Untitled Sermon (3)
The writings of Ellen G. White—the most outstanding founding member of the Adventist Church—continue to be relevant to the postmodern crisis. White’s ministry is regarded by Adventists as a lesser light under the authority of the greater light of Scripture and the supreme light of Jesus. Her views, which are representative of Adventist theology, are outlined below. Thereafter, some of the evidence for the compatibility of this model with Scripture is presented.
The authors noted that in the early years Ellen White was distressed over her difficulty in expressing in human language the content of the visions she received. However, she was given assurance by God that He would bestow grace upon her and give her the guidance that she needed to fulfill the responsibilities placed upon her.
“She was told that in the reading of religious books and journals, she would find precious gems of truth expressed in acceptable language, and that she would be given help from heaven to recognize these and to separate them from the rubbish of error with which she would sometimes find them associated” (White and Robinson; reprinted as a supplement to AR June 4, 1981).
Special meetings were appointed where sinners might have an opportunity to seek their Saviour and prepare for the fearful events soon to take place. Terror and conviction spread through the entire city. Prayer meetings were established, and there was a general awakening among the various denominations; for they all felt more or less the influence that proceeded from the teaching of the near coming of Christ.