Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Distinguishing Characteristic of “Remnant”

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the remnant people is called by the writer of the Apocalypse “the testimony of Jesus Christ.” This is interpreted as “the spirit of prophecy.” These two expressions are peculiar to the book of Revelation. They are not found in any other book of the Bible. EGWC 547.2

The actual words “testimony of Jesus” occur but twice in the Authorized Version of the book of Revelation, in the same verse (Revelation 19:10.) The term appears, however, in another form, “testimony of Jesus Christ,” three times. (Revelation 1:2, 9; 12:17.) There is still one other phrase of similar intent. In this case it is rendered “witness of Jesus.” (Revelation 20:4.) The word “witness” in this case is from the same Greek word which is rendered in the other texts by the word “testimony.” Hence, in these forms the expression is used by the prophet John six times in the last book of the Bible. EGWC 547.3

There are two similar expressions to be found in the writings of the apostle Paul. They are as follows: “testimony of Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:6), and “testimony of our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:8). Although the word “testimony” is used in this relationship eight times altogether, the expression “spirit of prophecy” is unique, in that Revelation 19:10 is the only place in the Divine Record where the term appears. EGWC 547.4

Seventh-day Adventists, accepting the testimony of the apostles, believe in the perpetuity of spiritual gifts. That being the case, it has not been difficult for them to understand the divine forecast that “the testimony of Jesus,” “the spirit of prophecy,” would be operative in the remnant church. They have felt that this means a revival of the spiritual gifts, and that among them would be seen the “spirit of prophecy.” They understand this expression to mean that particular revelation which comes through those whom the Word of God calls prophets. Through the years they have believed and taught, and still believe and teach, that this gift has been exercised among them in the life and work of Mrs. E. G. White, who for several decades received revelations and visions from the Lord. They prize very highly the counsel and admonition which have come through this divine agency. Through the years this counsel was given to the church by oral word and by the written page. This counsel was incorporated in periodical articles, pamphlets, and books, such as Testimonies for the Church and other volumes. EGWC 547.5

This claim on the part of the Advent people has met with opposition from many quarters. This is not difficult to understand, especially when it comes from those who believe that the necessity for spiritual gifts ceased shortly after apostolic days. Those who do not accept John’s interpretation of “testimony of Jesus” as the “spirit of prophecy” naturally endeavor to find other meanings for both these terms. EGWC 548.1