Heralds of New Light

The Rise of False Prophets

But if Ellen White had no light on the question of a possible prophetic successor, she was in no doubt about whether false prophets would arise. HONL 6.6

She stated emphatically that many false prophets would arise, ² and that many people would be deceived thereby. ³ She also said that their numbers would continue to increase worldwide, ⁴ many claimants would be genuinely sincere though misguided (not all of them would be hoaxes or frauds), ⁵ and of these, some would even produce supernatural manifestations in support of their claims. ⁶ She specifically warned: HONL 6.7

Let none cherish the idea that special providences or miraculous manifestations are to be the proof of the genuineness of their work or of the ideas they advocate. If we keep these things before the people, they will produce an evil effect, and unhealthful emotion.... Satan will work in a most subtle manner to introduce human inventions clothed with angel garments. But...the Bible will never be superceded by miraculous manifestations. ⁷

Mrs. White especially emphasized five results to the church from these false prophetic manifestations: (1) deception ⁸ (2) confusion, ⁹ (3) rebellion, ¹⁰ (“Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe.” “I question whether genuine rebellion is ever curable.” ¹¹), (4) doctrinal heresies, ¹² and (5) a discrediting of the legitimate prophetic gifts. ¹³ HONL 7.1

Ellen White spoke out decidedly on the church’s obligation to test those claiming to be prophets ¹⁴ and the ideas which they advocate. ¹⁵ HONL 7.2