A) FACTS FOR SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.

B) HER VISIONS NEEDED.

C) ELLEN WHITES DISCERNING OF THE WORD OF GOD.

D) WHAT HER WORK WAS TO ACCOMPLISH.

E) THE DUTIES OF A PROPHET.

 

 

A) FACTS FOR SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

 

 

In her own statement we read:  “In regard to infallibility, I never claimed it.”  1SM:37.

 

Ellen Whites Claim of God’s Inspiration And Not Her Own Conjectures are contained below.

 

“In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me. . . It is true concerning the articles in our papers and in the many volumes of my books.”  1T:29.

 

ELLEN GOULD WHITE and her inspiration:  “When they came to the point in their study where they said, ‘We can do nothing more,’ the Spirit of the Lord would come upon me, I would be taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages we had been studying would be given me. . . all the principal points of our faith were made clear. . . and they accepted as light from Heaven the revelations given.”  Series B2:50; CIHS:10; EW:XXII.4; 1BIO:144; 5BIO:410; RH, May 25, 1905 paragraph 24 [5RH:137]; 1SM:206-207; SpTB02:57; YRP:233.

 

LET’S READ THAT AGAIN AND POINT OUT WHAT MOST ADVENTIST’S MISS.

 

“When they came to the point in their study where they said, ‘We can do nothing more,’ {THIS POINT CANNOT BE MISSED:  THE BRETHREN WERE STUCK, DID NOT HAVE THE DOCTRINE, DID NOT KNOW THE DOCTRINE, COULD NOT UNDERSTAND THE SCRIPTURES, THEN} the Spirit of the Lord would come upon me, I would be taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages we had been studying {NOTICE, NO ONE KNEW CLEAR DOCTRINE, NOT EVEN MRS. WHITE, i.e. “a clear explanation of the passages” THEY WERE STUCK ON} would be given me {GIVEN TO HER, NOT ANYONE ELSE, THEY WERE STILL STUCK AND NOT UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURES; I.E. DOCTRINE; THEN SHE DOES THIS, NO ONE ELSE DOES THIS}. . . all the principal points of our faith were made clear {IN THE VISION GIVEN TO HER, NOT FROM THE PEOPLE PRESENT THROUGH BIBLE STUDY; ALSO NOTICE:  HOW MANY “PRINCIPAL POINTS OF OUR FAITH WERE MADE CLEAR” BY THE VISIONS?}. . . and they accepted as light from Heaven the revelations given {HOW CLEAR CAN THIS BE, THEY ACCEPTED WHAT THEY DID NOT DISCERN FROM THEIR OWN BIBLE STUDY, BUT, AS STATED, THEY BELIEVED IN THE VISIONS FROM MRS. WHITE AND DERIVED THEIR DOCTRINES FROM HER VISIONS AS GIVEN HER FROM GOD}.”  Series B2:50; RH, May 25, 1905 paragraph 24 [5RH:137].

 

 

B) HER VISIONS NEEDED

 

 

“In the early days of the message, when our numbers were few, we {WHO?} studied diligently to understand the meaning of many Scriptures.  At times it seemed as if no explanation could be given {WHO UNDERSTOOD?}.  My mind seemed to be locked {WHO?} to an understanding of the Word; but when our brethren who had assembled for study came to a point where they could go no farther {AGAIN WHO UNDERSTOOD?}, and had recourse to earnest prayer, the Spirit of God would rest upon me {UPON WHO?}, and I {WHO?} would be taken off in vision, and be instructed in regard to the relation of Scripture to Scripture.  These experiences {WHAT “experiences?”} were repeated over and over again.  Thus many truths {HOW MANY IS “many?”} of the third angel’s message were established, point by point {BY WHO?}.”  RH, June 14, 1906; 3SM:38; 1BIO:145.

 

“We would come together burdened in soul, praying that we might be one in faith and doctrine {IN WHAT?}; for we knew that Christ is not divided.  One point at a time {HOW MANY POINTS?  DO NOT ANSWER ONE} was made the subject of investigation.  Solemnity characterized these councils of investigation.  The Scriptures were opened with a sense of awe.  Often we fasted, that we might be better fitted to understand the truth {WHAT DID THEY UNDERSTAND AT THIS POINT}.  After earnest prayer, if any point was not understood {What Did They Understand At This Point}, it was discussed and each one expressed his opinion freely; then we would again bow in prayer, and earnest supplications went up to Heaven that God would help us to see eye to eye {NOTICE, NOT IN AGREEMENT YET}, that we might be one, as Christ and the Father are one.  Many tears were shed.  If one brother rebuked another for his dullness of comprehension in not understanding a passage as he understood it, the one rebuked would afterward take his brother by the hand, and say, ‘Let us not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.  Jesus is with us; let us keep a humble and teachable spirit;’ and the brother addressed would say, ‘Forgive me, brother, I have done you an injustice.’  Then we would bow down in another season of prayer.  We spent many hours in this way.  We did not generally study together more than four hours at a time, yet sometimes the entire night was spent in solemn investigation of the Scriptures, that we might understand the truth for our time.  On some occasions {NOT ALL} the Spirit of God would come upon me, and difficult portions {NOT UNDERSTOOD BEFORE THIS} were made clear through God’s appointed way, and then there was perfect harmony {NOTICE, NOT UNTIL THE SCRIPTURES WERE EXPLAINED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, THROUGH MRS. WHITES VISIONS, WERE THEY IN “perfect harmony.”  AND THEN, THANK GOD, THEY AGREED, BUT NOT BEFORE THE VISIONS WERE GIVEN, BUT AFTERWARDS.  CAN YOU NOT SEE THIS?].  We were all of one mind and one spirit [ONLY AFTER THEY ACCEPTED THE DOCTRINES AS EXPLAINED BY MRS. WHITE FROM HER VISIONS].”  RH, July 26, 1892; CET:192-193; TM:24-25.

 

That the Seventh Day Adventist doctrines were established by careful Bible study is true.  However, that this was the only means of establishing them, and that the visions of Ellen White only confirmed them is an error, taught only because SDA’s are afraid of being labeled as a “Cult.”  Here is the truth:

 

Based on an account of Ellen G. White in Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 2, pp. 75-79, and an account of Otis Nichols in, “White Estate Files As Found In Campfire Junior Stories From The Days Of S.D.A. Pioneers,” pages 13-14:  [You are welcome to read the account.  For here, only the last statement is needed]:  “Thus God, through the visions, helped His people to understand and to choose that which was right.”  In other words, without the visions. . .

 

That angels of God were sent to correct Biblical errors of the brethren was normal, consider also 2SG:98-99:  “These strange differences of opinion rolled a heavy weight upon me, especially as Bro. A. spoke of the 1000 years being in the past.  I knew that he was in error, and great grief pressed my spirits; for it seemed to me that God was dishonored.  I fainted under the burden.  Brethren Bates, Chamberlain, Gurney, Edson, and my husband, prayed for me.  Some feared I was dying.  But the Lord heard the prayers of His servants, and I revived.  The light of Heaven rested upon me.  I was soon lost to earthly things.  My accompanying angel presented before me some of the errors of those present, and also the truth in contrast with their errors.  That these discordant views, which they claimed to be according to the Bible, were only according to their opinion of the [99] Bible, and that their errors must be yielded, and they unite upon the third angel’s message.”

 

For another excerpt that is revealing:  “My husband immediately commenced to write.  When he came to some difficult passage we [Who is “we?”] would call upon the Lord [Who?] to give us [Who is “us” and how many brethren are present; let alone, Who gave the true meaning?  How many understood the true meaning with diligent Bible study alone?] the true meaning [Who gave “the true meaning;” and please, don’t answer:  the brethren].”  2SG:115.

 

 

C) ELLEN WHITES DISCERNING OF THE WORD OF GOD

 

 

“The goodness of the Lord to me is very great.  I praise His name that my mind is clear on Bible subjects.  The Spirit of God works upon my mind and gives me appropriate words with which to express the truth.”  3SM:51.

 

“Soon after this I was instructed by the Lord that I should no longer mourn in regard to my inability to understand the Scriptures.  God unlocked my mind and ever since, whenever I read His Word, a flood of light comes into my mind.”  1SAT:346.

 

“Many of our people do not realize how firmly the foundation of our faith has been laid.  My husband, Elder Joseph Bates, Father Pierce, Elder Edson, and others who were keen, noble, and true, were among those who, after the passing of the time in 1844, [57]

 

“searched for the truth as for hidden treasure.  I met with them, and we studied and prayed earnestly.  Often we remained together until late at night, and sometimes through the entire night, praying for light and studying the Word.  Again and again these brethren came together to study the Bible, in order that they might know its meaning {MEANING THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND ITS MEANING}, and be prepared to teach it with power.  When they came to the point in their study where they said, ‘We can do nothing more,’ [MEANING, THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND IT} the Spirit of the Lord would come upon me, {WHO?} I would be taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages we {WHO?} had been studying would be given me {WHO?}, with instruction as to how we {WHO?} were to labor and teach effectively.  Thus light was given {TO WHO?} that helped us {WHO?} to understand the Scriptures in regard to Christ, His mission, and His priesthood {HERE IS WHAT WAS NOT UNDERSTOOD}.  A line of truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter the city of God, was made plain to me, and I gave to others the instruction that the Lord had given me {WHAT DID SHE DO THAT OTHERS COULD NOT DO?}.  During this whole time I could not understand the reasoning of the brethren.

 

“My mind was locked, as it were, and I could not comprehend the meaning of the Scriptures we were studying.  This was one of the greatest sorrows of my life.  I was in this condition of mind until all the principal points of our faith {THIS IS ALSO WHAT WAS NOT BEFORE UNDERSTOOD AND HAD TO BE EXPLAINED TO MRS. WHITE THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT} were made clear to our minds [WHO’S MINDS WHERE MADE CLEAR; THAT WERE NOT CLEAR UP TO THIS POINT?], in harmony with the Word of God.  The brethren knew that when not in vision, I could not understand these matters [NOR COULD THEY REMEMBER], and they accepted as light direct from Heaven {FROM WHERE, “accepted” BY WHO?} the revelations given.  For two or three years my mind continued to be locked to an understanding of the Scriptures.  In the course of our labors, my husband and I visited Father Andrews, who was suffering intensely with inflammatory rheumatism.  We prayed for him.  I laid my hands on his head, and said, ‘Father Andrews, the [58]

 

“Lord Jesus maketh thee whole.’  He was healed instantly {WHAT HAPPENED?}.  He got up, and walked about the room, praising God, and saying, ‘I never saw it on this wise before.  Angels of God are in this room.’  The glory of the Lord was revealed.  Light seemed to shine all through the house, and an angel’s hand was laid upon my head.  From that time to this I have been able to understand the Word of God.”  SpTB02:56-58 [= Ser.B:50-51].

 

“The truths given us after the passing of the time in 1844 are just as certain and unchangeable as when the Lord gave them to us in answer to our urgent prayers.  The visions that the Lord has given me [GIVEN WHO?] are so remarkable that we know that what we have accepted is the truth [UNKNOWN TRUTH BY THEM BEFORE, REMEMBER?].  This was demonstrated by the Holy Spirit.  Light, precious light from God, established the main points of our faith [WHO ESTABLISHED “the main points of our faith,” AND BY WHAT MEANS?] as we hold them today [THROUGH HER VISIONS, REMEMBER; HOW MANY OF THESE EXPLANATIONS DO YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT WITHOUT HER VISIONS, NO “main point of our faith” WOULD BE KNOWN OR ESTABLISHED.  OUR LORD WOULD HAVE HAD TO FIND ANOTHER WILLING GROUP].”  Letter 50, 1906, pp. 1, 2. (To Elder W. W. Simpson, January 30, 1906.)  1MR:53; 8MR:319.

 

“I want that which is deemed worthy to appear, for the Lord has given me much light that I want the people to have; for there is instruction that the Lord has given me for His people.  It is light that they should have, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.  This is now to come before the people, because it has been given to correct specious errors and to specify what is truth.  The Lord has revealed many things pointing out the truth, thus saying, ‘This is the way, walk ye in it.’ ”  Letter 127, 1910; 3SM:32.

 

 

D) WHAT HER WORK WAS TO ACCOMPLISH

 

 

Reprove; Counsel; Ambassador of Christ; Ambassador to the World; Present The Righteousness Of Christ; Open The Scriptures; Be More Than A Prophet (a messenger); Prepare God’s People; Meet Misconceptions; Give Warnings; Give Encouragement’s; Give Testimonies; Prophet.   3T:292; 5T:292; 8T:236; 2PRC:480; SM1:32, 34, 36; SpM:481-482; 3SM:49, 70-71, 74, 78; 1SM:34-36; ; 3SM:74; RH, January 26, 1905; 1MR:141; 5BIO 356; RH, July 26, 1906; ST, October 4, 1883.

 

Here is one of those statements:  “I was directed to bring out general principles, in speaking and in writing, and at the same time specify the dangers, errors, and sins of some individuals, that all might be warned, reproved, and counseled.”  2T:687.

 

Many claim that Mrs. White is an “addition to the Bible” (I was once one of them) and therefore falls under the admonition in Revelation 22:18, which states:  “For I testify unto every man that heareth the Words of the prophecy of this Book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this Book.”  However, here is sound reasoning (if you believe she is a prophet):  “The old truths are all essential; new truth is not independent of the old, but an unfolding of it.  It is only as the old truths are understood that we can comprehend the new.”  COL:127.

 

 

E) THE DUTIES OF A PROPHET

 

 

Here is Ellen Whites Testimony as found in RH, July 26, 1906; 1SM:33; SpM:481; UL:60:

 

“Early in my youth I was asked several times, Are you a prophet?  I have ever responded, I am the Lord’s messenger.  I know that many have called me a prophet, but I have made no claim to this title.  My Saviour declared me to be His messenger.  ‘Your work,’ He instructed me, ‘is to bear My Word.  Strange things will arise, and in your youth I set you apart to bear the message to the erring ones, to carry the Word before unbelievers, and with pen and voice to reprove from the Word actions that are not right.  Exhort from the Word.  I will make My Word open to you.  It shall not be as a strange language.  In the true eloquence of simplicity, with voice and pen, the messages that I give shall be heard from one who has never learned in the schools.  My Spirit and My power shall be with you.’ “

 

By contrast, a much-used phrase by her is:  “The prophet, as God’s messenger,” see 3T:278; RH, September 30, 1873; Etcetera.

 

Other statements about other prophets go like this, as in PP:589; YRP:261:  “Samuel had given proof of his fidelity as Jehovah’s Messenger. . .  And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheeba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.”

 

“As the prophet was entering upon his work, he was given a vision of the glory and power of the God, Whose messenger he was.”  Bible Echo, September 9, 1895.

 

To clarify, here is a clear statement to help us understand what she thought the work of a prophet to be, as opposed to the work of a messenger, as found in 5BIO:354:  “I am not, as I said yesterday, a prophet.  I do not claim to be a leader, I claim to be simply a messenger of God, and that is all I have ever claimed.”