One’s faith foundation is incredibly important to order to properly frame their relationship with God. In turn, this relationship with our Creator and Redeemer has the ability to transform our character and prepare us to be reunited with Jesus in His original design. The Bible provides many examples of prophets and the qualifying attributes that serve as tests to determine a true prophet from a counterfeit.[1] From my ongoing study of Ellen White, she meets all the qualifications as a prophet that God provided in His word.

Why then, does there exist continuing erosion in what it means to believe in a most prominent pioneer of the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Why are a growing number of prominent administrative leaders, theologians, professors, pastors, and seemingly a supermajority of church members participating in the degradation of White’s prophetic gift? All baptized members should acknowledge and support the 28 Fundamental Beliefs of the church they joined, including number eighteen, the Gift of Prophecy stating:

“Adventists embrace the significance of all the spiritual gifts, including prophecy, recognizing anyone can be used in this way if so moved by the Holy Spirit. One of the founders of the Adventist Church, Ellen White, is a prominent figure in history who demonstrated this gift in her ministry.”[2]

With careful examination of White’s writings, I have found a number of compelling statements that have seemed to be ignored, or worse, reinterpreted as only having conditional relevance during the years of her prophetic ministry (1844-1915). The following statements deserve prayerful consideration and it seems that those who hold membership in the only religion that espouses the whole of God’s word as its doctrinal foundation would do well to take a consistent position and conform their lives according to all the light provided.

{RH September 25, 1883, par. 6} “To the period just prior to the appearing of the Son of man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here their warnings and threatenings pre-eminently apply. The prophetic periods of Daniel, extending to the very eve of the great consummation, throw a flood of light upon events then to transpire. The book of Revelation is also replete with warning and instruction for the last generation.”

This paragraph states explicitly that there are at least two “prophet periods” in Daniel that will come to a close on “the very eve of the great consummation,” a word only found once in the Book of Daniel (Dan 9:27). Of the six prophetic times in Daniel, which ones have taken place, and which extend to the “completion, complete destruction, consumption, annihilation” of earth?[3] Today, many church leaders favor placing many prophetic elements in Revelation in the past, even going so far as to relegate significant symbolism to history before John’s vision on Patmos! Yet, here God’s messenger invokes what may be referred to as “last generation” theology in keeping with God’s promise in Amos 3:7.

As White addresses arguably the most unique doctrine of our faith, that of the investigative judgment initiated on October 22, 1844, she writes,

“These types were fulfilled, not only as to the event, but as to the time. On the fourteenth day of the first Jewish month, the very day and month on which for fifteen long centuries the Passover lamb had been slain, Christ, having eaten the Passover with His disciples, instituted that feast which was to commemorate His own death as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” That same night He was taken by wicked hands to be crucified and slain. And as the antitype of the wave sheaf our Lord was raised from the dead on the third day, “the first fruits of them that slept,” a sample of all the resurrected just, whose “vile body” shall be changed, and “fashioned like unto His glorious body.” Verse 20; Philippians 3:21.

In like manner the types which relate to the second advent must be fulfilled at the time pointed out in the symbolic service.”[4] (Emphasis supplied)

The first and last sentences above clearly invoke both the weekly and the annual holy convocations as typical marking significant, holy events for true believers. If one accepts that the 2300 days ending on October 22, 1844, shouldn’t we be consistent and teach that Christ will return “at the time pointed out in the symbolic service” of the Feast of Tabernacles?[5]

The statement following is well known, appearing in Last Day Events, Selected Messages, the SDA Bible Commentary and the devotional book Maranatha, however very few indeed ascribe any special meaning to it. Written in 1890 and specifically placed in the future, notice it distinguishes the seven trumpets of Revelation 8, 9, and 11:15 from the seven plague angels of Revelation 15 and 16:

“Solemn events before us are yet to transpire. Trumpet after trumpet is to be sounded, vial after vial poured out one after another upon the inhabitants of the earth.”[6]

Seventh-day Adventists know with certainty that the seven plagues occur after earth’s probation closes, but what about the seven trumpet angels, including the final three that are designated “woes”? When, after 1890, will these judgments of God occur? As important, what will trigger these awful scourges? The final three messages from God to the earth in Revelation 14 call on devoted worship to the Creator God. Inexplicably, though a number of “official statements”[7] have been made by our church in recent decades on many societal issues, no condemnation or even concern has been placed in print pointing out the overturning of one of two institutions God established at creation in regard to the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act in the United States, effective December 13, 2022.

It seems that many fundamental church teachings have become neutered to the point of ensuring every word is compatible with the ever-devolving politically correct terminology. If this is indeed deliberate, it is more than dangerous…it is suicidal as an organization. Take for example the following manuscript, echoed at least two additional times in White’s writings:

“In the last days Satan will appear as an angel of light, with great power and heavenly glory, and claim to be the lord of the whole earth. He will declare that the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh to the first day of the week; and as lord of the first day of the week he will present this spurious sabbath as a test of loyalty to him. Then will take place the final fulfilment of the Revelator’s prophecy…”[8]

In the same paragraph, Revelation 13:4-8 is then quoted verbatim. Councils, theologians, pastors, and committees insist that this passage solely relates to, and was fulfilled during, the 1,260 years ending in 1798. But can such be declared without relegating this statement made in 1902 to the trash heap? And, if White was mistaken in 1902, or worse, her statement is judged merely as conditional and meant for her day only, how then should the church relate to the rest of her writings?

On November 10, 1899, Ellen White wrote a letter to John H. Kellogg, endeavoring to clarify his positions about end-time events and the interpretation of scripture. We don’t have the space to unpack her message to him, however it is well worth your time to do so.

“Thus is represented the papal power, which with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, by outside attraction and gorgeous display, deceives all nations, promising them, as did Satan our first parents, all good to those who receive its mark, and all harm to those who oppose its fallacies. The power which has the deepest inward corruption will make the greatest display, and will clothe itself with the most elaborate signs of power. The Bible plainly declares that this covers a corrupt and deceiving wickedness. [Rev 17:5 quoted].”

What is it that gives its kingdom to this power? Protestantism, a power which while professing to have the temper and spirit of a lamb, and to be allied to heaven, speaks with the voice of a dragon. It is moved by a power from beneath.”[9]

This comment directly invokes and identifies the “ten horns” of Revelation 17:13, “These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast” as [Apostate] “Protestantism.” However, as plain as this letter is, nearly no one is willing to address, let alone accept, White’s interpretation as correct. Why?

Could it be that by so doing, other preconceived ideas might have to be abandoned? By embracing White as a true, full time prophet, these and many other statements would come to the attention of the public. None of these statements are convenient by today’s political narratives. But is it really best to go along with what is politically expedient for a variety of good reasons? Inevitably, the financing of evangelism is brought into the discussion, the continuing ability to educate our children, and even the operation of church summer camps is thrown in to up the ante; to compromise the warning messages.

But, when will God’s people stand for truth, the absolute truth of inspiration? There’s no question that as individuals we should be able to prove our faith by the Bible and only the Bible. It seems, however, that we have become weak, even afraid. Risk management drives our decisions. God’s so-called “work” of Adventist-based health care is used to tamp down any position that might interfere with the financial wellbeing of the thousands who derive their livelihood from “extending the healing ministry of Christ” even though nearly all institutions have quietly dropped references of the three angels’ messages from mission statements.

Health

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are embroiled in a crisis within, an issue of individual integrity according to all of God’s word to us. We once believed and articulated that health reform was the “right arm” of the three angel’s messages. Now the “right arm” has flexed and threatened the financial viability of the church. Remember the message that includes “Tea and coffee drinking is a sin, an injurious indulgence, which, like other evils, injures the soul,”[10] “Vegetables, fruits, and grains should compose our diet. Not an ounce of flesh meat should enter our stomachs,”[11] “Cheese should never be introduced into the stomach,”[12] and “Let the people be taught how to prepare food without the use of milk or butter. Tell them that the time will soon come when there will be no safety in using eggs, milk, cream, or butter, because disease in animals is increasing in proportion to the increase of wickedness among men”?[13] Where is this inspired health reform message heard today?

However, “But while they indulge lustful appetite, and thus cherish their idols, they make themselves a mark for the arrows of truth to hit, and if truth is spoken at all, they must be wounded.”[14] Have we rationalized away the truths especially provided for the final generation? Are we fulfilling Jesus’ parable of the evil servant who in his heart said, “my lord delayeth his coming,” followed by the smiting of his fellow church members?

I believe we, as individuals, are being led to make a bifurcating choice. We are being called to accept and trust God’s voice through all His prophets, including all the light He provided through Ellen G. White. Once, she addressed a naysayer directly:

“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 for the past thirty years 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 devil.”[15]

The reality is that time will march on. Very soon circumstances around us will make our decisions. Now is the time to take to the field. Now is the time to acknowledge our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What’s the downside in comparison to eternity? Please join me in praying for our church, our loved ones, and to be counted worthy of representing the everlasting kingdom in prayer, in word, and in action!

[1] See Deu 13:1-4; 18:22; Isa 8:20; Jer 2:8; 28:9; Mat 7:20; 1Jo 4:1-2.

[2] https://www.adventist.org/gift-of-prophecy/

[3] H3617, https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h3617/kjv/wlc/0-1/

[4] The Great Controversy, pg 399, https://legacy.egwwritings.org/?ref=en_GC.399.3&para=132.1811

[5] Leviticus 23:33-43; Deuteronomy 16:13-16.

[6] Letter to White, W. C.; White, J. E.; White, Emma, Washington, D. C., December 22, 1890. {Lt112-1890.13}.

[7] https://www.adventist.org/official-statements/

[8] Manuscript 153, 1902, par 8-9. See also {ST June 18, 1894, par. 10} and {Ms88-1897.15-17} https://legacy.egwwritings.org/

[9] {Lt232-1899.21-22}, ibid.

[10] {CD 425.3}, ibid.

[11] {CD 380.2}, ibid.

[12] {2T 68.1}, ibid.