"The demon's message to Saul, although it was a denunciation of sin and a prophecy of retribution, was not meant to reform him, but to goad him to despair and ruin. Oftener, however, it serves the tempter's purpose best to lure men to destruction by flattery. The teaching of the demon gods in ancient times fostered the vilest license. The divine precepts condemning sin and enforcing righteousness were set aside; truth was lightly regarded, and impurity was not only permitted but enjoined. Spiritualism declares that there is no death, no sin, no judgment, no retribution; that “men are unfallen demigods;” that desire is the highest law; and that man is accountable only to himself. The barriers that God has erected to guard truth, purity, and reverence are broken down, and many are thus emboldened in sin. Does not such teaching suggest an origin similar to that of demon worship? PP 688.1"
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"
Both passages address the issue of people being led astray by deceptive spiritual influences. The EGW passage specifically mentions spiritualism and its doctrines, while the Bible verse speaks more broadly about 'seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.' The EGW passage amplifies the biblical warning by providing a specific example.
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
Both passages discuss Satan's deceptive nature and his ability to disguise himself to lead people astray. The EGW passage elaborates on the specific doctrines used in spiritualism, while the Bible verse provides the general principle of Satan's deceptive disguise.
"And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do."
Both passages discuss the interaction with spirits and the consequences of seeking guidance from sources other than God. The EGW passage references the story of Saul and the witch of Endor, and the broader context of 1 Samuel 28, to illustrate the dangers of spiritualism.
"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"
Both passages discuss deception and delusion. EGW speaks of spiritualism leading people astray, while 2 Thessalonians speaks of God sending strong delusion. The connection is thematic, focusing on the idea of being led to believe a lie.
"The Lord presented before Israel the results of holding communion with evil spirits, in the abominations of the Canaanites: they were without natural affection, idolaters, adulterers, murderers, and abominable by every corrupt thought and revolting practice. Men do not know their own hearts; for “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Jeremiah 17:9 . But God understands the tendencies of the depraved nature of man. Then, as now, Satan was watching to bring about conditions favorable to rebellion, that the people of Israel might make themselves as abhorrent to God as were the Canaanites. The adversary of souls is ever on the alert to open channels for the unrestrained flow of evil in us; for he desires that we may be ruined, and be condemned before God. PP 688.2"
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
Ellen White directly references Jeremiah 17:9 in this passage.