Ellen G. White and Her Critics

The Divine Definition

In view of the fact that in the Scriptures there are varied meanings to the word “testimony,” it would have to be conceded that a correct understanding of the meaning of the term in any particular place it is used must of necessity be determined by its context. A careful study of the texts given in the afore-mentioned classification will show that this is true. EGWC 549.4

When we apply this principle to the expression “testimony of Jesus,” as we find it in the book of Revelation, we must also think of it, not only in the light of its context, but also in the light of the definition given to it by its author. Singularly enough, the Lord has removed the meaning of this expression from the realm of doubt and uncertainty. There is no need for anyone to be in any perplexity on the matter whatsoever. EGWC 549.5

The apostle John records the message given to him, the message he received from “his angel.” (Revelation 1:1.) The angel is called “his“: this refers not to John but to Christ. The Revelation is the revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave to Him, and Christ sent and signified it by His angel to John. Further, when John tells us that the “testimony of Jesus” is the “spirit of prophecy,” it is not a definition given by John; it is the word of the angel who revealed it to him. EGWC 549.6

We must remember also that this is part of the revelation of Jesus as referred to in the first chapter of the Apocalypse. This revelation Christ gave to the angel. But it goes back further still; it is the revelation that God gave to Christ. So this is a divine definition in a special sense. It is from God and from Christ, and Christ the divine Son, through His angel, tells us that the “testimony of Jesus” is the “spirit of prophecy.” EGWC 549.7

Hence, in our study of this question in the book of Revelation we need not concern ourselves with other ways in which the word testimony is used in the Scriptures generally. Our minds are directed into one channel, and that by the Lord Himself, when He gives us the definition of what the testimony of Jesus really means when He says the “spirit of prophecy.” EGWC 550.1

Commentators and Bible students generally recognize, in the main, two ways in which the expression “testimony of Jesus” is understood. Many, overlooking the definition given by the angel (Revelation 19:10), interpret this as meaning “the testimony borne concerning Jesus Christ.” Hence, their understanding of the phrase is that it refers to the testimony we as Christians bear when we witness for the Saviour before the world and before our friends by precept and example. Others feel that the expression means the testimony of Jesus Himself, the witness He bore in His own life while here on earth, and the witness He continues to bear now in and through His servants the prophets. EGWC 550.2