There is only one fundamental issue between evangelicals and Seventh-day Adventists: Was Ellen G. White a prophetess of God? She was either who she claimed to be, or she was a liar or a nut case.
There are no other logical options.
I. Her Claims
“God was speaking through clay. 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 an 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.” E.G. White, Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 63.
“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.” E.G. White, Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 661.
“Those who are reproved by the Spirit of God should not rise up against the humble instrument. It is God and not an erring mortal, who has spoken to save them from ruin.” Testimony for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 257.
“Seventh Day Adventists hold that Ellen G. White performed the work of a true prophet during the seventy years of her public ministry. As Samuel was a prophet, as Jeremiah was a prophet, as John the Baptist, so we believe that Mrs. White was a prophet to the church of Christ today.” The Adventist Review & Herald (Oct. 4, 1928).
II. The Evidence
What of White’s prophecies? Did she predict the Second Coming of Christ? Yes she did!
1843: “I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord and that it should not be altered, that the figures were as he wanted them.” Early Writings, p. 64, 1882 edition.
1844: “We heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming.” A Word to the Little Flock, p. 14, 1847 edition.
1845: “It is well known that many were expecting the Lord to come at the 7th month, 1845. That Christ would then come we firmly believed. A few days before the passed … Ellen was with the band at Carver, Mass., where she saw in vision, that we should be disappointed.” A Word to the Little Flock, p. 22, 1847 edition.
1849: “Now time is almost finished and what we have been 6 years learning they will have to learn in months.” Early Writings, p. 57.
1856: “I was shown the company present at the conference. Said the angel: ‘Some food for worms, some subjects of the seven last plagues, some will be alive and remain upon the earth to be translated at the coming of Jesus.’ “ Testimonies for the Church, vol. I, pp. 131-132.
1862: “the system of slavery, which has ruined our nation, is left to live and stir up another rebellion.” Early Writings, p. 256.
Since White’s predictions of the return of Christ did not come true, we must conclude on the basis of Deut. 18:21-23 that she was a false prophet.
III. What About White’s Visions?
The biblical and historical material that White claimed to receive by way of visions was actually stolen from dozens of books. (See Walter Rea, The White Lie, M&R Publications, 1982, Box 2056, Turlock, California, 95381.)
The health and nutrition visions were also stolen from medical books of that period. (See Ronald Numbers, Prophetess of Health, Harper & Row, N.Y., 1976)
Conclusion
The only conclusion possible is that Ellen G. White was not only a dishonest woman who plagiarized the works of others, but she was also a false prophet.
Recommended Books
How the Old & New Testaments Relate to Each Other
Should we keep the food laws in the Old Testament? Is the Sabbath for today? Is “covenant” the same as “testament?” The relationship of Gentile Christians to Old Testament law was the first controversy that threatened to split the infant Church. After spending over twenty years researching and wrestling with these issues, Dr. Morey dissects Dispensationalism, Covenant Theology, and Dominion Theology. 153 pages. See XulonPress.com to purchase book.
Studies in the Atonement
Dr. Robert Morey demonstrates the forensic or judicial nature of justification with clear, scriptural proof. He lists over twenty references illustrating the forensic nature of justification.
This book reveals why justification is needed and how it is the backbone of the Gospel. It shows how a Holy God is able to be just and yet justify sinners at the same time.
There are many helpful charts found in the book which clarify and illustrate different aspects of the atonement. The Trinitarian emphasis of this book is evident. Salvation is presented as planned by God the Father, accomplished by God the Son, and applied by God the Holy Spirit, blessed God, Three in One. See XulonPress.com to purchase book.