Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Two Points Made Clear

Two points are evident. First, that Mrs. White is using the phrase “in a few months” in relation, specifically, to the time needed for learning the truth. She is not limiting the day of the Lord to a few months ahead. In fact, in her 1854 statement she is not discussing specifically the second coming of Christ, though she does talk of our being “about to enter the time of trouble such as never was,” and of our need “to step fast.” But this general statement about the imminence of troubles ahead is intended only to show why new believers should not continue to feed on “milk” but should in a few months be ready to “endure the strong meat of the straightness of the way.” Otherwise, she inquires, “how will they stand in the day of battle?” EGWC 260.1

Second, Mrs. White is evidently alluding to certain of Paul’s statements as the basis for her exhortation. These Scriptural statements make the true meaning of her words even more clear. Says Paul, in his letter to the Hebrews: EGWC 260.2

“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. EGWC 260.3

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” Hebrews 5:11 to 6:3. EGWC 261.1

These words of Paul, we might add, are followed immediately by his statement about its being “impossible for those who were once enlightened,” “if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance.” EGWC 261.2

Again, Paul writes to the church at Corinth: EGWC 261.3

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. EGWC 261.4

Place alongside these the statement of Peter: EGWC 261.5

“For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:21. EGWC 261.6