Ellen G. White: God’s End Time Messenger
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By Stephen Billiter
"In these last days, when iniquity shall abound, and the love of many shall wax cold, God will have a people to glorify his name, and stand as reprovers of unrighteousness. They are to be a "peculiar people," who will be true to the law of God, when the world shall seek to make void its precepts; and when the converting power of God works through his servants, the hosts of darkness will array themselves in bitter and determined opposition. Satan will work with "all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness." He will employ every device of deception to seduce the souls of men and if "it were possible," he "shall deceive the very elect." {Ellen G. White: RH, May 8, 1888 par. 7}
These words of Ellen White speak to today’s times as the daily news reports reveal the increasing crime and overall rising wickedness in the world. It is very clear that Satan is now working with “all power and signs and lying wonders” as we experience an unprecedented increase of occult activity especially among young people today, and even in the professed Christian churches. As the Scripture says: “Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”( 1Tim. 4:1:AKJV). And this from a faithful minister of the gospel:
“But the Bible is not caught by surprise by the occult revolution. God's word spelled out long ago that in the last days, just prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, men would give heed to "seducing spirits" and "doctrines of devils" (1 Timothy 4:1); and Jesus warned that at the end there would be "false Christ’s and false prophets." Matthew 24:24. And Paul predicted that the Devil would be transformed "into an angel of light" for the purpose of deception. 2 Corinthians 11:14.What other explanation could be given, except that a generation has rejected or at least neglected God for so long that now it turns to the most sordid forms of worship in history?” (Joe Crews).
Another popular theologian and minister states: “In the last thirty years this generation has witnessed the accelerated growth of homosexuality, witchcraft, spiritualism, and now vampirism. Discerning observers should note the trend and the forces behind it” (Steve Wohlberg). Steve Wohlberg has been at the forefront of exposing the current trends of the occult movement including the popular Harry Potter series as well as the increasingly trendy vampire movies, along with other forms of witchcraft and spiritualism.
A great many today that includes non-Christians, see that trouble is coming on the world as we cannot fail to notice this apocalyptic―like, huge, very dangerous oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico that holds millions in the United States in fearful apprehension for the future. This, on the heels of earthquakes around the world including the recent one in Haiti that claimed over 200,000 lives; then Argentina suffered a 9.3 magnitude shaker well out–to-sea that could have been much worse; in 2004, Indonesia experienced an earthquake―induced tidal wave that killed 300,000. America was devastated by the hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and in 2001 the World Trade Center was brought down in flames killing 3000 people. This writer and many others believe that Ellen White over 100 years ago prophesied of this event found in Volume 9 of the “Testimonies for the Church,” p. 11, and onwards (World Trade Center Disaster).
My Personal Testimony
I became familiar with Ellen White over 29 years ago. At this time in my life, I was searching for truth, having experienced salvation, and was a member of the Baptist church. Then one day months prior to my first involvement with a Revelation Seminar; I was browsing the religious section of my local library for something to read. Then, I believe by God’s providence, I chose a copy of the “Great Controversy,” which is a book that I now consider the most important Ellen White work for these end time days. I read the book having never heard of Ellen White and never having heard of the 7th Day Adventist Church. I mainly recall that the book simply just rang true to me; in which later my impressions were that the Holy Spirit in me recognized that same Spirit in her writings.
In later months, as I went through Bible seminar presentations, I accepted the 7th Day Sabbath, and all of the other distinctive truths of the Adventist Church. Following my baptism in the church, I became more familiar with Ellen White, while fully realizing the prophetic role that she played in the formation of the remnant church and other important works that God led her into. I saw that she passed all of the 12 tests of a true prophet and that her life in every regard was that of a very godly Christian woman who worked tirelessly for God in the role that He called her to for 70 years, which includes 2000 visions and dreams recorded for our benefit. I see the Holy Spirit’s influence in her writings confirming that no person that’s uninspired could possibly write like she writes. Many times I have been literally amazed at the power, majesty, truth and beauty that flowed from her pen.
Just as there is no record of sin for Daniel recorded in the Bible; or just a few sins such as in Abrahams case; I have not found a record anywhere of serious sin in Ellen G. White after she resisted an early vision thinking it was mesmerism at a young age. However, we know from the Bible record that: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23; AKJV). This simply proves that Ellen G. White was a very godly Christian woman who truly put God first at every opportunity and never exalted herself in any way. In addition, while many say “the Bible only is all we need;” which it is true that the Bible is our only rule of faith and doctrine; it’s quite noteworthy that God has chosen in these final days to give us increased light upon His Word and to help us be ready for His soon coming through Ellen G. White; and believe me, I need all I can get! So be it far from me to refuse what the LORD has sent in my direction that shines light on my path to heaven. Ellen White says about her writings: “The Word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind, and may be understood by those who have any desire to understand it. But notwithstanding all this, some who profess to make the Word of God their study are found living in direct opposition to its plainest teachings. Then, to leave men and women without excuse, God gives plain and pointed Testimonies, bringing them back to the Word that they have neglected to follow.” {3SM 31.1}
Lifting up the Bible
“Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:20-21). We are to prove everything by the Word of God and if anything does not line up, then we can honestly disregard it. So of course Ellen White did not add to, nor did she take away from Holy Writ; she simply held up the Bible like no other person that I have ever seen do. In her own words she terms herself the “lesser light” that leads to the “greater light” the Bible (see on “Colporteur Ministry” P.125.2, by Ellen White). And in her own words is this:
“He who will study the Bible with a humble and teachable spirit will find it a sure guide, pointing out the way of life with unfailing accuracy. But what does your study of the Bible avail, brethren and sisters, unless you practice the truths it teaches? That holy book contains nothing that is nonessential; nothing is revealed that has not a bearing upon our actual lives. The deeper our love for Jesus, the more highly we shall regard that word as the voice of God directly to us” {5T 303.2}.
So very much unlike the more modern day false prophets that have proliferated since Joseph Smith of the Mormon Church, Mary Baker Eddy of Christian Science, and the Watchtower Society of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Church; Ellen G. White’s writings are all in complete agreement with Scripture. My suggestions for Christians and others who are unfamiliar with her work is to simply read a few of her works such as “Steps to Christ” a short salvational book that has been translated into 140 languages which has undoubtedly brought comfort and truth to millions; and “The Desire of Ages,” which is beyond any doubt the best work ever on the life of Jesus Christ; and the “Great Controversy” (between Christ and Satan) which covers the history of the church through the Reformation, the Snares of Satan;(that show the devils strategies) with much information on end time events including the Mark of the Beast (see on Revelation 13). My belief is that Spirit-filled Christians will be led of God into all truth as we humbly seek Him, and come to Him in prayer seeking answers from His Word.
What the Bible says about the Gift of Prophecy
God communicates with man largely through the prophets whether they gave canon of Scripture or not. The Lord says: “And He said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known to him in a vision, and will speak to him in a dream,” (Num 12:6) and then in Amos: Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets (Vs.7). Then whoever claims the prophetic office; his life and testimony must line up with the rest of the prophets and the law of God: “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa 8:20). Then it certainly follows that the more familiar we are with the Bible, then the less chance we have to be deceived, as we simply line up truth with what information is presented. When we verify all of the evidences of the Spirit of Prophecy, (Ellen White) then we also can see how the additional details given by the Holy Spirit fit into Inspiration.
In the book of Joel we read: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28). Women are certainly included here as having the gift of prophecy, and we already know that the Bible contains many examples of women prophets including Miriam, the sister of Moses; (Exodus 15:20) along with Anna; (Luke 2:36) and the 4 daughters of Philip; (Acts 21:8,9). Interestingly enough as well, just a few verses down from Joel 2:28,in vs. 31, the Bible gives the prophecy of the “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the grmeat and the terrible day of the LORD come,” and connected with this prophecy that had its fulfillment in 1780, is the magnificent, unparalleled meteor shower (Matt. 24:29: “and the stars shall fall from heaven”) in the NE United States that occurred in 1833―a scant 11 years before Ellen White received her first vision. The 6th seal of Revelation 6:12, 13, (Revelations Sixth Seal) contains the same prophecy, and the 7th seal is the return of Jesus.
All of the Spiritual gifts are to remain in the church until Jesus comes, “unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” and in the present writer’s opinion, Ellen Whites 70 year end-time ministry appears to be God’s providence as the timing does seem God-ordained. In Ellen Whites book the “The Great Controversy,” which contains valuable exposition upon end-time events Bible prophecy; and especially Revelation 13 that consists of America in Prophecy and the Mark of the Beast;(Beast of Revelation 13; United States in Prophecy) the LORD prepares us for this very trying time that is just ahead. The prophet has also written much upon the snares and traps of Satan to help us recognize and avoid them.
Scripture testifies to the perpetuity of all the gifts: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” ( Eph 4:11-13). At glorification when Jesus changes us into immortality, then we shall become perfect in Christ, and so all of the gifts will remain in the church until then.
The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
Just like the Bible has been attacked from all directions and sources down through the centuries of the Jewish and the Christian dispensation; the prophetic ministry of Ellen White has been attacked too, and still is; as virtually on a weekly basis new, illogical, out-of-context “proofs” that she’s a “false prophet” come to light. It is not the intent of this writer to do an exhaustive work exposing a great many of these of these so-called proofs; but to show in a very general way the real character of the enemy’s attacks. I think it important to first consider the source of the criticisms in light of the parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew 13. The Lord Jesus in vss. 24-30 and vss. 37-42 tells us about this condition that will end at His coming.
What the Lord means here is that in the church will be the wheat―the true Spirit-filled Christians, and the tares―who are the false professors of Christ. Especially in the beginnings of each class it is very nearly sometimes impossible to tell them apart. The real Christians and the false ones will grow together until the harvest at the end of the world when Jesus says: “gather the wheat into my barn” and the tares: “bind them in bundles to burn them” (Matt. 13:30). False professors―tares; can never know the saving truth because there is no indwelling Holy Spirit; thus they are sure to attack the real work of God because they cannot discern it. It is not our work to unrighteously judge anyone; but to pull some from the flames with meekness and fear considering ourselves. The distinction should be made that criticisms of the Bible are made by non-Christians; and criticisms against Ellen White are made by professing Christians.
Comparisons in Bible Attacks, and Ellen White Attacks
In this section, I want to present one of these so-called Bible contradictions with a parallel to an Ellen White contradiction and show that like unjust Bible contradictions, the alleged Ellen White contradictions are made in the same manner without any proper exegesis, or exposition of the matter at hand guided by the Spirit of God.
Bible
#9: When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, was it before defeating the Philistines or after? After: 2 Samuel 5 and 6. Before: I Chronicles 13 and 14, (criticism source: "101 Bible Contradictions”).
This is not a contradiction as the Israelites moved the ark twice as a careful reading will show.” This is not really a problem. Shabbir Ally (101 Bible Contradictions) should have continued reading on further to 1 Chronicles 15, as he would then have seen that David brought the Ark after defeating the Philistines. The reason for this is that the Israelites moved the Ark of the Covenant twice. The first time, they moved it from Baal, prior to the defeat of the Philistines, as we see in 2 Samuel 5 and 6 and in 1 Chronicles 15. Once the prophet Samuel narrates David's victory over the Philistines, he tells us about both times when the Ark was moved. However in 1 Chronicles, the order is as follows: the Ark was first moved from Baal; then David defeated the Philistines; and finally, the Ark was moved from the House of Obed-Edom” (101 Bible Contradictions: “Cleared Up").
Ellen White
In a similar manner, here is an alleged contradiction against Ellen White: Was the plan of salvation made after the fall? EGW: YES. "The kingdom of grace was instituted immediately after the fall of man, when a plan was devised for the redemption of the guilty race" (Great Controversy, p. 347). BIBLE: NO. "For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight" (Ephesians 1:4; “Cult Awareness and Information Library”).
Grace was not needed before the fall, and EGW refers to the kingdom of grace that was only needed when sin entered into the human race. But just like we need to take the entire Bible in consideration to form our doctrines, we also need to consider other EGW statements as well to arrive at her position. Since the Bible and EGW are inspired from the same Holy Spirit, we can also put the two together to form deeper understandings of the exhaustless Word of God. They will never contradict each other. Details added by the Spirit of God is not adding to God’s Word or rather adding to Bible doctrine. It is confusing to add to the Word of God as false teachers and false prophets do.
Now the present writer has discovered that the plan of salvation was made in stages; its foundation is from eternity; and we must remember that God does not tell us of every detail of this great plan at all. After the fall, Jesus and the Father agreed that He (Jesus) would become the Sacrifice for guilty man and we are not told if this action was a kind of ratification of the fundamental eternal plan, only that three stages are defined from the Bible and EGW:
• From eternity.
• From the foundation of the world.
• After the fall.
Before the Foundation of the World: The Bible
1. “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world” (Eph.1:4).
2.“. . . as of a “lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world” (1Pet. 1:19,20).
Since the Foundation of the World: The Bible
1.“Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).
2.“. . . whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 17:8).
3.“. . . the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8).
EGW on all Three Stages
1.“All our thoughts and imaginations will not alter in the least any part of the plan of redemption devised from all eternity”—(The Signs of the Times, Feb. 5, 1894). “It was in the death of “Christ, in the cruel suffering and crucifixion, that the Son of God accomplished the very work for which he was ordained from before the foundation of the world.”—Signs of the Times, Mar. 26, 1894
2.“. . .. “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the “foundation of the world” {CSA 58.2}.
3. “Sorrow filled heaven as it was realized that man was lost and that the world which God had created was to be filled with mortals doomed to misery, sickness, and death, and that there was no way of escape for the offender. The whole family of Adam must die. I then saw the lovely Jesus and beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon His countenance. Soon I saw Him approach the exceeding bright light which enshrouded the Father. Said my accompanying angel, "He is in close converse with His Father." The anxiety of the angels seemed to be intense while Jesus was communing with His Father.”
“Three times He was shut in by the glorious light about the Father, and the third time He came from the Father we could see His person. His countenance was calm, free from all perplexity and trouble, and shone with a loveliness which words cannot describe. He then made known to the angelic choir that a way of escape had been made for lost man; that He had been pleading with His Father, and had obtained permission to give His own life as a ransom for the race, to bear their sins, and take the sentence of death upon Himself, thus opening a way whereby they might, through the merits of His blood, find pardon for past transgressions, and by obedience be brought back to the garden from which they were driven. Then they could again have access to the glorious, immortal fruit of the tree of life to which they had now forfeited all right.” {EW 126.1}.
And so we clearly see here that Ellen White is in complete agreement with the Bible: “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8), and, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34) agrees with, “Sorrow filled heaven as it was realized that man was lost…..” “that He had been pleading with His Father, and had obtained permission to give His own life as a ransom for the race” {EW 126.1}. We also see that EGW does not contradict the Bible as she agrees with it.
Not only was the alleged contradiction taken out of context, but some other statements from her inspired pen were not even considered. So these two alleged contradictory examples given here―the first concerning the Bible as to when the Ark was moved―and this one directed against Ellen White concerning the timing of the plan of salvation, are both completely without merit as it is shown here. Moreover, a great many attacks upon Ellen White have come from disgruntled former Adventist ministers who have renounced Adventism, and had drifted into an aggressive attack mode in which all of their allegations are without merit. Similar to the course of wolves not sparing the flock, these attackers will search until they really believe that they have found actual evidence―but they are unable to discern the truth. We should also bear in mind that when we become familiar with the Spirit of Prophecy, we see that Ellen White was given great light upon Bible truth that does not affect canon of Scripture concerning our doctrines and rules of faith that are found only in Holy Writ.
Many times over the course of my studies I have encountered Bible texts and Ellen White statements that just left me puzzling over the meanings. So then these are the times I that use all of my resources available to find the answer to my own questions and in all cases I have found the answers under guidance from God. Unlike the writings of Ellen White, I see that the Bible contains several instances in prophecy where no light is now to be had on the text; but unfolding events or a revealing from God can change that. Many times I have examined charges in regards to contradictions of EGW statements with the Bible or other “false prophet” allegations. In every case I have found the allegations to be completely without merit.
Accusations of Plagiarism
I will touch briefly upon charges of plagiarism directed at Ellen White while linking to more extensive studies and evidence. She has been called a thief, and a liar, in which all of the charges are totally without merit. Ellen White, due to her extensive writing upon historical matters including church history, found it necessary to engage in literary borrowing which never evolved into plagiarism―which is copying the words and ideas of another and presenting them as your own. In the authors preface to the Great Controversy, which contains quite a lot of history, she said:
“The great events which have marked the progress of reform in past ages are matters of history, well known and universally acknowledged by the Protestant world; they are facts which none can gainsay. This history I have presented briefly, in accordance with the scope of the book, and the brevity which must necessarily be observed, the facts having been condensed into as little space as seemed consistent with a proper understanding of their application. In some cases where a historian has so grouped together events as to afford, in brief, a comprehensive view of the subject, or has summarized details in a convenient manner, his words have been quoted; but except in a few instances no specific credit has been given, since they are not quoted for the purpose of citing that writer as authority, but because his statement affords a ready and forcible presentation of the subject. In narrating the experience and views of those carrying forward the work of reform in our own time, similar use has occasionally been made of their published works” {GC88 h.1}.
Ellen White plainly tells us her methods for using the works of others, and no attempt is made to hide anything, or to present these borrowed statements as her own. Some years ago the Seventh day Adventist Church hired an attorney to investigate all charges of plagiarism and after putting in 300 hours of work, Attorney Vincent Ramik, senior partner of Diller, Ramik, and Wight, specialists in patent, trademark, and copyright law summarized: “Review: Attorney Ramik, how would you sum up the legal case against Ellen White as far as charges of plagiarism, piracy, and copyright infringement are concerned? Ramik: “If I had to be involved in such a legal case, I would much rather appear as defense counsel than for the prosecution. There simply is no case!” (Ellen White Answers). Please see the Works Cited page for the web link to; “Ellen White Answers,” that provides all of the necessary proof that completely exonerates Ellen G. White from charges of plagiarism.
Early Life and Waiting for Jesus to Come
Ellen White was born Ellen Gould Harmon in Gorham, Maine, November 26, 1827, and her parents Robert and Eunice Harmon, were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At age 9, young Ellen suffered a serious accident that affected her for the rest of her life as she was hit in the nose by a rock thrown by another child. For two years she struggled with resentments against God because her life seemed a wreck, and useless after this very debilitating accident. Ellen’s parents had the joy of seeing all 8 of their children converted to Christ; however, Ellen struggled before her conversion with theological issues church as justification, sanctification, and the prospects of an eternally burning hell. Concerning this she says:
“At times my sense of guilt and responsibility to God lay so heavy upon my soul, that I could not sleep but lay awake for hours, thinking of my lost condition and what was best for me to do…. I seemed to be cut off from all chance of earthly happiness, and doomed to continual disappointment and mortification. Even the tender sympathy of my friends pained me, for my pride rebelled against being in a condition to excite their pity. My prospect of worldly enjoyment was blighted, and heaven seemed closed against me.” {LS88 135.4}
In her own words Ellen, was converted at age 11, and joined the Methodist church and the next year she was to hear William Miller give his thrilling message of Christ’s return in Oct. of 1844. In her own words:
“At the age of eleven years I was converted, and when twelve years old was baptized, and joined the Methodist Church. At the age of thirteen I heard William Miller deliver his second course of lectures in Portland, Maine. I then felt that I was not holy, not ready to see Jesus. And when the invitation was given for church members and sinners to come forward for prayers, I embraced the first opportunity, for I knew that I must have a great work done for me to fit me for heaven. My soul was thirsting for full and free salvation, but knew not how to obtain it. In 1842, I constantly attended the second advent meetings in Portland, Maine, and fully believed that the Lord was coming. I was hungering and thirsting for full salvation, an entire conformity to the will of God.”
“Day and night I was struggling to obtain this priceless treasure that all the riches of earth could not purchase. As I was bowed before God praying for this blessing, the duty to go and pray in a public prayer meeting was presented before me. I had never prayed vocally in meeting, and drew back from the duty, fearing that if I should attempt to pray I would be confounded. Every time I went before the Lord in secret prayer this unfulfilled duty presented itself, until I ceased to pray, and settled down in a melancholy state, and finally in deep despair. In this state of mind I remained for three weeks, with not one ray of light to pierce the thick clouds of darkness around me. I then had two dreams which gave me a faint ray of light and hope” (The dreams here referred to will be found on pages 78-81, of Early Writings).
“After that I opened my mind to my devoted mother. She told me that I was not lost and advised me to go and see Brother Stockman, who then preached to the Advent people in Portland. I had great confidence in him, for he was a devoted and beloved servant of Christ. His words affected me and led me to hope. I returned home and again went before the Lord, and promised that I would do and suffer anything if I could have the smiles of Jesus. The same duty was presented. There was to be a prayer meeting that evening, which I attended, and when others knelt to pray, I bowed with them trembling, and after two or three had prayed, I opened my mouth in prayer before I was aware of it, and the promises of God looked to me like so many precious pearls that were to be received by only asking for them. As I prayed, the burden and agony of soul that I had so long felt left me and the blessing of God came upon me like the gentle dew. I gave glory to God for what I felt, but I longed for more. I could not be satisfied till I was filled with the fullness of God. Inexpressible love for Jesus filled my soul. Wave after wave of glory rolled over me, until my body grew stiff. Everything was shut out from me but Jesus and glory, and I knew nothing of what was passing around me” {EW 12.1}.
At this time Ellen and her family were believers in William Millers Advent message and soon got into trouble with the Methodist church as 7 of them were cast out at once. During this period up until October 22nd 1844, the day of the Great Disappointment, there was much excitement as the Advent people prepared for Christ’s return. Farmers left fields of grain unharvested, other business was left unattended, and many purchased ascension robes to be ready for translation to heaven. October 22, 1844 came and went with no return of Christ. This time in history is called the Great Disappointment.
William Miller, though he had the date correct, was mistaken upon the earth being cleansed instead of the Most Holy compartment in heaven which is the meaning of: “Unto 2300 days, then shall the sanctuary be cleansed”(Daniel 8:14). There is much evidence that this mistake is providential and that God ordained its happening, which is the subject of another article. Otherwise, how so many Bible scholars including William Miller could could be blinded to this verse: Mat 24:36: “But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”
So for four and a half years young Ellen’s all-absorbing interest was in the return of her Savior, and she told others of the great love of Jesus in giving His all for us. But the disappointment of October came with a terrible blow that threatened the faith of a great many Advent believers. Many, especially the wait-and-see scoffers, derided the faithful and scorned them to open shame. And others with shallow roots in themselves, left the LORD altogether. But Ellen was among the ones that remained faithful to Jesus wondering what mistake had been made. Then, with a heavenly revelation given to Hiram Edson and subsequent visions by Ellen White, (EW pp. 42-45) it was determined that the sanctuary to be cleansed was in heaven, and not the earth as by fire and the coming of Christ.
God Calls His Messenger
In the latter part of December, 1844, Ellen White and a few other women were visiting at the home of a Mrs. Haines of Portland, Maine. When they were all kneeling together in prayer, she became oblivious to her surroundings and was given a vision of the future experiences of the Advent people, and the coming of Christ: here in her own words is a part of this vision:
“While I was praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon me, and I seemed to be rising higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, "Look again, and look a little higher." At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the beginning of the path, which an angel told me was the midnight cry. This light shone all along the path and gave light for their feet so that they might not stumble. If they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the city, they were safe. But soon some grew weary, and said the city was a great way off, and they expected to have entered it before.”
“Then Jesus would encourage them by raising His glorious right arm, and from His arm came a light which waved over the Advent band, and they shouted, "Alleluia!" Others rashly denied the light behind them and said that it was not God that had led them out so far. The light behind them went out, leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and they stumbled and lost sight of the mark and of Jesus, and fell off the path down into the dark and wicked world below. Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. When God spoke the time, He poured upon us the Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God, as Moses' did when he came down from Mount Sinai…………” {EW 14.1}.
“Then Jesus' silver trumpet sounded, as He descended on the cloud, wrapped in flames of fire. He gazed on the graves of the sleeping saints, then raised His eyes and hands to heaven, and cried, "Awake! awake! awake! ye that sleep in the dust, and arise." Then there was a mighty earthquake. The graves opened, and the dead came up clothed with immortality. The 144,000 shouted, "Alleluia!" as they recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air” {EW 16.1}.
Let’s examine this first vision of young Ellen G. Harmon and compare it to Scripture:
(The first line of each designation is from the vision: the rest is Scripture)
1. “While I was praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon me,” “but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2Peter1:21).”And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,” (Luke 1:67).
2. "At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path,” “narrow is the way, which leads to life” (Matt. 7:14). Thus said the LORD, Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls….” (Jer. 6:16).
3. “This light shone all along the path and gave light for their feet so that they might not stumble” “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, “I am the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). “For you have delivered my soul from death: will not you deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?” (Psalm 56:13).
4. "If they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the city they were safe.” “If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned”(John 15:6). Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Php. 2:5). “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:2).
5. “Then Jesus would encourage them by raising His glorious right arm and from His arm came a light which waved over the Advent band” “You have also given me the shield of your salvation: and your right hand has held me up, and your gentleness has made me great” (Psalm 18:35). “Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mark 8:34).” “I am with you always, even to the end of the world”(Matt. 28:20). “That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world” (John 1:9).
6. “Others rashly denied the light behind them and said that it was not God that had led them out so far” “And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted” (Matt. 28:17). “And with all delusion of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2Th 2:10). “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us” (1Jn 2:19).
7. “Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters” “And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters” (Rev 1:15). “The voice of the LORD is on the waters: the God of glory thunders: the LORD is on many waters” (Psalm 29:3). “And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps” (Rev 14:2).
8. “The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake” “And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth”(Rev 14:3), “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand” (Dan 12:10), “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd” (John 10:16).
9. “Then Jesus' silver trumpet sounded, as He descended on the cloud…. The graves opened, and the dead came up clothed with immortality” “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1Th 4:16). “Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen” (Rev. 1:7).
10. “…And in the same moment we were changed and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air” “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Th 4:17).
We can see that this vision parallels Scripture in every regard, and there is nothing in disagreement. The Holy Spirit reveals a shining, glorious, straight path to the kingdom of God! What an encouragement was the Spirit of Prophecy to the little company bowed down in prayer. The vision made it clear the “city was yet a great way off” and Jesus would not return real soon, as in shortly after 1844. The vision also revealed that they were to abide in Jesus and not grow weary like others seen on the path who fell away to the dark world. Then comes the signs of His eminent return and the King of Kings descends in terrific majesty and calls the sleeping saints to everlasting life as the ones alive will be translated without seeing death.
About a week later, a second vision revealed that she was to make known to others what she had seen, and also related to her call she was shown the trials, opposition, and travail of her spirit that Satan was to bring upon her through his agents: “But said the angel, "The grace of God is sufficient for you; He will hold you up" {EW 20.1}. After Ellen came out of the first vision, she lay on her face for a long time in a very troubled state realizing that at age seventeen, and in very poor health she felt not capable of the work of God’s messenger. She feared the exalting of self and because of that she would become lost. She went to the LORD in prayer: “I went to the Lord in prayer and begged Him to lay the burden on someone else. It seemed to me that I could not bear it. I lay upon my face a long time, and all the light I could get was, "Make known to others what I have revealed to you" {EW 20.2}.
In these times, fanaticism and mesmerism was everywhere and very soon as Ellen Harmon began to relate to others her visions, she was soon accused of these evils. Then later at home she had another vision and she began thinking, “mesmerism” and she resisted the vision. In her own words she says:
“All these things weighed heavily upon my spirits, and in the confusion I was sometimes tempted to doubt my own experience. While at family prayers one morning, the power of God began to rest upon me, and the thought rushed into my mind that it was mesmerism, and I resisted it. Immediately I was struck dumb and for a few moments was lost to everything around me. I then saw my sin in doubting the power of God, and that for so doing I was struck dumb, and that my tongue would be loosed in less than twenty-four hours. A card was held up before me, on which were written in letters of gold the chapter and verse of fifty texts of Scripture (these texts are given on page 24 and onwards in Early Writings). After I came out of vision, I beckoned for the slate, and wrote upon it that I was dumb, also what I had seen, and that I wished the large Bible. I took the Bible and readily turned to all the texts that I had seen upon the card. I was unable to speak all day. Early the next morning my soul was filled with joy, and my tongue was loosed to shout the high praises of God. After that I dared not doubt or for a moment resist the power of God, however others might think of me” {EW 22.2}.
“…Believe His Prophets, so shall You Prosper”― 2Ch 20:20
Throughout God’s dealings with man, He has employed His prophets to guide, warn, instruct, in addition to giving His dreams and visions with the aid of angels, just like Ellen White received of God’s providence. Had not God protected Ellen White from Satan, then she would have been slain just like the OT prophets were: “In that vision it was shown that in the sudden attack at Jackson, Satan intended to take my life, in order to hinder the work I was about to write; but angels of God were sent to my rescue”….( {LS88 339.1}. God still had a work for Ellen White to do; perhaps unlike some Bible prophets that He allowed to become martyrs for His cause. All of God’s prophets were severely tested and tried as only the true and faithful could serve God in this highest capacity of the work of God. I can testify just how the books of Isaiah, Daniel, Moses, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, King David, and all of the Bible prophets have shown me God’s Word, comforted, and exhorted me to love and serve Him over the years. In a similar manner, Ellen White’s writings have led me to deeper understandings of those same Bible truths with added knowledge, guidance, and instruction.
We see that Daniel was given interpretations of visions in the Old Testament: “And he informed me, and talked with me, and said,” “O Daniel, I am now come forth to give you skill and understanding. At the beginning of your supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show you; for you are greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision” ( Dan. 9:22,23). Gabriel also appeared to Zacharias to inform him of the birth of John the Baptist.
An angel who accompanied Ellen White and instructed her did so over 250 times (approximately) in this style: Said the angel, “Rebellion will occur up to the time of the closing of the work of the third angel’s message” {CTr 115.4}. “I was directed to the following Scriptures.” Said the angel, "They are to instruct God's people" ({CG 416.3}. We see that all of the angels instructions were Scriptural concerning Ellen White―unlike the “angel” Moroni, who supposedly appeared to the Mormon founder Joseph Smith containing golden plates with the Book of Mormon written upon them, which upon examination grossly contradicts Scripture. His life, unlike Ellen White’s, contrasts greatly with the 12 tests of a true prophet linked to earlier in this article.
The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake Prophecy
"While at Loma Linda, Cal., April 16, 1906, there passed before me a most wonderful representation. During a vision of the night, I stood on an eminence, from which I could see houses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings, great and small, were falling to the ground. Pleasure resorts, theaters, hotels, and the homes of the wealthy were shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the air was filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified” {LS 407.2}.
"The destroying angels of God were at work. One touch, and buildings so thoroughly constructed that men regarded them as secure against every danger, quickly became heaps of rubbish. There was no assurance of safety in any place. I did not feel in any special peril, but the awfulness of the scenes that passed before me I cannot find words to describe. It seemed that the forbearance of God was exhausted, and that the judgment day had come” {LS 407.3}.
"On April 18, two days after the scene of falling buildings had passed before me, I went to fill an appointment in the Carr Street church, Los Angeles. As we neared the church, we heard the newsboys crying, “SAN FRANCISCO DESTROYED BY AN EARTHQUAKE!” With a heavy heart I read the first hastily printed news of the terrible disaster." {“Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 9, P. 94.}.
Unlike God’s warning to Nineveh, or other prophecies, it appears that San Francisco had filled their cup of iniquity for that time and no prophet was sent to warn the city to repent. Fearful are the future scenes represented in Revelation and Daniel at the close of man’s probation when the 7 last plagues will pour out on those who accept the Mark of the Beast: “And the first went, and poured out his vial on the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore on the men which had the Mark of the Beast, and on them which worshipped his image” (Rev. 16:2).
A Prophecy Yet Future
In the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan; Satan grows angrier with each passing generation, thus the increasing wickedness the present writer listed in the beginning of this article. In Ellen Whites vision of a train traveling to perdition at lightning speed, almost the whole world is on board deceived by Spiritualism in its various guises and forms.
“I saw the rapidity with which this delusion (Spiritualism) was spreading. A train of cars was shown me, going with the speed of lightning. The angel bade me look carefully. I fixed my eyes upon the train. It seemed that the whole world was on board, that there could not be one left. Said the angel, "They are binding in bundles ready to burn." Then he showed me the conductor, who appeared like a stately, fair person, whom all the passengers looked up to and reverenced. I was perplexed and asked my attending angel who it was. He said, "It is Satan. He is the conductor in the form of an angel of light. He has taken the world captive. They are given over to strong delusions, to believe a lie, that they may be damned. This agent, the next highest in order to him, is the engineer, and other of his agents are employed in different offices as he may need them, and they are all going with lightning speed to perdition" {EW 88.2}.
We are fully in this time now as the occult explosion and spiritualism is everywhere; even in the professed Christian churches as Sunday observance and the immortality of the soul are the two great errors leading the way. Satan, the master of deception, often appears as an angel of light deceiving the very elect were it to be possible. Only by the light of the Word of God are we able to discern his snares, along with the Spirit of God to lead us. The Bible says: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2Co 11:13-15). So it should be no wonder that God has told us exactly what to expect in the near future.
“As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour's advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. [Revelation 1:13-15.] The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air, “Christ has come! Christ has come!”
“The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands, and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed his disciples when he was upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion. Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus, the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying, This is “the great power of God.” [Acts 8:10.] {GC88 624.1}
However, Satan will not be permitted to counterfeit the manner of His coming. Christ has warned us of false prophets and how they will deceive in His Word (Matthew 24:24). But through 6000 years of earth’s history, the prophets of God from Enoch prophesying of His coming with “ten thousands of His saints” (Jude 1:14), to Moses prophesying of Christ Himself coming: “The LORD your God will raise up to you a Prophet from the middle of you, of your brothers, like to me; to him you shall listen” (Deut. 18:15), and then as Isaiah answered God’s call: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then said I, “Here am I; send me” (Isa 6:8). Then we have Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, all great men of God along with the prophets of the New Testament, including John of Patmos in which many of the apocalyptic prophecies given by Jesus Christ have yet to be fulfilled.
And now from the time of the end after 1800, God has called Ellen G. White to fulfill a blessed and Holy work very similar to the Bible prophets of old; albeit a much more prolific effort that includes 2000 visions and dreams; 70,000 pages of published works; 30,000 pages of unpublished―soon to be published in book volumes that has provided comfort and guidance to untold millions of the faithful since 1844. She remained faithful to her death in 1915, serving the LORD and all of mankind for a 70 year ministry. She never bragged, or even claimed the prophetic office, much preferring the term, “messenger” over that of prophet, or prophetess. I would kindly urge everyone that loves Jesus and His truth to become familiar with her books in which the most powerful and significant is the 5 volume series: “Conflict of the Ages” which in sequential order includes: "Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Prophets and Kings” “The Desire of Ages,” a truly Inspiring work on the life of Jesus Christ, “Acts of the Apostles,” and “The Great Controversy,” (between Christ and Satan). These volumes provide a wonderful exposition of the Bible from Creation, to the Earth made new.
It is only the diligent study of the Scriptures, along with studying the Spirit of Prophecy, watching, praying, and discerning the signs of the times that shall make us ready; having the wedding garment of Christs’ righteousness as we fill the oil in our lamps with the Holy Spirit, and with that upward look to Jesus, we shun the world and it’s false unsatisfying attractions and form characters fit for the society of Holy beings for eternity; “Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (Revelation 22:20,21).
Works Cited
101 Bible Contradictions: Web. Retrieved from: http://www.islamawareness.net/Christianity/bible_contra_101.html
101 Bible Contradictions: “Cleared Up!”Web. Retrieved from: http://debate.org.uk/topics/apolog/contrads.htm. Cult Awareness and Information Library.
“Ellen G. White®: A Brief Biography” The White Estate: Web. Retrieved from: http://www.whiteestate.org/about/egwbio.asp#who
Ellen White Answers: Web. Retrieved from: http://ellenwhiteanswers.org/answers/plagarism
Joes Crews Radio Sermons; “All These Things - Part 5: Web. Retrieved from: http://www.amazingfacts.org/Radio/JoeCrewsRadioSermons/tabid/90/ctl/PlayMedia/mid/423/MDID/2003/Default.aspx
Steve Wohlberg: “White Horse Media” Web: Retrieved from: http://whitehorsemedia.com/about/?p=newsletter&d=95
"The author, Steve Billiter is single and currently resides in Reno NV with 3 grown children and several grandchildren who all live elsewhere. He is a full-time college student starting his 5th semester at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno in the fall of 2010, and transferring to the University Of Nevada, Reno, in January 2011; LORD willing, and majoring in Social Work. He will be joining the Sacramento Central SDA Church by September 2010 and is involved in literature work and other ministry; being first baptized in the Adventist church 29 years ago by Lyle Albrecht. Steve has worked primarily as a carpenter over the years."