Understanding Ellen White

Understanding the dynamics of receiving and communicating her visions

Several key points need to be considered when we examine how Ellen White received guidance through her visions. Understanding the following points helps explain certain difficulties some have had in interpreting her writings: (1) It is important to understand that Ellen White had no control over when and where she received a vision. (2) She was dependent upon the guidance of the Spirit as to what she could remember from a vision or even when she would remember it. God sometimes placed information in her mind that was brought to her consciousness only when it was needed. (3) She was not always able to determine whether what she saw in vision was past, present, or future. (4) She did not always fully understand aspects of what she was shown in vision but eventually God would make it clear for her. (5) On rare occasions she misinterpreted some aspects of a vision but God was careful to correct these types of mistakes through other visions. (6) Finally, sometimes she would receive “scenes” or motion-picturelike information with little or no verbal information. She used various support aids to assist her in rounding out her understanding of what she had seen, aids that would enrich her vocabulary and improve her writing style in describing what she was shown. UEGW 84.6