Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #6 — The Shut Door

Picture: Counsel #6 — The Shut Door CCW 158.1

After the Great Disappointment in 1844, Millerite believers came to different conclusions about what had happened. For a few months most believed that probation had closed—the door to salvation had shut—and that Jesus would return in a few days or weeks. Ellen White also had this view until she received her first vision. From that point onward, she believed that there was still a message of warning to be given to the world. Thus, while she mentioned “the shut door,” in relation to Millerites who had fallen away, there was never a time during her public ministry that she taught that probation had closed.^[233] CCW 158.2

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 NKJV CCW 158.3

“For a time after the disappointment in 1844, I did hold in common with the advent body that the door of mercy was then forever closed to the world. This position was taken before my first vision was given me. It was the light given me of God that corrected our error and enabled us to see the true position…. I was shown in vision, and I still believe, that…. All who saw the light of the first and second angel’s messages and rejected that light were left in darkness.” Ellen White in Letters and Manuscripts, vol. 4, Manuscript 4, 1883, par. 20-26 CCW 158.4

Reflect: What is the difference between the close of probation and a “shut door” for individuals who have rejected truth? CCW 158.5