A Prophet Among You

How Much Applies Today?

Once we have recognized that the messages which were intended for instruction, whether written or spoken, published in papers, pamphlets, or books, were to be accepted as the message of God to the individuals or groups addressed, we are faced with a further question. How much of the instruction given through Ellen White to the church and its members during the period of her lifetime is applicable to the church and its members today? APAY 406.4

Much of what Mrs. White wrote had specific application to the time that it was written, or soon afterward. Do these specifically addressed testimonies bear any relationship to us, or are they to be disregarded as being out of date and of interest only from a historical point of view? Should these writings bear as much weight with us as they were intended to bear with those to whom they were originally sent? How far may we go in critically sorting through these pages and saying, “This applies to us, and that is no longer of any force. That is old-fashioned and out of date, but this is good counsel for today”? APAY 407.1

Again we must rely on the statements of the messenger herself if we would learn how wide an application should be made of the things she has written. “Through His Holy Spirit the voice of God has come to us continually in warning and instruction, to confirm the faith of the believers in the spirit of prophecy. Repeatedly the word has come, Write the things that I have given you to confirm the faith of My people in the position they have taken. Time and trial have not made void the instruction given, but through years of suffering and self-sacrifice have established the truth of the testimony given. The instruction that was given in the early days of the message is to be held as safe instruction to follow in these, its closing days. Those who are indifferent to this light and instruction must not expect to escape the snares which we have been plainly told will cause the rejecters of light to stumble, and fall, and be snared, and be taken. If we study carefully the second chapter of Hebrews, we shall learn how important it is that we hold steadfastly to every principle of truth that has been given.” The Review and Herald, July 18, 1907. APAY 407.2

“I have been shown that the principles that were given us in the early days of the message are as important and should be regarded just as conscientiously today as they were then.” Testimonies for the Church 9:158 (1909). APAY 408.1

“Whether or not my life is spared, my writings will constantly speak, and their work will go forward as long as time shall last.” Ellen G. White, “Writing and Sending Out of the Testimonies,” pages 13, 14 (1907). APAY 408.2

These combined statements indicate that Ellen White expected her writings to be accepted as applicable to God’s people to the end of time. This is true of instruction sent to individuals as well as the general counsel to larger groups or to the church as a whole. Particular attention should be given to the group of writings commonly known as Testimonies, especially those originally sent to individuals. Was this instruction intended to have a wider application than to the persons addressed? Can it be taken as relevant fifty or seventy-five years after it was written? APAY 408.3

The purpose of publishing personal testimonies is made clear in this sentence: “The object of publishing the testimonies is that those who are not singled out personally, yet who are as much in fault as those who are reproved, may be warned through the reproofs given to others.” Testimonies for the Church 2:687. APAY 408.4

The broad nature of the instruction means that applications may be made to many others than the ones addressed in any communication. “Since the warning and instruction given in testimony for individual cases applied with equal force to many others who had not been specially pointed out in this manner, it seemed to be my duty to publish the personal testimonies for the benefit of the church. In Testimony 15, speaking of the necessity for doing this, I said: ‘I know of no better way to present my views [visions] of general dangers and errors, and the duty of all who love God and keep His commandments, than by giving these testimonies. Perhaps there is no more direct and forcible way of presenting what the Lord has shown me.’”—Testimonies for the Church 5:658, 659. APAY 408.5

“In rebuking the wrongs of one, He designs to correct many. But if they fail to take the reproof to themselves, and flatter themselves that God passes over their errors because He does not especially single them out, they deceive their own souls and will be shut up in darkness and be left to their own ways to follow the imagination of their own hearts.” “He makes plain the wrongs of some that others may thus be warned, and fear, and shun those errors. By self-examination they may find that they are doing the same things which God condemns in others.”—Testimonies for the Church 2:112, 113. APAY 409.1

Although all the instruction given to the church through Ellen White does not apply to every individual in exactly the same way, there is in all of it the same kind of universal guidance that one finds in the Bible. Every portion may be read with profit today. Not every phase of Bible instruction is pertinent in our present situation. For example, detailed instruction was given for the presentation of sacrifices at the tabernacle and temple, but the sacrificial system ended when the Lamb of God was offered. We do not bring lambs, goats, and bullocks to the altar today, but every Seventh-day Adventist recognizes the spiritual value of a study of the ancient system of offerings. Paul puts it this way: “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4. APAY 409.2

A careful consideration of all the factors involved leads to the conclusion that on the same basis that Paul stated, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” all the instruction given through Ellen White is profitable for the remnant church today. APAY 409.3

Chapter 23 deals with the matter of what use should be made of the instruction and how it is to be understood and applied. APAY 410.1