a large class who profess to believe the Bible; yet it directly contradicts the plainest statements of our Saviour concerning His relationship with the Father, His divine character, and His pre-existence. It cannot be entertained without the most unwarranted wresting of the Scriptures. It not only lowers man's conceptions of the work of redemption, but undermines faith in the Bible as a revelation from God. While this renders it the more dangerous, it makes it also harder to meet. If men reject the testimony of the inspired Scriptures concerning the deity of Christ, it is in vain to argue the point with them; for no argument, however conclusive, could convince them. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiri…
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Ellen White directly references 1 Corinthians 2:14 in this passage.
"Still another subtle and mischievous error is the fast-spreading belief that Satan has no existence as a personal being; that the name is used in Scripture merely to represent men's evil thoughts and desires. GC 524.3"
"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."
John 8:44 explicitly states that the devil is a personal being, the father of lies. EGW directly contradicts the denial of Satan's personal existence, aligning with the verse's assertion of his reality.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
1 Peter 5:8 describes the devil as an adversary who is actively seeking to devour. This directly contradicts the idea that Satan is merely a representation of evil thoughts, supporting EGW's statement.