The Truth About The White Lie

Do Adventists consider Ellen White “canonical”?

No. The “canon” is the collection of books that make up the Bible. Seventh-day Adventists believe the canon was closed with the last book of the New Testament. Ellen White expressed herself very clearly on the issue: TAWL 7.5

1. During the first twenty-five hundred years of human history, there was no written revelation. TAWL 7.6

2. The preparation of the written word began in the time of Moses. TAWL 7.7

3. This work continued during the long period of sixteen hundred years.... TAWL 7.8

4. This work continued ... to John, the recorder of the most sublime truths of the gospel. TAWL 7.9

5. The completion of the Old and New Testaments marks the close of the canon of Scripture. ² TAWL 7.10

In connection with the above statements, Ellen White also noted how the Spirit speaks apart from the Sacred Canon: TAWL 7.11

During the ages while the Scriptures of both the Old and the New Testament were being given, the Holy Spirit did not cease to communicate light to individual minds, apart from the revelations to be embodied in the Sacred Canon. The Bible itself relates how, through the Holy Spirit, men received warning, reproof, counsel, and instruction, in matters in no way relating to the giving of the Scriptures. And mention is made of prophets in different ages, of whose utterances nothing is recorded. In like manner, after the close of the canon of the Scripture, the Holy Spirit was still to continue its work, to enlighten, warn, and comfort the children of God. ³

We can say unequivocally that the church has never considered Ellen White’s writings canonical and does not believe so today. We do affirm, on the other hand, that she spoke by the same inspiration of the Holy Spirit as Bible writers did. The pioneers spoke to this point repeatedly: TAWL 7.12

James White: The Bible 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. ⁴

Uriah Smith: The Protestant principle of “the Bible and the Bible alone,” is of itself good and true; and we stand upon it as firmly as anyone can; but when reiterated in connection with outspoken denunciations of the visions, it has specious appearance for evil. So used, it contains a covert insinuation, most effectually calculated to warp the judgment of the unguarded, that to believe the visions is to leave the Bible, and to cling to the Bible, is to discard the visions.... When we claim to stand on the Bible and the Bible alone, we bind ourselves to receive, unequivocally and fully, all that the Bible teaches. ⁵