Doctrinal Development, Authority, and Ellen White

Chapter 3—A Final Thought on Authority

Doing what is right is fundamental to Christian living. How to determine such does not come naturally. The answer is directly related to authority. As sinners, we cannot save ourselves, nor can we solely trust our own judgment. As Israel traveled to the promised land, they were instructed that if they “did what was right in God’s sight” they would prosper. (See Exodus 15:26.) They did not always do this. Later, during the time of the judges, the Bible record says “every man did what was right in his own eyes.” (See Judges 17:6; 21:25.) This was one of the lowest points in their history. DDAEW 7.3

How did this happen? Earlier in the time of the judges we find an answer. While Joshua and the early elders lived, the record says, “The people served the Lord.” But when those died who “had seen all the great works of the Lord,” the people “forsook the Lord God” (Judges 2:7, 10-12). DDAEW 7.4

Modern spiritual Israel faces the same kind of situation. The pioneers are dead. If we forget our past, we can predict our future in that of ancient Israel. But their experience does not need to be ours. From the pen of Ellen White we have the following encouraging word: DDAEW 7.5

“In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as Leader. We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”—Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 196. DDAEW 7.6