Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Second Part of Charge Number 1

2. That brings us to the second point of the charge; namely, that Mrs. White says that some will not rise in the resurrection, when the Bible says that “all” will rise. But the Bible writers sometimes use all-inclusive words like “all” and “every” with definitely implied restrictions. Let us illustrate: EGWC 335.3

Christ said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32. Universalists, who teach that all men will be saved, use this text with great persuasiveness. Does not the text say “all”? But orthodox Christendom has ever denounced Universalism as heresy. EGWC 335.4

As to this particular statement by Christ, there have been various interpretations. We think it is simply an illustration of the fact that Scriptural writers and speakers often make general statements, which, taken apart from their other statements, might seem to be too all-inclusive. But these writers presume that their hearers will interpret a particular statement by all the other statements they have made. When we do this with Christ’s words in John 12:32 we soon find ourselves understanding the “all” as meaning all who are willing to respond to His drawing influence. EGWC 335.5

John the revelator foretells the second coming of Christ and declares that “every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.” Revelation 6:15, 16. Note that he says “every bondman, and every free man.” Yet Isaiah says that in the last great day there will be a company who will look up and rejoice. (See Isaiah 25:9.) Shall we then conclude that John contradicts Isaiah? All Bible students understand that when John says “every” he means only every one of the wicked hosts in the world. EGWC 336.1

It is no more unreasonable to believe that there may be limitations to the “all” in the phrase, “All that are in the graves shall hear his voice,” than in the “all” of John 12:32, or the “every” of Revelation 6:15. Christ divides the resurrected into two groups: (1) “they that have done good,” and (2) “they that have done evil.” We think that everyone will admit that there are some who have lived and died who have done neither good nor evil. For example, Moses wrote of the “little ones” and “children” of the rebellious Israelites, that they “had no knowledge between good and evil.” Deuteronomy 1:39. Then there are those who are mentally defective. To the list of those who have “no knowledge between good and evil” Mrs. White simply adds the slave who has been “kept in ignorance.” EGWC 336.2

When the question is raised, What will God do finally with all those who have had no knowledge between good and evil? we are immediately plunged into deep theological discussion. Even the wisest of men have no clear answer on this question, which is a most difficult one. Most theologians are content to answer it by voicing the question asked in the Scriptures: “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Mrs. White’s statement is simply a commentary on that ancient question, a commentary which does not run contrary to Scripture. EGWC 336.3