The Gift of Prophecy

Chapter 13 — How Early Sabbathkeeping Adventists Accepted Ellen G. White as a True Prophet

Theodore N. Levterov

Seventh-day Adventist acceptance of Ellen White’s prophetic gift has been one of the most controversial subjects within and without Seventh-day Adventism from the beginning of the movement until the present time. ¹ Like many Protestant Christians, Adventists have affirmed the continuity of the doctrine of spiritual gifts. They have, however, differed from mainstream Protestantism in their claim to have the modern display of the gift of prophecy through one of their early founders—Ellen Gould Harmon (White). ² From their early years, Sabbathkeeping Adventists became certain that Ellen G. White possessed the true prophetic gift and defended her visionary claims. As a result, the gift of prophecy became one of their distinctive doctrines and was integrated into their theological system of beliefs. ³ But how did early Sabbathkeeping Adventists become convinced of the prophetic claims of Ellen White? GOP 249.1

The present chapter provides a brief historical overview of the process through which Sabbathkeeping Adventists justified and accepted the belief in the gift of prophecy as manifested through Ellen G. White. The study confines itself to the period from 1844 to 1872—the critical time when they had to take a stand concerning the calling of a modern prophet; to formulate biblical and pragmatic arguments for the doctrine of the gift of prophecy; and to integrate it into their doctrinal statement of beliefs. GOP 249.2

Part 1 gives the context and early attitudes of Sabbathkeeping Adventists toward prophetic manifestations and their initial acceptance of Ellen White’s visionary claims up to 1850. Part 2 examines the period from 1851 to 1862, when Sabbathkeeping Adventists developed a stronger biblical foundation for their belief in the gift of prophecy and Ellen White because of questions and controversies within their movement. Part 3 looks at the years from 1863 to 1872, when Ellen White’s prophetic gift was affirmed within the Seventh-day Adventist theology. ⁴ The chapter concludes with some final remarks and perspectives. GOP 249.3