My Journey to Life - Daily Study Guide

Q10. What is the relationship between Ellen White’s writings and the Bible?

Picture: Q10. What is the relationship between Ellen White’s writings and the Bible? JTLD 298.1

The Holy Scriptures are the standard by which all prophetic claims must be evaluated. White’s writings are not a substitute for the Bible; neither can they be placed on the same level. The Word of God is the supreme authority. (See Appendix B) JTLD 298.2

At the same time, Seventh-day Adventists reject the idea that there are degrees of inspiration. The same Spirit that inspired the biblical prophets also inspired White.* Because she was inspired by God, her words carry authority, just as the non-canonical prophets carried authority for their time. White’s prophetic gift functions much as it functioned in the days of the apostles. Its thrust is to uphold the Bible as the basis of faith and practice, to explain its teachings, and to apply its principles to daily life. JTLD 298.3

*For further reading, see the affirmations and denials issued by the Seventh-day Adventist Biblical Research Institute which summarize the relationship between the writings of JTLD 298.4

Ellen G. White and the Bible: https://whiteestate.org/legacy/issues-scripsda-html/ JTLD 298.5

• Bible Discovery: Isaiah 8:20; Ephesians 4:12-16; 1 John 4:1; Revelation 22:18
• Further Reading: Ellen G. White, 16LtMs, Letter 130, 1901, par. 1; Review and Herald, January 20, 1903, par. 9; Testimonies to the Church, vol. 5, p. 671.2