Revelation-Inspiration—Ellen White’s Witness and Experience

Paul A Gordon

Ellen G White Estate

The Bible tells us that God spoke through His prophets “at sundry times and in divers manners” (Hebrews 1:1). This variety often was apparent in individual prophets. Elijah communicated with God on the mountain top in full view of thousands of Israelites. He also received instruction from God alone by the stream and the cave.

Seventh-day Adventists have been privileged to have a prophetic messenger. There were hundreds who witnessed Ellen White’s visions, especially in early years. But she also received many of her messages while she was alone. Our focus in this study, however, will be on her witness to her own work and that of the Bible prophets. RIEWWE 1.1

There were three rather distinct periods in the prophetic ministry of Ellen White. These periods represent some variety in the revelation experience as well as her relation to it. RIEWWE 1.2

1. The establishing of a prophetic ministry from 1844 to 1884. It began with her first vision at the age of 17 in Portland, Maine, and ended with the last recorded public vision at a campmeeting in Portland, Oregon. (See Early Writings, 13-17, and The General Conference Bulletin, January 29, 1893.) ¹ RIEWWE 1.3

2. A personal world ministry from 1885 to 1900. This time span began with two years in Europe, followed by a brief interlude in America with the 1888 General Conference Session almost exactly in the middle, and closes with nine years in Australia and New Zealand. RIEWWE 1.4

3. The crowning years from 1900-1915. During this time she completed many books, reaffirmed her confidence in the Lord’s leading in her prophetic role, and played an active role in general church developments. RIEWWE 1.5

1. 1. 1844-1884—The Establishing of a Prophetic Ministry	2
2. 2. 1885-1900—A Personal World Ministry	7
3. 3. 1900-1915—The Crowning Years	16
4. Some Conclusions	19
5. Abbreviations used:	19