Ellen White as the “Lesser

Light”

1
Believe His Prophets
• “Therefore I have hewn
them by the prophets”
(Hosea 6:5, RSV).

• “Believe in Jehovah
your God, so shall ye
be established; believe
his prophets, so shall
ye prosper. ” (2 Chron.
20:20, ASV).
2
 The Objective
“The subjects which we present to the world must
be to us a living reality. It is important that in
defending the doctrines which we consider
fundamental articles of faith, we should never allow
ourselves to employ arguments that are not wholly
sound. These may avail to silence an opposer, but
they do not honor the truth. We should present
sound arguments, that will not only silence our
opponents, but will bear the closest and most
searching scrutiny” (Gospel Workers, p. 299).

3
God’s Method of Communication
• Before sin: God and His angels communicated with
them face-to-face.
• After sin:
i. Conscience (Rom 2:15, Joh 1:9)
ii. Nature (Rom 1:20, Ps 19:1-4)
iii. Sanctuary and its services; Urim and Thummim
iv. Dreams e.g. Pharaoh’s, Nebuchadnezzar’s
v. Prophets e.g. Moses
vi. Jesus (Joh 14:9, Heb 1:1,2; Joh 17:3-7)
vii. Bible

4
The Revealer and the Revealed
• The Son reveals God Heb 1:1 God who at sundry times and
in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the
prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his
Son
• The Spirit reveals the Son John 15:26 The Helper will come—
the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God and who comes
from the Father. I will send him to you from the Father, and he
will speak about me (TEV)
• The Spirit will do this by leading us into all truth John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide
you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but
what things soever he shall hear, these shall he speak: and
he shall declare unto you the things that are to come. 14 He
shall glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall declare it
unto you.
5
 Prophets Most Used
• Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God does nothing,
unless He reveals His secret to His servants the
prophets

• 2 Chron. 36:15 The Lord God of their fathers sent

warnings to them by His messengers, rising up
early and sending them, because He had
compassion on His people

Starting from Enoch, there is a long line of splendor

6
 Low Success Rate
• Jer 36:23 And it came to pass, when Jehudi had
read three or four leaves, that the king cut it with the
penknife, and cast it into the fire that was in the
brazier, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that
was in the brazier. 24 And they were not afraid, nor
rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his
servants that heard all these words.
• 2 Sam 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have
sinned against Jehovah. And Nathan said unto
David, Jehovah also hath put away thy sin; thou
shalt not die.
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How God Interacts with Prophets
• 2 Pet. 1:21 Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy
men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit
• Eze. 2:2 Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me,
and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me
• Dan 10:7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men that
were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon
them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone,
and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in
me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I
retained no strength. 9 Yet heard I the voice of his words;
and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I fallen into
a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.
• Num 12:6 If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make
Myself known to him in a vision, and I speak to him in a dream
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How Prophets Interact with People
• Orally: Acts 2; Deuteronomy; Beatitudes;
Nathan with David; Jeremiah with
Zedekiah (Jer. 38:14-19)
• Written: Daniel 12:4; 9:2; Paul’s letters; 2
Pet 3:1
• Dramatisation: Parables; Jeremiah not to
marry (Jer 16:1,2); Valley of dry bones (Ez
37)
9
 Literary Assistants
• Baruch (Jer 36:17, 18)
• Tertius (Romans 16:22), Sosthenes (1 Cor
1:1)
• Obvious difference between quality of
Greek between 1 Peter and 2 Peter
• Presenting compilations by recording eye-
witness accounts, e.g. Luke and Mark

10
 4 Classifications of Prophets
• Prophets who wrote some of the Bible
• Prophets in the Bible but did not write a part
• Who gave oral testimonies not preserved in
the Bible (Num 11:24,25; 1 Sam 10:5,6,10;
Acts 21:9; Huldah consulted by Josiah)
• Those who wrote books not preserved in
the Bible (Nathan and Gad - 1 Chr 29:29;
Jehu – 2 Chr 20:34; Enoch – Jude 14)

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 God is Gender Impartial
Besides men, God also used women as
His prophets
• Miriam (sister to Moses) – Ex 15:20-21
• Deborah – Judges 4:4
• Huldah – 2 Kings 22:14
• Isaiah’s wife – Isaiah 8:3
• Anna – Luke 2:6

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Is the Bible Insufficient?
"The Bible is a perfect and complete
revelation. It is our only rule of faith and
practice. But this is no reason, why God may
not show the past, present, and future
fulfillment of His word, in these last days, by
dreams and visions; according to Peter's
testimony. True visions are given to lead us to
God, and His written word; but those that are
given for a new rule of faith and practice,
separate from the Bible, cannot be from God,
and should be rejected," –James White "A
Word to the Little13 Flock," p. I3, May 30, I847.
 Tests of a Prophet
1. The physical condition of the prophet
when in vision.
2. The personal life of the prophet. That
person is dedicated to Jesus and lives in
obedience and harmony with Biblical
principles.
3. The messages given by the prophet are
in full agreement with Biblical standards,
promises, doctrines, and laws.
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 Physical Phenomena
i. The prophet loses his strength and falls to the ground in a
deep sleep.
ii. Despite the sleep, he hears a voice speaking to him.
iii. In the vision, and at times in physical action, the prophet
arises to his hands and knees and then to his feet when
the being touches him.
iv. At first he is dumb; but, when his lips are touched, he is
enabled to speak.
v. Throughout the vision he is without breath of any kind. His
breathing totally ceases.
vi. Strength is given him during the vision.
vii. Add to this the sign given in Numbers 24:4. During the
vision his eyes are open.
- “Prophet of the End” Harvestime Editor pp38
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 The Weakest of the Weak
“When Ellen reached the meeting place [in a private home],
she found a large room filled with people eager to hear her
describe the vision. But when she stood up to speak, her
voice was so weak and hoarse that she could scarcely be
heard. For five minutes she tried, while her listeners leaned
forward to catch her whispered words.
“Then suddenly, to the surprise of all, her voice changed. It
rang out clear as a bell. She spoke for two hours, describing
the travels of God’s people to the holy City, the coming of
Jesus, and their heavenly home. Many tears were shed, but
they were tears of joy. Every heart was cheered. When Ellen
sat down and tried to talk with those near her, her voice was
as hoarse as before, and she could only whisper.

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 “Some people have wondered why God chose one so
weak to bring His messages to His people. There was a
reason. When that company . . saw Ellen stand up and
try in her weakness to make them hear, and then when
the power of God came upon her, enabling her to speak
clearly, they knew she was not doing it alone—God was
helping her.
“That night as the company broke up, there were shouts
of joy: ‘We are going home! We are going home!’ Some
who watched Ellen’s friends support her as she went
back to the sleigh were thinking of the Apostle Paul’s
words: ‘God hath chosen the weak things of the world to
confound the things which are mighty . . that no flesh
should glory in His presence.’”
—Ella M. Robinson, Stories of My Grandmother, pp. 25-26.
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“The time Mrs. White is in this condition has varied from
fifteen minutes to one hundred and eighty. During this time
the heart and pulse continue to beat, the eyes are always
wide open, and seem to be gazing at some far-distant
object, and are never fixed on any person or thing in the
room. They are always directed upward. They exhibit a
pleasant expression. There is no ghastly look or any
resemblance of fainting. The brightest light may be suddenly
brought near her eyes, or feints made as if to thrust
something into the eye, and there is never the slightest wink
or change in expression on that account; and it is
sometimes hours and even days after she comes out of this
condition before she recovers her natural sight.
“While she is in vision, her breathing entirely ceases. No
breath ever escapes her nostrils or lips when in this
condition…
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 “It has been proved many times by tightly holding the nostrils and
mouth with the hand, and by putting a looking glass so close that
any escape of the moisture of the breath would be detected. In this
condition she often speaks words and short sentences, yet not the
slightest breath escapes. When she goes into this condition, there is
no appearance of swooning or faintness, her face retains its natural
color, and the blood circulates as usual. Often she loses her
strength temporarily and reclines or sits; but at other times she
stands up. She moves her arms gracefully, and often her face is
lighted up with radiance as though the glory of heaven rested upon
her. She is utterly unconscious of everything going on around her
while she is in vision, having no knowledge whatever of what is said
and done in her presence. Persons may pinch her flesh, and do
things which would cause great and sudden pain in her ordinary
condition, and she will not notice it by the slightest tremor.
- George I. Butler, in Review and Herald, June 9, 1874.
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20
• Dr. Drummond, a physician . . who (before he saw her in
vision) had declared her visions to be of mesmeric
[hypnotic] origin and that he could give her a vision,
stepped forward and, after a thorough examination,
turned very pale and remarked, ‘She doesn’t breathe!’
Prophet of the End p45
• One was Dr. Brown of Parkville, Michigan, a medical
doctor who was also a practicing spiritualist. Hearing of
her visions, he declared confidently that they were from
spiritualism and that if he could examine her while in
vision he would be able to prove it—for he would quickly
get in contact with the “floating spirit” guiding her, and
then directly control her himself.
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Elder White said, ‘Will the doctor report her
condition?’ He replied, ‘She does not breathe,’
and rapidly made his way to the door. Those at
the door who knew of his boasting, said, ‘Go
back, and do as you said you would; bring that
woman out of the vision.’ In great agitation he
grasped the knob of the door, but was not
permitted to open it until inquiry was made by
those near the door, ‘Doctor, what is it?’ He
replied, ‘God only knows; let me out of this
house!’ ”—Statement by J.N. Loughborough.
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23
 Visions and Writing
• “ ‘It has been supposed by some that in Mrs. White’s
experiences she wrote while in vision,’ he pointed out, ‘but
this is not true. Some have concluded that when she
wrote she was recording words which she heard repeated
to her by an angel. This, too, is erroneous, except in rare
instances when short, direct quotations are given of what
the attending angel said. Some have been of the opinion
that there was a mechanical force which guided the pen
which she held in her hand. Such a view is also entirely
out of harmony with the facts.
• “The revelation consisted of the enlightening of the mind;
and then, when not in vision, it was the task of the prophet
—with the aid of the Spirit of God, of course—to pass on
to others instruction, admonition and information of a
divine origin which she had received.”
—Arthur L. White Prophet of Destiny, pp. 73-74.
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 Development of Doctrine
• Case studies
– Sabbath 1846
– Sanctuary 1846
– Church order 1851
– The law in Galatians and Righteousness by
Faith 1888

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James White: Place of Visions
The question naturally arises, if the visions are given
to correct the erring, why did she [Mrs. White] not
sooner see the error of the six o'clock time?....
It does not appear to be the desire of the Lord to
teach His people by the gifts of the Spirit on the Bible
questions until His servants have diligently searched
His word…Let the gifts have their proper place in the
church. God has never set them in the very front, and
commanded us to look to them to lead us in the path
of truth, and the way to heaven. Feb. 25, 1868

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 Confirmation
“I asked the angel if the frown of God had been upon
His people for commencing the Sabbath as they had. I
was directed back to the first rise of the Sabbath, and
followed the people of God up to this time, but did not
see that the Lord was displeased, or frowned upon
them. I inquired why it had been thus, that at this late
day we must change the time of commencing the
Sabbath.
“Said the angel, 'Ye shall understand, but not yet, not
yet.' Said the angel, 'If light come, and that light is set
aside or rejected, then comes condemnation and the
frown of God; but before the light comes, there is no
sin, for there is no light for them to reject.”
1T, p. 116
27
 Case: Law in Galatians Debate
“Why was it that I lost the manuscript
and for two years could not find it?
God has a purpose in this. He wants us
to go to the Bible and get the Scripture
evidence.”

1888 Materials, vol. 1, p. 153

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Verbal and Thought Inspiration
“Inspiration acts not on the man‘s words or his
expressions but on the man himself, who, under the
influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with
thoughts. But the words receive the impress of the
individual mind. . . . The divine mind and will is
combined with the human mind and will; thus the
utterances of the man are the word of God.” 1SM 21
"Although I am as dependent upon the Spirit of the
Lord in writing my views as I am in receiving them,
yet the words I employ in describing what I have
seen are my own, unless they be those spoken to
me by an angel, which I always enclose in marks of
quotation.” Review and Herald,
29 Oct. 8, 1867.
 Controversy on Revisions
• Fears came from two directions: Leaders knew (1) that critics
of the denomination would jump at the opportunity to show
that the Adventist “prophet” was unreliable, that she was
manipulated by circumstances and other people; (2) that
changes in published writings would unsettle some
Adventists, causing them to feel they had been misled and
that Ellen White was not a safe guide.
• Were these fears justified? Yes and No. Fears were justified
when leaders observed that many people, both Adventists
and non-Adventists, held an inadequate view of how God
speaks to His human messengers; they believed that God
dictated the exact words that prophets used in revealing
divine messages.
• However, fears were unnecessary whenever people
understood that God inspired the messenger with thoughts,
not words. 30
 1883 Revision Revised
“We have reset many pages of that which was
criticized at Battle Creek, and have made
hundreds of changes in the plates so as to bring
the phraseology of the new edition as nearly as
possible to that of the old without making the
statements awkward and the grammar positively
incorrect.”

Moon, W. C. White and Ellen G. White, p. 128.

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 Revision by Jeremiah
• Jer 36:2 Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all
the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and
against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I
spoke unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this
day.
• Jer 36:27 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah,
after that the king had burned the roll, and the words which
Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying,
• Jer 36:28 Take thee again another roll, and write in it all
the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim
the king of Judah hath burned.
• Jer 36:32 Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to
Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah; who wrote therein
from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which
Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there
were added besides unto them many like words.
32
Ellen White as the “Lesser
Light”

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 Leading Bible Texts

I Corithians 15:41
[There is] one glory of
the sun, and another
glory of the moon, and
another glory of the
stars: for [one] star
differeth from [another]
star in glory.
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 Leading Bible Texts

Genesis 1: 16-17
1:16 And God made two great lights;
the greater light to rule the day, and
the lesser light to rule the night: [he
made] the stars also.
1:17 And God set them in the
firmament of the heaven to give light
upon the earth,
1:18 And to rule over the day and
over the night, and to divide the light
from the darkness: and God saw that
[it was] good.

35
 Leading Bible Texts

Ephesians 5:13, 14
5:13 But all things that are
reproved are made manifest by
the light: for whatsoever doth
make manifest is light.
5:14 Wherefore he saith,
Awake thou that sleepest, and
arise from the dead, and Christ
shall give thee light.
36
 God made the
moon
But just as soon as some enter college
and get a little bit of knowledge they think
they know more than God. And you hear
of the higher critics. Who is the Higher
Critic? It is the Lord God of the universe,
who has spread the canopy of the
heavens above us, and has made the
stars and called them forth in their order;
that has created the lesser light, the glory
of the moon, to come in its order and to
shine in our world.

Miscellaneous Collection ST Vol 1, p256

37
 John the Baptist, the Lesser Light
• “John was the lesser light, which was to be
followed by a greater light. He was to shake the
confidence of the people in their traditions, and call
their sins to their remembrance, and lead them to
repentance; that they might be prepared to
appreciate the work of Christ. God communicated
to John by inspiration, illuminating the prophet that
he might remove the superstition and darkness
from the minds of the honest Jews, which had
been, through false teachings for generations,
gathering upon them.” Second Advent Review and
Sabbath Herald 04-08-73
38
 John was not that Light
All things were made by [the Word]; and without
Him was not any thing made that was made. In
Him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the
darkness comprehendedTEST EVERY
it not. LIGHT
There was a
man sent from God, whose name was
ACCORDING TOJohn. The
same came for a witness, to bear witness of the
THEhim
Light, that all men through BIBLE
might believe. He
was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness
of that Light. That was the true Light, which
lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

John 1:3-9
39
 John was not that Light

He was a burning and a shining light: and

ye were willing for a season to rejoice
TEST EVERY LIGHT in
his light. ACCORDING TO
THE BIBLE
John 5:35

40
 Just like Moses
For the law was given by Moses, but
grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
No man hath seen God at any time; the
only begotten Son, which is in the
bosom of the Father, he hath declared
him.” John 1:14-17

41
 The Law important
With the first advent of Christ there was
ushered in an era of greater light and glory;
but it would indeed be sinful ingratitude to
despise and ridicule the lesser light because
a fuller and more glorious light had
dawned…The brightness of the Father's
glory, and the excellence and perfection of
his sacred law, are only understood through
the atonement made upon Calvary by his
dear Son; but even the atonement loses its
significance when the law of God is rejected.
-- Signs of the Times 08-25-87

42
 Even the Old was glorious
For even that which was made glorious had no glory
in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much
more that which remaineth [is] glorious....
And not as Moses, [which] put a veil over his face,
that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to
the end of that which is abolished:
But their minds were blinded: for until this day
remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading
of the old testament; which [veil] is done away in
Christ.
But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil
is upon their heart.
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil
shall be taken away. 2 Cor 3:10-16 43
Believe Moses, Believe Christ
For had ye believed Moses, ye would
have believed me: for he wrote of me.
But if ye believe not his writings, how
shall ye believe my words?

John 5:46-47

44
How John referred to himself
“And this is the record of John, when the
Jews sent priests and Levites from
Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he
confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I
am not the Christ. And they asked him, What
then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not.
Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that
we may give an answer to them that sent us.
What sayest thou of thyself?” John 1:19-22
45
 Jesus’ reference to John
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet?
Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I
send my messenger before thy face, which
shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say
unto you, Among them that are born of
women there hath not risen a greater than
John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is
least in the kingdom of heaven is greater
than he. Matthew 11:7-13.
46
Why was John’s light rejected?
‘Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto
the truth . . . . He was a burning and a
shining light: and ye were willing for a
season to rejoice in his light.” “And this is
the condemnation, that light is come into the
world, and men loved darkness rather than
light, because their deeds were evil. For
every one that doeth evil hateth the light,
neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds
should be reproved. But he that doeth truth
cometh to the light, that his deeds may be
made manifest, that they are wrought in
God.” John 5:33, 35; 3:19-21.
47
 The experience of Paul
Because the Lord had not given him a new revelation for
that special time, those who were really seeking light did
not cast his message aside as only a common letter. No,
indeed. The Lord had shown him the difficulties and
dangers which would arise in the churches, that when
they should develop he might know just how to treat
them. He was set for the defense of the church . . . . But
when these reproofs came, some would not be
corrected. They took the position that God had not
spoken to them through Paul, that he had merely given
them his opinion as a man, and they regarded their own
judgment as good as that of Paul.–Testimonies for the
Church, vol. 5, p. 65-66
48
 Not new light?
Brother J would confuse the mind by
seeking to make it appear that the
light God has given through the
Testimonies is an addition to the word
of God, but in this he presents the
matter in a false light.

Selected Messages3, p. 30
49
Christ did not reveal new light
But the sayings of Christ are not a new
revelation. The principles which he expounded
were announced to Moses from the pillar of
cloud, and to the prophets, who spoke and wrote
as they were moved upon by the Holy Spirit. But
the Jews had departed from the light and the
grace that had been given them, and had not
practised the sacred teachings that were
essential for their present, spiritual help and for
their eternal interests. Because of this, the words
of Christ fell upon the ears of the Jewish nation
as a new revelation.

50
 Principles of Truth abide
But although the long line of events
extends through so many centuries, and
new and important truths are from time to
time developed, that which was truth in the
beginning is the truth still. The increased
light of the present day does not contradict
or make of none effect the dimmer light of
the past.
—Signs of the Times, 06-03-86
51
 Seeing truth in a new light
If those who have received the light will
appreciate and respect the testimonies of the
Lord, they will see the religious life in a new light.
They will be convicted. They will see the key that
unlocks the mysteries that they have never
understood. They will lay hold of the precious
things that God has given them to profit withal
and will be translated from the kingdom of
darkness into God's marvelous light.
—My Life Today, p. 42
52
 Testimonies reveal new light
We should bear in mind that Christian
experience is progressive, and that the
Testimonies have taught advanced
principles year by year as the work has
progressed and as the people have been
prepared to receive new light.
—Ellen White Biographies, vol. 6, p. 266

53
 The Bible is infallible
The Bible presents a perfect standard of
character; it is an infallible guide under all
circumstances, even to the end of the
journey of life. Take it as the man of your
counsel, the rule of your daily life. {5T 264.2}

The Word of the only true God is infallible.

In Heavenly Places, p137

54
 God is infallible…
We have many lessons to learn,
and many, many to unlearn. God
and heaven alone are infallible.

Counsels to Editors and Writers p37

55
 Man is NOT infallible
I wish that self should be hid in Jesus. I wish self
to be crucified. I do not claim infallibility, or even
perfection of Christian character. I am not free
from mistakes and errors in my life. Had I
followed my Saviour more closely, I should not
have to mourn so much my unlikeness to His
dear image. {Daughters of God 272.6}

Though some of these men wrote under the

inspiration of the Spirit of God, yet when not
under its direct influence they sometimes erred.
It will be remembered that on one occasion Paul
withstood Peter to the face because he was
acting a double part. {6BC 1065.4} 56
 Man’s word fails
Man's word fails, and he who takes the
assertions of man as his dependence may well
tremble, for he will one day be as a shipwrecked
vessel. But God's Word is infallible and endures
forever. Christ declares, "Verily I say unto you,
Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle
shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be
fulfilled" (Matt. 5:18). God's Word will endure
through the ceaseless ages of eternity.
{The Upward Look 96.5}
57
Ellen White was not an angel
“It grieves me that I have said or written anything
to grieve you. Forgive me and I will be cautious
not to start any subject to annoy and distress
you. We are living in a most solemn time and we
cannot afford to have in our old age differences
to separate our feelings. I may not view all things
as you do, but I do not think it would be my place
or duty to try to make you see as I see and feel
as I feel. Wherein I have done this, I am sorry”
{Letter to James White, May 16, 1876}
58
 Possible Discrepancies
“Regarding Mother‘s writings, she has never wished our brethren
to treat them as authority on the dates or details of history.
When ‘Great Controversy’ was written, she oftentimes gave a
partial description of some scene presented to her, and when
Sister Davis made inquiry regarding time and place, Mother
referred to what was already written in the books of [Uriah]
Smith and in secular histories. When ‘Controversy’ was written,
Mother never thought that the readers would take it as authority
on historical dates and use it to settle controversies, and she
does not now feel that it ought to be used in that way . . . . If it
had been essential to the salvation of men that he [human
beings] should have a clear and harmonious understanding of
the chronology of the world, the Lord would not have permitted
the disagreements and discrepancies which we find in the
writings of the Bible historians.” W. C. White and Ellen G. White
p431, 432
At the end of this letter Ellen White penned in her own
handwriting, “I approve of the 59
remarks made in this letter.”
 Literary Work
• “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 in some instances no
specific credit has been given, since the quotations are not
given 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 time,
similar use has been made of their published works.”—
Author’s Preface, Great Controversy, p. xii.

• Compare: Jude 4-18 with 2 Peter 2:1-3; the gospels; Luke 1:

1-4; 2 Chronicles 36: 22-23 with Ezra 1: 1-3
60
Why God uses fallible beings
Ellen White understood ‘thought’ inspiration and justified
why God chose this mode of communication. She
understood that sin has marred man to such an extent that
he cannot comprehend any or fully if God were to speak to
him directly. Neither can he bear it. Thought inspiration is an
extension of God’s mercy to fallen man – speaking to man
in man’s language. Notice what happened at the
resurrection of Lazarus when God spoke directly.

John 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a

voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will
glorify it again.
John 12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard
it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
61
 Imperfect expression…
"God has been pleased to communicate His
truth to the world by human agencies, and He
Himself, by His Holy Spirit, qualified men and
enabled them to do His work. He guided the
mind in the selection of what to speak and what
to write. The treasure was entrusted to earthen
vessels, yet it is, none the less, from Heaven.
The testimony is conveyed through the
imperfect expression of human language, yet
it is the testimony of God; and the obedient,
believing child of God beholds in it the glory of a
divine power, full of grace and truth."
{1SM 26.1}
62
 Could there be mistakes?
All the mistakes will not cause trouble
to one soul, or cause any feet to
stumble, that would not manufacture
difficulties from the plainest revealed
truth.

{1SM 16.2}

63
 Common and Sacred
“There are times when common things must be stated,
common thoughts must occupy the mind, common
letters must be written and information given that has
passed from one to another of the workers. Such words,
such information, are not given under the special
inspiration of the Spirit of God. Questions are asked at
times that are not upon religious subjects at all, and
these questions must be answered. We converse about
houses and lands, trades to be made, and locations for
our institutions, their advantages and disadvantages. I
receive letters asking for advice on many strange
subjects, and I advise according to the light that has
been given me.” (1SM 38, 39)
64
 Which parts are inspired?
Those who think to make the supposed
difficulties of Scripture plain, in measuring
by their finite rule that which is inspired and
that which is not inspired, had better cover
their faces, as Elijah when the still small
voice spoke to him; for they are in the
presence of God and holy angels, who for ages
have communicated to men light and
knowledge, telling them what to do and what not
to do, unfolding before them scenes of thrilling
interest, waymark by waymark in symbols and
signs and illustrations.
65
{1SM 17.1}
 Man cannot cherry-pick too
And He [God] has not, while presenting the
perils clustering about the last days, qualified
any finite man to unravel hidden mysteries or
inspired one man or any class of men to
pronounce judgment as to that which is inspired
or is not. When men, in their finite judgment,
find it necessary to go into an examination of
scriptures to define that which is inspired
and that which is not, they have stepped
before Jesus to show Him a better way than
He has led us. I take the Bible just as it is, as
the Inspired Word. I believe its utterances in an
entire Bible.
{1SM 17.2} 66
 EGW was like John the Baptist
“To claim to be a prophetess is something that I have
never done. If others call me by that name, I have no
controversy with them. But my work has covered so
many lines that I cannot call myself other than a
messenger, sent to bear a message from the Lord to His
people, and to take up work in any line that He points
out.
“Why have I not claimed to be a prophet? Because in
these days many who boldly claim that they are prophets
are a reproach to the cause of Christ; and because my
work includes much more than the word prophet
signifies.”
Review and Herald, July 26, 1906, cited in1SM p. 32.
67
Communication and Attitudes
“It is difficult for one mind to give to one of a
different temperament, education, and habits of
thought by language exactly the same idea as
that which is clear and distinct in his own mind.
Yet to honest men, right-minded men, he [an
author] can . . . convey his meaning for all
practical purposes.” But if the reader “is not
honest and will not want to see and understand
the truth, he will turn his words and language . . .
to suit his own purposes.” 1SM p19

68
 The Goal of Bible Study
“The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not
intellect, but obedience. If a man wants scientific
knowledge, intellectual curiosity is his guide; but if
he wants insight into what Jesus Christ teaches, he
can only get it by obedience. . . . Intellectual
darkness comes through ignorance; spiritual
darkness comes because of something I do not
intend to obey. No man ever receives a word from
God without instantly being put to the test over it. . . .
Watch the things you shrug your shoulders over,
and you will know why you do not go on spiritually.”
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest pp.
151, 152. 69
 How to treat her writings
Yet now when I send you a testimony of warning and
reproof, many of you declare it to be merely the opinion
of Sister White. You have thereby insulted the Spirit of
God. You know how the Lord has manifested Himself
through the Spirit of prophecy. Past, present, and future
have passed before me…You might say that this
communication was only a letter. Yes, it was a letter, but
prompted by the Spirit of God, to bring before your minds
things that had been shown me. In these letters which I
write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you
that which the Lord has presented to me. I do not write
one article in the paper, expressing merely my own
ideas. They are what God has opened before me in
vision--the precious rays of light shining from the
throne.... {1SM 27.2}
70
 The Bible is infallible

The Word of the only true God is

infallible.

In Heavenly Places, p137

71
 No Middle Ground
“God is either teaching His church, reproving their
wrongs and strengthening their faith, or He is not. This
work is of God or it is not. God does nothing in
partnership with Satan. My work . . bears the stamp of
God or the stamp of the enemy. There is no halfway
work in the matter. The ‘Testimonies’ are of the Spirit
of God or of the spirit of the devil.”
5 Testimonies, p. 671.
“The testimonies I have borne you have in truth been
presented to me by the Lord. I am sorry that you
rejected the light given. . . . It is not I whom you are
betraying. It is not I against whom you are so
embittered. It is the Lord, who has given me a
message to bear to you.”
Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 84;
72
 Is it a burden?
• Jer 23:32 Behold, I [am] against them that prophesy false dreams, saith
the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and
by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore
they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.
• Jer 23:33 And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask
thee, saying, What [is] the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto
them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.
• Jer 23:34 And [as for] the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that
shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his
house.
• Jer 23:35 Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to
his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD
spoken?
• Jer 23:36 And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for
every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of
the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.

73
 Not a burden…
• Jer 23:37 Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the
LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?
• 23:38 But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore
thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden
of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not
say, The burden of the LORD;
• 23:39 Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you,
and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your
fathers, [and cast you] out of my presence:
• 23:40 And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you,
and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.

74
 SUMMARY
• John was asked if he was a prophet and he said no
(John 1:19-26). If not a prophet, then what was he? Luke
7:27: He was the messenger of the Lord (see also,
Malachi 3:1).
• John the Baptist had the testimony of Jesus (John
5:31-33; 1:15).
• John the Baptist was more than a prophet (Luke 7:26).
• John denied that he was the light (phos; John 1:6-8).
His purpose was to bear witness to the light. Yet Jesus
called John a bright and shining light (luchnos: portable
lamp or candle; John 5:35). In other words, John was a
lesser light which was to lead men and women to the
greater light–Jesus Christ (see John 5:36 where Jesus
actually uses the word “greater” to refer to Himself).
 Scriptures and Testimony
• But notice that the Scriptures also gave witness to Jesus (John
5:39). Thus there are two sources which testify of Jesus: John
the Baptist and the written Scriptures of the Old Testament.
There was a canonical and a non-canonical source to give
witness to Jesus.
• The question immediately suggests itself: Why did the people
need a non-canonical source if they had the written Scriptures of
the Old Testament? Or, even further, why would they even need
a lesser light if they would soon have the greater light in their
midst?
• The answer is actually quite simple: The people had fallen into
gross darkness and gone astray because of their neglect of
the Scriptures. All kinds of false teachings and practices came
in during this period (John 1:5; Isaiah 60:1-2) They therefore
needed a lesser light to draw attention to the greater light. 1:5
“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness
comprehended it not.” John 1:5
Rejecting lesser, rejecting greater
You see, those who claimed to be God’s people and
boasted at having the Old Testament were violating
every principle of the Word of God. They professed to
be waiting for the Messiah. They professed to love
God. They claimed to have a close relationship with
Him and yet they crucified Christ because they
misunderstood the Old Testament and rejected the
clarification given by the lesser light. We can imagine the
Jews saying, “We have Moses,” but they did not
understand or practice the teachings of Moses. They
boasted of their knowledge of the Scriptures and yet did
not understand them at all. John was called to attract
attention to the Word already given. If the Jews had
understood and obeyed the writings of Moses, John
would never have been raised up by God!!!
 John: Revivalist and Reformer
• He exalted the Old Testament and made it vivid, alive
and present truth. He rebuked, reproved, was a fly in
the ointment, a pain in the neck, a speck in the eye. He
was no pushover (see Matthew 11:7-8)
• The role of John was to prepare a people for the first
coming of Jesus (Luke 1:17). By revival (repentance)
and reformation (bearing fruit) the people were to wait
expectantly for their bridegroom. John was the liaison
or go-between, between Jesus Christ (the groom) and
Israel (the bride). He was to prepare the way for the
wedding (John 3:28-30).
John, the Bridegroom’s friend
• In New Testament times, the friend of the
bridegroom was responsible for making all the
preparations for the wedding so that all was
ready when the groom should come. The friend
of the bridegroom was not to take the glory for
himself.
• The glory was for the groom who was
marrying the bride. The best man does not want
all eyes centered on himself at the wedding. He
decreases so that the bridegroom can
increase! In other words, he blends into the
woodwork so that all can see the bridegroom.
 So was Ellen White
• Ellen White preferred not to be called a
prophet, she claimed to be the Messenger of
the Lord (I SM 32)
• Ellen White had the Testimony of Jesus
(Revelation 12:17; 19:10; 22:9).
• The work of Ellen White was far greater than
that of a conventional prophet (I SM 32, 34,
36).
• Ellen White was a lesser light to lead men and
women to the greater light, Jesus Christ
 Scriptures and Testimony
• As with John, two sources give witness to Jesus,
one canonical (the Bible) and the other non-
canonical (the writings of Ellen G. White). As
with John, the purpose of her writings is to bring
attention to the written Scriptures which had
been trampled upon and misinterpreted during
the dark ages. If God’s people had studied the
Word of God with the sincere desire to obey it,
Ellen White would never have been called by
God.
Faith, the outworking of evidence
"What voice will you acknowledge as the voice
of God? What power has the Lord in reserve to
correct your errors and show you your course as
it is? What power to work in the church? If you
refuse to believe until every shadow of
uncertainty and every possibility of doubt is
removed, you will never believe. The doubt
that demands perfect knowledge will never yield
to faith. Faith rests upon evidence, not
demonstration.”
{1SM 27.3} 82
New Believers to Understand
As the end draws near, and the work of giving
the last warning to the world extends, it becomes
more important for those who accept present
truth to have a clear understanding of the nature
and influence of the Testimonies, which God in
His providence has linked with the work of the
third angel's message from its very rise.

Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 654. (1889) {Ev 255.2}

83
 Present-day Instruction
In ancient times God spoke to men by the
mouth of prophets and apostles. In these days
He speaks to them by the
testimonies of His Spirit.
There was never a time when God instructed
His people more earnestly than He instructs
them now concerning His will, and the course
that He would have them pursue.
Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 661. (1889) {Ev 255}

84
 Testimonies Neglected
Ministers frequently neglect these important
branches of the work--health reform, spiritual gifts,
systematic benevolence, and the great branches of
the missionary work. Under their labors large
numbers may embrace the theory of the truth, but in
time it is found that there are many who will not bear
the proving of God. The minister laid upon the
foundation, hay, wood, and stubble, which would be
consumed by the fire of temptation.
Review and Herald, Dec. 12, 1878. {Ev 256.1}

85
 Not to supersede the Bible
The testimonies of Sister White should not be carried
to the front. God's Word is the unerring standard. The
Testimonies are not to take the place of the Word.
Great care should be exercised by all believers to
advance these questions carefully, and always stop
when you have said enough. Let all prove their
positions from the Scriptures and substantiate every
point they claim as truth from the revealed Word of
God.
Letter 12, 1890. {Ev 256.2}

86
 Purpose of the Testimonies
The written testimonies are not to give new light,
but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of
inspiration already revealed. Man's duty to God
and to his fellow man has been distinctly
specified in God's word; yet but few of you are
obedient to the light given. Additional truth is not
brought out; but God has through the
Testimonies simplified the great truths already
given and in His own chosen way brought them
before the people to awaken and impress the
mind with them, that all may be left without
excuse.
—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 605
87
 Purpose of the Testimonies
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. The Word of God abounds in general
principles for the formation of correct habits of living, and the
Testimonies, general and personal, have been calculated to
call their attention more especially to these principles.
Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 663, 664. (1889) {Ev 256.4}

88
 Purpose of Lesser Light
Little heed is given to the Bible,
and the Lord has given a lesser
light to lead men and women to
the greater light.

Colporteur Evangelist, p 37 (1902) {Ev 257}

89
 Telescope analogy
“Everything depends upon our relation to it
[telescope] and the use which we make of it. In
itself it is only a glass through which to look; but in
the hand of the divine Director, properly mounted,
set at the right angle and adjusted to the eye of
the observer, with a field, clear of clouds, it will
reveal truth such as will quicken the blood,
gladden the heart, and open a wide door of
expectations.. . . . The failure has been in
understanding what the Testimonies are and how
to use them. They are not the heavens, palpitating
with countless orbs of truth, but they do lead the
eye and give it power to penetrate into the glories
of the mysterious living word of God.”
Mrs S.M.I. Henry quoted in “Good Health”
90
 Mafunso (FAQs)
• Kodi Ellen White tingamuyelekeze ndiyani?
Mneneri wina aliyense m’Baibulo, maka Yohane Mbatizi chifukwa
Yohaneyo ananenera kubwera kwa Yesu koyamba ndipo EGW
kwachiwiri.

• Nanga ngati Baibulo ndilokwanira, nchifukwa ninji mukuti zolembera za

Ellen White ndizofunika?
Zolemberazi ndizotithandiza kumvetsetsa Baibulo.

• Ndiye kuti munthu ukhoza kusankha kugwiritsa ntchito Baibulo lokha?

Inde, ndipo monga okhulupirira Baibulo, Mulungu akutsogolera
kukhulupiriranso zolembera za EGW.

• Kodi ndingatayike nditakhulupirira Baibulo lokha, kapena ndingatayike

pokhulupirira EGW yekha?
Mungatayike ngati simukhulupirira mwa Yesu. Baibulo ndi Ellen White
zimalozera kwa Yesu. Izo ndizotengera zomwe zikutiunikira kutsata njira
yoona ya kwa Yesu.
 Mafunso (FAQs)
• Kodi nchifukwa chiani EGW anadzitcha “lesser light (kuwala kochepa)”?
Kuwalako kukuyerekezedwa ndi Kuwala kwina kwakukulu ndiko kwa
Baibulo ndi kwa Yesu

• Inu simukuona kuti ndizosokoneza pamenepa? Bwanji sanangolemba

kuti kwakeko ndikuwala basi?
Ayi, sizikusokoneza. Chilichonse chomwe EGW analemba chinali
chochokera kumfundo za mu Baibulo. Mwa ichi, Baibulo ndikuwala
kwakukulu chifukwa kuwala kwa EGW sikukubweretsa kuwala
kwatsopano koma kukuwalitsa kuwala kwa kale kwa Baibulo.

• Kodi kuchita zosemphana ndi zolembera za EGW ndikuchimwa?

Popeza EGW ananenera za mu Baibulo, kusemphana ndizolemberazo
ndichimodzimodzi kusemphana ndi Baibulo. Ngati tamva chidzudzulo
chovuta kutsatira, tipemphere mwa Mzimu kuti atitsogolere “PAKUTI
WAKUCHITA MWA INU KUFUNA NDI KUCHITA KOMWE, CHIFUKWA
CHA KUKOMA MTIMA KWACE, NDIYE MULUNGU” Phil 2:13
 Mafunso (FAQs)
• Ellen White akusiyana bwanji ndi Joseph
Smith wa Latter Day Saints (Mormonism)?
The Book of Mormon ndi ena a Smith
amatengedwa ngati ophatikizira
(supplement) Baibulo chifukwa ali ndi
zoona zina zomwe mu Baibulo mulibe.
Mabuku a Ellen White amaunikira
(complement) Baibulo.
 Joseph Smith v Ellen White
• When the Latter Day Saints pay a visit, their first task is to
try and convince the prospective student that Joseph
Smith was a true prophet. As the studies continue, the
Book of Mormon and the Bible are used together.
• With Seventh-day Adventist the process is reversed. The
student is taught the truth from Scripture alone and once all
the doctrines have been clearly presented from Scripture,
then the Spirit of Prophecy is presented last as a
complement (not supplement) of the Bible. This is not
done because the Spirit of Prophecy is of secondary
importance but rather because the function of the writings
of Ellen White is not to supplement Scripture but rather to
complement it! Ellen White magnifies, explains, amplifies
simplifies and highlights the great truths of Scripture but
does not add any new truth!! Ellen White is like a
telescope or a microscope. The telescope does not create
stars but rather helps us see them more clearly.
Do not be deceived: read for yourself
I never form an opinion of a person or a church
on the basis of what its enemies say (because
the enemies distort what they believe) or even
on the basis of what their friends say (because
they often embellish the truth).

If you want to know the truth about Ellen White,

go directly to the source, read her writings
for yourself. Get your information first hand!!
(Steven Bohr: Lesser Light)
 Prayerful study, honesty…
Many a portion of Scripture which learned men
pronounce a mystery, or pass over as unimportant, is
full of comfort and instruction to him who has been
taught in the school of Christ. One reason why many
theologians have no clearer understanding of God's
word is, they close their eyes to truths which they do
not wish to practice. An understanding of Bible truth
depends not so much on the power of intellect
brought to the search as on the singleness of
purpose, the earnest longing after righteousness.

{CSW 38.1}
96
Ellen White
exalted the
Bible: read
her writings
YOURSELF

97
 Mabuku ndi zolemba zina
• Messenger of the Lord by Dr Herbert Douglass, (Andrews University,
and Advisor to Amazing Facts)
• Messenger to the Remnant by Arthur L. White (son and trustee of Ellen
White Estate)
• Lesser Light by Steven Bohr, (a converted Pastor of the SDA Church)
• Ellen White as the Lesser Light by Eugene Prewitt
• Ellen White & Her Critics by F.D. Nichol (once trustee of the Estate)
• Defending Spirit of Prophecy by Vance Ferrell, (a powerful SDA Pastor)
• Believe His Prophets by D.E. Rebok (member of Ellen G. White
Publications staff)
• The Abiding Gift of Prophecy by Arthur G. Daniells, (once President of
the General Conference of SDAs and original trustee of the Estate)
• Ellen White and the SDA Church by D.A. Delafield
• The Testimony of Jesus by Francis McLellan Wilcox (last surviving
member of the original six Board of Trustees in Ellen White’s will)
 Websites
• www.maranathamedia.com
• www.threeangels.com.au
• www.secretsunsealed.org
• www.remnant-prophecy.com
• www.harvestimebooks.com
• www.ellenwhitedefend.com
• www.whiteestate.org