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Ellen G. White and Her Critics

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Significance of the Genitive Form

The term in the original Greek is in the genitive case (generally the equivalent of the English of construction, most commonly indicating possession). Hence it can be understood as Jesus’ testimony—the testimony which Christ Himself bears today when He manifests Himself in a special way through those who have the gift of prophecy. When they tell of what they have seen in vision, it is just as verily the Spirit of Christ which is in them as it was in the prophets in olden days. In this connection we would submit the following considerations: EGWC 550.3

1, We refer first of all to Revelation 1:1, 2, where we read of the “Revelation of Jesus Christ.” This revelation “God gave unto him.” An angel is used by the Lord to convey this revelation to the prophet John. John bears record of “the testimony of Jesus Christ.” It will be observed that here we have the possessive genitive in each case. It is the “Revelation” of Jesus Christ. It is the “testimony” of Jesus Christ. It is His “witness,” for the Father gave it to Him, and He gave it to His servant John. EGWC 550.4

2. The same thought is emphasized in Hebrews 1:1, 2. There we read that God, who “spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,” speaks to us today “by his Son.” The message was not that of the prophet; it was God’s message. The same thing is true today. God speaks through His beloved Son, and Christ speaks through the prophets. That which He speaks is His testimony—the testimony of Jesus. EGWC 550.5

3. We might observe also the word given to us in 1 Peter 1:11. Again we refer to the prophets of ancient days. When they ministered, when they bore their testimony, it was the result of the “Spirit of Christ which was in them.” These prophets were God’s servants; He sent them; He spake through them. God claimed the prophets as His own. He calls them “my servants the prophets.” Jeremiah 29:19. God also gave His word to them, for He said to His servant Jeremiah, “Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.” Jeremiah 1:9. EGWC 551.1

God’s word through the prophets was obligatory, for we read in 2 Chronicles 29:25: “So was the commandment of the Lord by his prophets.” God also revealed His secrets to the prophets. “He revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7. EGWC 551.2

God revealed Himself to His prophets in visions and dreams. “If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” Numbers 12:6. It was in this manner that He revealed His will to them. EGWC 551.3