Inspiration/Revelation: What It Is and How It Works

Conclusion

What does the Seventh-day Adventist church hold regarding the relationship between the writings of Mrs. White and the Bible? IRWHW 84.10

1. We do not regard the writings of Ellen G. White as an addition to the sacred canon of Scripture.

2. We do not think of these writings as of universal application, like the Bible, but as written particularly for the Seventh-day Adventist church.

3. We do not regard Mrs. White’s writings in the same sense as the Holy Scriptures, which stand alone and unique as the standard by which all other writings must be judged. ¹¹¹

But, having said that, we need to say more. Since we believe that inspiration is indivisible, and since the only activity of the prophet is to tell us what Jesus told him (“the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”), there is therefore no basis for a belief in either degrees of inspiration or degrees of authority. Ellen White was inspired in the same manner and to the same degree as were the Bible prophets. And the counsel that Mary gave to the servants at the wedding feast at Cana concerning her Son might well be paraphrased: “Whatsoever he saith unto you [and by whatever prophet] do it” (John 2:5). IRWHW 84.11

If, as at least some scholars believe, Paul’s first epistle to the Thessalonians was the first book of the New Testament to be written, then his concern as expressed in its closing verses may have an interesting significance to Christians today: IRWHW 84.12

“Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19). “Don’t tune Him out,” as we might put it in today’s vernacular. The existence of the possibility of doing just this undergirds the necessity for the warning. IRWHW 84.13

“Despise not prophesyings” (vs. 20). Was Paul here, first of all, telling the Christians that the word of God to them did not end with the closing of the Old Testament canon of Scripture? That the spiritual gift of prophecy was still being exercised—and would continue to be exercised—until the end of time? Was he warning, don’t despise latter-day prophets, who will be just as inspired and authoritative—prophets whose messages also come directly from the Holy Spirit? Perhaps. IRWHW 84.14

“Prove all things” (vs. 21). The Christian has an obligation to “try the spirits” (1 John 4:1), because while not all of them are from God, the obverse is equally true: Not all of them are from the devil, either! The Christian is hereby commanded (by the Holy Spirit through Paul) to seriously examine the content of purported prophetic writings. He must also examine the fruitage of these writings, both in the life of the alleged prophet and in the lives of those who follow that prophet. This task must be undertaken with an open mind willing to receive more truth, a mind that seeks to validate all new light by what has been tested before (Acts 17:11). And, having made the test, and noted the results: IRWHW 85.1

“Hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). IRWHW 85.2

In a time of acute crisis, at the turn of the century when leaders in the Adventist church were bringing in subtle heresies, God’s prophet proclaimed a message that has startling relevance for us today, in another time of crisis: IRWHW 85.3

The Lord will put new, vital force into His work as human agencies obey the command to go forth and proclaim the truth.... The truth will be criticized, scorned, and derided; but the closer it is examined and tested, the brighter it will shine....

The principles of truth that God has revealed to us are our only true foundation. They have made us what we are. The lapse of time has not lessened their value. It is the constant effort of the enemy to remove these truths from their setting, and to put in their place spurious theories. He will bring in everything that he possibly can to carry out his deceptive designs. But the Lord will raise up men of keen perception, who will give these truths their proper place in the plan of God. ¹¹²

May you be one of them! IRWHW 85.4

Seventh-day Adventist teachers may acquire continuing education credit in conjunction with this article. For further information, please contact: Journal of Adventist Education, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Phone 301-680-5075; Fax: 301-622-9627; Email: 74617.1231@compuserve.com.