From what we read in scripture God's remnant must possess the spirit of prophecy in order to qualify as the remnant and we need to understand the issues involved. There is nothing more dangerous to Satan, than the clear revelation of the will of God so that the people are given an understanding of the end times and how Satan will try to fool them. It is therefore important that we understand the Biblical criteria for the manifestation of the gift of prophecy and see if Ellen G.White passes the test as a messenger of God and prophet and is in harmony with Gods word. Did she exalt the Word of God and the Law of God? Lets take a look:
"...The Word of God - The Bible - She wrote:
The written testimonies are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed. Man's duty to God and to his fellow man has been distinctly specified in God's word; yet but few of you are obedient to the light given. Additional truth is not brought out; but God has through the Testimonies simplified the great truths already given and in His own chosen way brought them before the people to awaken, and impress the mind with them, that all may be left without excuse...The Testimonies are not to belittle the word of God, but to exalt it and attract minds to it, that the beautiful simplicity of truth may impress all. Testimonies, Vol. 2, pp. 605,606
To those who criticized the word of God, she wrote:
Cling to your Bible as it reads and stop your criticism in regard to its validity and obey the word, and not one of you will be lost. Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 18
The Bible was to be the only creed:
The Bible and the Bible alone is to be our creed, the role bond of union... God�s word is infallible... lift up the banner on which is inscribed the Bible, our rule of faith and discipline. Selected Messages Vol. 1, p. 416, 1885; Early Writings, p. 78
Just as the great Reformers, Ellen G. White lifted up the Bible banner against false doctrines and practices, she wrote:
As darkness thickens and error increases, we should obtain a more thorough knowledge of the truth, and be prepared to maintain from the Scriptures the truth of our position. Review & Herald, August 11, 1853, p. 53
We must stand barricaded by the truths of the Bible. The canopy of truth is the only canopy under which we can stand safely. MM 88, 1904
Her position regarding the Word of God is the same as that held by Protestants since the beginning. Protestants have always rejected the claim of Roman Catholicism that tradition as well as Scriptures should dictate beliefs. The Westminster Confession underscores this point:
The Supreme Judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scriptures. Yet notwithstanding our full persuasion and assurance of infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts. Westminster Confession, chapter 1, part 10,5
Ellen G. White clearly recognizes the role of the Holy Spirit in the interpretation of Scripture as outlined in the Westminster Confession. She wrote:
We can attain to an understanding of God�s word only through the illumination of that Spirit by which the word was given. 5 Testimonies, p. 703
The fact that God has revealed His will to men through His word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour, to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings. Great Controversy, p. viii
Wonderful illuminations will not be given aside from the Word, or to take the place of it. Selected Messages Vol. 2, p. 48
The Law of God:
Ellen White repeatedly pointed to the binding claims of God's law. Joseph Bates, an Adventist pioneer had introduced the Sabbath of the fourth commandment to her and although she was first skeptical, she and her husband studied the Scriptures and were confirmed in the view that the Sabbath was as binding as the other nine commandments. One Sabbath, April 3, 1847, Ellen White was given a vision confirming the binding claims of the Ten Commandments and the Sabbath. Concerning the Law of God, she writes:
But it is ever the purpose of Satan to make void the law of God and to pervert the true meaning of the plan of salvation. Therefore, he has originated the falsehood that the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary's cross was for the purpose of freeing men from the obligation of keeping the commandments of God. He has foisted upon the world the deception that God has abolished His constitution, thrown away His moral standard, and made void His holy and perfect law. Had He done this, at what terrible expense would it have been to Heaven! Instead of proclaiming the abolition of the law, Calvary's cross proclaims in thunder tones its immutable and eternal character. Early Writings, p. 118
Likewise she stated that it was the duty of God's children to enlighten others regarding the prophecies and the law of God:
Then present to them the prophecies; show them the purity and binding claims of the law of God. Not one jot or title of this law is to lose its force, but hold its binding claims upon every soul to the end of time. 15 MR, p. 351
The writings of Ellen White are based on the twin pillars of faith in the merits of Jesus Christ and obedience to His righteous law. Jesus said "If ye love me keep my commandments" (John 14:15) and in her writings the relationship between law and grace is clearly expounded. Never does she present a legalistic view of the law of God and never does she belittle its claims. Never does she claim that the law has saving merits. We are saved by grace and grace alone, but a consequence of being saved is that through the merits of Jesus Christ one is once more brought into a right relationship with God, which includes obedience to His law. She writes:
Cannot men see that to belittle the law of God is to dishonor Christ? Why did He come to this world to suffer and die, if the law is not binding upon human beings? Who could speak more plainly than He did regarding the immutability of the law? He came to bring light and immortality to light by exalting the law, and making it honorable. Where can be found those who preach the binding claims of God's law more plainly and decidedly than did Christ when He was upon the earth? ST 01-25-05
In presenting the binding claims of the law, many have failed to portray the infinite love of Christ. Those who have so great truths, so weighty reforms to present to the people, have not had a realization of the value of the atoning Sacrifice as an expression of God�s great love to man. Love for Jesus, and Jesus� love for sinners, have been dropped out of the religious experience of those who have been commissioned to preach the gospel, and self has been exalted instead of the Redeemer of mankind. The law is to be presented to its transgressors, not as something apart from God, but rather as an exponent of His mind and character. As the sunlight cannot be separated from the sun, so God's law cannot be rightly presented to man apart from the divine Author. The messenger should be able to say, "In the law is God's will;" come, see for yourselves that the law is what Paul declared it to be "holy, and just, and good." It reproves sin, it condemns the sinner, but it shows him his need of Christ, with whom is plenteous mercy and goodness and truth. Though the law cannot remit the penalty for sin, but charges the sinner with all his debt, Christ has promised abundant pardon to all who repent, and believe in His mercy. The love of God is extended in abundance to the repenting, believing soul. The brand of sin upon the soul can be effaced only through the blood of the atoning Sacrifice. No less an offering was required than the sacrifice of Him who was equal with the Father. The work of Christ - His life, humiliation, death, and intercession for lost man - magnifies the law, and makes it honorable. Selected Messages Vol 1, p. 371
It is impossible for man in his own unaided strength to overcome the natural propensities to evil. There is no saving quality in the law, to save the transgressor of the law, and yet no man who has had light as to the binding claims of the law will be excused from obedience by the great Lawgiver because it is inconvenient to keep God's commandments, because it would injure man's popularity, or hurt his worldly interests. In the judgment, the law will be seen to be the test of character. It is the settled purpose of Satan to deceive men today as he deceived Eve in Eden, and lead them to disregard the command of God, and accept something beside God, something independent of God, something in opposition to God. ST, 04-04-95
The Sabbath of the fourth commandment forms an integral part of the law of God and is as binding today as it was when God blessed and hallowed it after His work of creating the world. To change the Sabbath is to deny the binding claim of God's law and would disqualify a prophet claiming such a change.
This is the work that we are called upon to do. From the pulpits of the popular churches it is proclaimed that the first day of the week is the Sabbath of the Lord; but God has given us light, showing us that the fourth precept of the Decalogue is as verily binding as are the other nine moral precepts. It is our work to make plain to our children that the first day of the week is not the true Sabbath, and that its observance after light has come to us as to what is the true Sabbath, is idolatry, and in plain contradiction to the law of God. EE, pp. 287,288..." Excerpts from God's Guiding Gift by Professor Walter J. Veith Phd.
Ellen White fulfilled these requirements of the of Biblical test of authenticity. She exalted the Word and the Law of God. So we will look at other tests given in scripture and see how Ellen White stands up against them as I have time to look at her writings, sermons on it, and search through and study it deeper.
"...The Word of God - The Bible - She wrote:
The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience. Great Controversy, p. 7
Her writings, which collectively are referred to as the Spirit of Prophecy, were never intended to give new light, but were always intended to illuminate the greater light, the Scriptures. She wrote:
Little heed is given to the Bible and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light. Colporteur Ministry, p. 125The written testimonies are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed. Man's duty to God and to his fellow man has been distinctly specified in God's word; yet but few of you are obedient to the light given. Additional truth is not brought out; but God has through the Testimonies simplified the great truths already given and in His own chosen way brought them before the people to awaken, and impress the mind with them, that all may be left without excuse...The Testimonies are not to belittle the word of God, but to exalt it and attract minds to it, that the beautiful simplicity of truth may impress all. Testimonies, Vol. 2, pp. 605,606
To those who criticized the word of God, she wrote:
Cling to your Bible as it reads and stop your criticism in regard to its validity and obey the word, and not one of you will be lost. Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 18
The Bible was to be the only creed:
The Bible and the Bible alone is to be our creed, the role bond of union... God�s word is infallible... lift up the banner on which is inscribed the Bible, our rule of faith and discipline. Selected Messages Vol. 1, p. 416, 1885; Early Writings, p. 78
Just as the great Reformers, Ellen G. White lifted up the Bible banner against false doctrines and practices, she wrote:
As darkness thickens and error increases, we should obtain a more thorough knowledge of the truth, and be prepared to maintain from the Scriptures the truth of our position. Review & Herald, August 11, 1853, p. 53
We must stand barricaded by the truths of the Bible. The canopy of truth is the only canopy under which we can stand safely. MM 88, 1904
Her position regarding the Word of God is the same as that held by Protestants since the beginning. Protestants have always rejected the claim of Roman Catholicism that tradition as well as Scriptures should dictate beliefs. The Westminster Confession underscores this point:
The Supreme Judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scriptures. Yet notwithstanding our full persuasion and assurance of infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts. Westminster Confession, chapter 1, part 10,5
Ellen G. White clearly recognizes the role of the Holy Spirit in the interpretation of Scripture as outlined in the Westminster Confession. She wrote:
We can attain to an understanding of God�s word only through the illumination of that Spirit by which the word was given. 5 Testimonies, p. 703
The fact that God has revealed His will to men through His word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour, to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings. Great Controversy, p. viii
Wonderful illuminations will not be given aside from the Word, or to take the place of it. Selected Messages Vol. 2, p. 48
The Law of God:
Ellen White repeatedly pointed to the binding claims of God's law. Joseph Bates, an Adventist pioneer had introduced the Sabbath of the fourth commandment to her and although she was first skeptical, she and her husband studied the Scriptures and were confirmed in the view that the Sabbath was as binding as the other nine commandments. One Sabbath, April 3, 1847, Ellen White was given a vision confirming the binding claims of the Ten Commandments and the Sabbath. Concerning the Law of God, she writes:
But it is ever the purpose of Satan to make void the law of God and to pervert the true meaning of the plan of salvation. Therefore, he has originated the falsehood that the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary's cross was for the purpose of freeing men from the obligation of keeping the commandments of God. He has foisted upon the world the deception that God has abolished His constitution, thrown away His moral standard, and made void His holy and perfect law. Had He done this, at what terrible expense would it have been to Heaven! Instead of proclaiming the abolition of the law, Calvary's cross proclaims in thunder tones its immutable and eternal character. Early Writings, p. 118
Likewise she stated that it was the duty of God's children to enlighten others regarding the prophecies and the law of God:
Then present to them the prophecies; show them the purity and binding claims of the law of God. Not one jot or title of this law is to lose its force, but hold its binding claims upon every soul to the end of time. 15 MR, p. 351
The writings of Ellen White are based on the twin pillars of faith in the merits of Jesus Christ and obedience to His righteous law. Jesus said "If ye love me keep my commandments" (John 14:15) and in her writings the relationship between law and grace is clearly expounded. Never does she present a legalistic view of the law of God and never does she belittle its claims. Never does she claim that the law has saving merits. We are saved by grace and grace alone, but a consequence of being saved is that through the merits of Jesus Christ one is once more brought into a right relationship with God, which includes obedience to His law. She writes:
Cannot men see that to belittle the law of God is to dishonor Christ? Why did He come to this world to suffer and die, if the law is not binding upon human beings? Who could speak more plainly than He did regarding the immutability of the law? He came to bring light and immortality to light by exalting the law, and making it honorable. Where can be found those who preach the binding claims of God's law more plainly and decidedly than did Christ when He was upon the earth? ST 01-25-05
In presenting the binding claims of the law, many have failed to portray the infinite love of Christ. Those who have so great truths, so weighty reforms to present to the people, have not had a realization of the value of the atoning Sacrifice as an expression of God�s great love to man. Love for Jesus, and Jesus� love for sinners, have been dropped out of the religious experience of those who have been commissioned to preach the gospel, and self has been exalted instead of the Redeemer of mankind. The law is to be presented to its transgressors, not as something apart from God, but rather as an exponent of His mind and character. As the sunlight cannot be separated from the sun, so God's law cannot be rightly presented to man apart from the divine Author. The messenger should be able to say, "In the law is God's will;" come, see for yourselves that the law is what Paul declared it to be "holy, and just, and good." It reproves sin, it condemns the sinner, but it shows him his need of Christ, with whom is plenteous mercy and goodness and truth. Though the law cannot remit the penalty for sin, but charges the sinner with all his debt, Christ has promised abundant pardon to all who repent, and believe in His mercy. The love of God is extended in abundance to the repenting, believing soul. The brand of sin upon the soul can be effaced only through the blood of the atoning Sacrifice. No less an offering was required than the sacrifice of Him who was equal with the Father. The work of Christ - His life, humiliation, death, and intercession for lost man - magnifies the law, and makes it honorable. Selected Messages Vol 1, p. 371
It is impossible for man in his own unaided strength to overcome the natural propensities to evil. There is no saving quality in the law, to save the transgressor of the law, and yet no man who has had light as to the binding claims of the law will be excused from obedience by the great Lawgiver because it is inconvenient to keep God's commandments, because it would injure man's popularity, or hurt his worldly interests. In the judgment, the law will be seen to be the test of character. It is the settled purpose of Satan to deceive men today as he deceived Eve in Eden, and lead them to disregard the command of God, and accept something beside God, something independent of God, something in opposition to God. ST, 04-04-95
The Sabbath of the fourth commandment forms an integral part of the law of God and is as binding today as it was when God blessed and hallowed it after His work of creating the world. To change the Sabbath is to deny the binding claim of God's law and would disqualify a prophet claiming such a change.
This is the work that we are called upon to do. From the pulpits of the popular churches it is proclaimed that the first day of the week is the Sabbath of the Lord; but God has given us light, showing us that the fourth precept of the Decalogue is as verily binding as are the other nine moral precepts. It is our work to make plain to our children that the first day of the week is not the true Sabbath, and that its observance after light has come to us as to what is the true Sabbath, is idolatry, and in plain contradiction to the law of God. EE, pp. 287,288..." Excerpts from God's Guiding Gift by Professor Walter J. Veith Phd.
Ellen White fulfilled these requirements of the of Biblical test of authenticity. She exalted the Word and the Law of God. So we will look at other tests given in scripture and see how Ellen White stands up against them as I have time to look at her writings, sermons on it, and search through and study it deeper.
