The Gift of Prophecy (The Role of Ellen White in God’s Remnant Church)

Ellen White as a theologian

While Ellen White had no theological training, through divine inspiration she received theological insights that not only saved the Advent movement from many a heresy in its early years, but that have stood the test of time. GP 79.4

On the basis of divine revelations throughout her ministry, Ellen White was able to guide the church not only in a pastoral way but from time to time also in matters of theology. In 1898, for example, she spoke out strongly against the view of Uriah Smith and others that Jesus hadn’t existed as a separate being forever but had a beginning (see DA 530). In 1901, she put an end to the “holy flesh” teaching in Indiana (she called it a “satanic deception” [2SM 31]). And from 1903 on, she drew the line on Kellogg’s pantheism, which she termed “the alpha of deadly heresies” (1SM 200). GP 79.5

At the same time we must remember that when she had no light on a particular matter she was silent. When some of the denomination’s leaders pressured her to settle the question of the “daily,” she told them, “I have had no instruction on the point under discussion” (1SM 164). Similarly, she was silent in regard to such matters as the “eastern question” or who would constitute the 144,000 because she had no light from God on these issues. GP 79.6

While Ellen White was open to new light and new interpretations of Scripture (CW 35), she insisted that any new light had to harmonize with the distinctive truths of the church that had been established under divine guidance. “We are not to receive the words of those who come with a message that contradicts the special points of our faith” (1SM 161). GP 80.1

Is her theology still valid today? Yes! However, we need to remember that in the interpretation of Scripture, her writings are generally homiletical or evangelistic in nature and not exegetical. Thus, her writings should not be used to settle issues of textual interpretation until it has been established how she used a biblical text (see chapter 11). GP 80.2

The pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church recognized the tremendous value and the authority of the writings of Ellen White. While they upheld the Scriptures as the “only rule of faith and practice,” they accepted the prophetic gift of Ellen White as God-given. In 1847, James White wrote in regard to the relationship between Scripture and the visions of Ellen White: “The bible [sic] is a perfect and complete revelation. It is our only rule of faith and practice. But this is no reason, why God may not show the past, present, and future fulfillment of his word, in these last days, by dreams and visions; according to Peter’s testimony. True visions are given to lead us to God, and his written word; but those that are given for a new rule of faith and practice, separate from the bible, cannot be from God, and should be rejected.” ⁵ GP 80.3

In 1855, the leadership of the Advent movement publicly stated that they regarded the writings of Ellen White as coming from God. Therefore, “we must acknowledge ourselves under obligation to abide by their teachings, and be corrected by their admonitions.” ⁶ Ever since then, General Conferences in session have from time to time issued statements expressing confidence in the writings of Ellen White “as the teaching of the Spirit of God,“ ⁷ though subordinate to the Bible, which is God’s measuring rod, or standard, for all time and all people. GP 80.4

Fundamental Belief number 18 clearly states that Ellen G. White’s “writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction.” ⁸ Though nearly a century has elapsed since Ellen White laid down her pen, her inspired and therefore authoritative writings continue to be a guiding and unifying factor in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. GP 80.5