The Gift of Prophecy

Conclusion

As Seventh-day Adventists mark the centennial of Ellen White’s death they face many challenges: one of them is certainly the meaning of the “gift of prophecy” and its abiding nature in the church through the centuries. Our study of the manifestation of the gift of prophecy during the Reformation and how the Reformers understood it reveals some challenging ideas. GOP 234.1

1. A. G. Daniells’ study on the abiding gift of prophecy in 1936, which is also supported by LeRoy Froom’s interpretation of history, although done with good intentions, provides no tangible evidence that the gift of prophecy as manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White existed between the time of the apostles and her time. While Daniells acknowledged there were many claimants to the gift of prophecy, most were or have been discredited for some of their views or practices. His use of the expression “gift of prophecy” blurred and confused a number of meanings of that expression. Hence, if there is a lack of evidence to support an abiding gift, is it possible that Ellen White’s gift was a singular or exceptional manifestation of the gift at the end of time? How does this impact the concept of the perpetuity of the gifts? GOP 234.2

2. If we accept the idea of an abiding gift of prophecy from the early church until the end of time, and yet without any clear evidence of its manifestation, are we required to use a broader definition of the gift of prophecy—one that is inclusive of “inspired” leaders, insightful preachers, and faithful trailblazers, as Daniells suggested in his study, and as some scholars understand Luther’s ministry? A prophet is one who, in part or in sum, explains the past through the eyes of Scripture and exhorts the community to faithfulness and perseverance. The reception of dreams, visions, and special revelations and the manifestation of supernatural phenomena are not necessary for claimants to such a prophetic role. Would this broader definition redefine Ellen White’s ministry? GOP 234.3

3. Also challenging the Adventist doctrine of the gift of prophecy is the Reformers’ understanding of visions and revelations and their position that such manifestations within the Reformation churches were tantamount to negating their understanding of sola Scriptura. The Reformers rejected the evidence later used by Daniells and Froom to support the possibility of the gift of prophecy. Adventists have always claimed that the principle of sola Scriptura is not denied in the manifestation of the gift of prophecy in the life of Ellen White. Reformers did not accept such a nuancing of the relationship between the definitive role of Scripture and the role of supernatural revelations and visions. The Magisterial Reformers, in fact, believed that a supernatural manifestation of the gift of prophecy was no longer necessary since the word of God in Scripture was the only standard of faith and practice. This view remains the dominant one in Christian thought today, and it continues to challenge the Adventist position. GOP 234.4