"How often, in our own day, is the love of pleasure disguised by a “form of godliness”! A religion that permits men, while observing the rites of worship, to devote themselves to selfish or sensual gratification, is as pleasing to the multitudes now as in the days of Israel. And there are still pliant Aarons, who, while holding positions of authority in the church, will yield to the desires of the unconsecrated, and thus encourage them in sin. PP 317.2"
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the concept of having a 'form of godliness' while denying its power, as described in 2 Timothy 3:5. The phrase is nearly identical, and the context is similar.
"Only a few days had passed since the Hebrews had made a solemn covenant with God to obey His voice. They had stood trembling with terror before the mount, listening to the words of the Lord, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” The glory of God still hovered above Sinai in the sight of the congregation; but they turned away, and asked for other gods. “They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped the molten image. Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox.” Psalm 106:19, 20 . How could greater ingratitude have been shown, or more daring insult offered, to Him who had revealed Himself to them as a tender father and an all- powerful king! PP 317.3"
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
The EGW passage directly quotes Exodus 20:3 ('Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.') within the context of the golden calf incident, making it a clear and intentional allusion.
"Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass."
The EGW passage directly quotes Psalm 106:20 ('Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox.') within the context of the golden calf incident, making it a clear and intentional allusion.