"The theory of mind controlling mind was originated by Satan, to introduce himself as the chief worker, to put human philosophy where divine philosophy should be. Of all the errors that are finding acceptance among professedly Christian people, none is a more dangerous deception, none more certain to separate man from God, than is this. Innocent though it may appear, if exercised upon patients it will tend to their destruction, not to their restoration. It opens a door through which Satan will enter to take possession both of the mind that is given up to be controlled by another, and of the mind that controls. MH 243.1"
"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."
EGW's statement about Satan introducing human philosophy to replace divine philosophy directly parallels the serpent's temptation in Genesis 3, where he offers an alternative understanding of reality that elevates human knowledge above God's word.
"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 Satan's deceptive tactics to corrupt minds and lead them away from God. EGW's warning against 'mind controlling mind' echoes Paul's concern about the serpent's beguilement of Eve.
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Both passages warn against deceptive influences that appear harmless but are ultimately destructive. EGW's concern about 'errors finding acceptance' aligns with Jesus' warning about false prophets in sheep's clothing.
"Fearful is the power thus given to evil-minded men and women. What opportunities it affords to those who live by taking advantage of other's weaknesses or follies! How many, through control of minds feeble or diseased, will find a means of gratifying lustful passion or greed of gain! MH 243.2"
"And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not."
Both passages discuss people exploiting others for personal gain, particularly through deception and taking advantage of weaknesses. The EGW passage amplifies the idea of 'making merchandise' of others by specifying the means: controlling minds and exploiting weaknesses for lust or greed.
"For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."
Both passages address the idea of people serving their own desires rather than God, and using deceptive words to manipulate others. The EGW passage expands on the potential consequences and methods of this self-serving behavior.
There is something better for us to engage in than the control of humanity by humanity. The physician should educate the people to look from the human to the divine. Instead of teaching the sick to depend upon human beings for the cure of soul and body, he should direct them to the One who can save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. He who made man's mind knows what the mind needs. God alone is the One who can heal. Those whose minds and bodies are diseased are to behold in Christ the restorer. “Because I live, He says, “ye shall live also.” John 14:19 . This is the life we are to present to the sick, telling them that if they have faith in Christ as the restorer, if they co-operate with Him, obeying the laws of health, and striving to perfect holiness in His fear, He will impart to them His life. When we present Christ to them in this way, we are imparting a power, a strength, that is of value; for it comes from above. This is the true science of healing for body and soul. MH 243…
"Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also."
Ellen White directly references John 14:19 in this passage.