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Harmony With God's Word?
Adventist.org, the official website of the Seventh-day Adventist world church, rightly points out a test of a true prophet is whatever the prophet says has to be in agreement with the Bible.
What a prophet claims to have received from God must be in harmony with the rest of God's Word, because God does not contradict Himself (Ps. 15:4; Mal. 3:6). Although Ellen G. White was not a trained theologian, her messages are in harmony with Scripture. [01]
I am not sure why adventist.org points out that Ellen White was not a "trained theologian". A prophet of the Lord does not need to be formally trained -None of the Old or New Testament prophets attended the Jerusalem school of theology, but simply repeated what the Father Himself bid them say.
Besides which, saying her message were in harmony with Scripture is far from accurate. For example, Ellen White wrote much and often about Investigative Judgment - a doctrine that is not found in the Scriptures (See earlier two chapters). This alone is more than sufficient to label her a false teacher.
However, there is more - plenty more. Ellen White often embellished or added to what the Word of God says. On occasion these 'extras' not only contradicted what the Bible says, but even contradicted her statements made at other times and in other places. This is especially true regarding the plan of salvation which she seemed very confused about.
The Fall of Man and Plan of Salvation
What Counsel of Peace?
For example, in Patriarchs and Prophets, she said that after the fall of man Jesus, infinitely compassionate, was touched with pity for the human race
Before the Father He pleaded in the sinner's behalf, while the host of heaven awaited the result with an intensity of interest that words cannot express. Long continued was that mysterious communing - "the counsel of peace" (Zechariah 6:13) for the fallen sons of men. The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; for Christ is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8); yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race. [02]
I am not sure why Jesus would plead on the behalf of a fallen world if the plan was already in place "from before the creation of the earth". In any case, it doesn't take much effort by the serious student to determine that this supposed "mysterious communing" was not Zechariah's "counsel of peace" as Ellen White claimed. The ancient prophet wrote
(12) Then say to him, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts, "Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord . (13) "Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices."' (Zechariah 6:12-13 NASB)
In the first place, the Branch was a lesser known title for the Messiah (See Isaiah 4:2 and 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5 and 33:15). Therefore, in the quote above, it is the Messiah who Zechariah said would build the temple of the Lord and would be a priest on the throne. This was an unknown and unimaginable concept in ancient Israel inasmuch as the two offices were completely separate. Priests did not sit on thrones and kings did not serve as priests in the temple.
Nevertheless, the Messiah would rule as both King and Priest, i.e. "the counsel of peace will be between the two offices"
Did Jesus Plead or Consent?
1853-1854. Part of the account of one of Ellen White's visions (The relevant section God's Gift to Man begins with the words "I have been shown") made it seem that Jesus pleaded not once but three times with His Father to give His own life for the sins of mankind and that the Father had given Him permission.
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. [03]
However, in a sermon delivered in Grimsby, England on September 19, 1886, she said
After the fall of Adam and Eve, the race was plunged into hopeless misery, and it was then that this great plan of redemption was advanced. It was then [that] the Son of God consented to leave His Father's throne, lay aside His royal crown, clothe Himself with humanity, take upon Himself the nature of man, and become a man among men. [04]
Note: The word 'consent' means permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. But both statements - the Son of God "obtained permission" or "consented" conflict with another of her statements made on August 24, 1891...
"The terms of this oneness between God and man in the great covenant of redemption were arranged with Christ from all eternity... [05]
Did The Angels Grieve or Rejoice?
Again, I have to stress that the section God's Gift to Man (Pg 125) begins with the words "I have been shown". The rather long quote above starts with the words "Sorrow filled heaven as it was realized that man was lost" and ends with
"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".
However, if you read further, she goes on to tell how joyous the angels were at the news...
Then joy, inexpressible joy, filled heaven, and the heavenly choir sang a song of praise and adoration. They touched their harps and sang a note higher than they had done before, because of the great mercy and condescension of God in yielding up His dearly Beloved to die for a race of rebels. Then praise and adoration was poured forth for the self-denial and sacrifice of Jesus.. [06]
Yet, in Patriarchs and Prophets, she wrote
The plan by which alone man's salvation could be secured, involved all heaven in its infinite sacrifice. The angels could not rejoice as Christ opened before them the plan of redemption, for they saw that man's salvation must cost their loved Commander unutterable woe. In grief and wonder they listened to His words as He told them how He must descend from heaven's purity and peace, its joy and glory and immortal life, and come in contact with the degradation of earth, to endure its sorrow, shame, and death.
The angels were so grieved that they
"prostrated themselves at the feet of their Commander and offered to become a sacrifice for man [07]
When Was Salvation Planned?
On March 14, 1878, she wrote
While Moses was shut in the mount with God, the plan of salvation, dating from the fall of Adam, was revealed to him in a most forcible manner. [08]
In 1888, in The Great Controversy, Ellen White very clearly wrote that a plan was devised immediately after the fall.
"The kingdom of grace was instituted immediately after the fall of man, when a plan was devised for the redemption of the guilty race. [09]
Yet she also wrote in The Desire of Ages
The words, "Mine hour is not yet come,” point to the fact that every act of Christ's life on earth was in fulfillment of the plan that had existed from the days of eternity [10]
The plan for our redemption was not an afterthought, a plan formulated after the fall of Adam... God did not ordain that sin should
exist, but He foresaw its existence, and made provision to meet the terrible emergency. [11]
And, as mentioned earlier, Ellen White said in Patriarchs and Prophets (first published in 1890)
The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; for Christ is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8) [12]
Note: Although they contradicted each other, Ellen White maintained that all three of the books quoted above originated with the Holy Spirit.
How many have read carefully Patriarchs and Prophets, The Great Controversy, and The Desire of Ages? I wish all to understand that my confidence in the light that God has given stands firm, because I know that the Holy Spirit's power magnified the truth, and made it honorable, saying: "This is the way, walk ye in it.” In my books the truth is stated, barricaded by a "Thus saith the Lord... The Holy Spirit traced these truths upon my heart and mind as indelibly as the law was traced by the finger of God" [13]
How Are We Redeemed?
According to Ellen White
In order to let Jesus into our hearts, we must stop sinning [53a]
To be redeemed means to cease from sin. [13b]
What Adam knew
Heavenly angels more fully opened to our first parents the plan that had been devised for their salvation... Thus were revealed to Adam important events in the history of mankind, from the time when the divine sentence was pronounced in Eden, to the Flood, and onward to the first advent of the Son of God. He was shown that while the sacrifice of Christ would be of sufficient value to save the whole world, many would choose a life of sin rather than of repentance and obedience. [14]
While there is absolutely no question that the Old Testament prophesied in numerous places the birth, life and death of the Messiah, 1 Peter 1:10-11 indicates that the prophets spoke often of things they did not completely understand, nor did they always fully grasp the implications of their own messages. The Jews as a whole expected a Messiah who would redeem their city and land that they saw as the kingdom of David.
But Adam, supposedly, was made aware of every last detail
Satan Repented
Ellen White also wrote that Satan repented and begged to be taken back into heaven, but God was having none of it.
After Satan and those who fell with him were shut out of heaven, and he realized that he had forever lost all its purity and glory, he repented, and wished to be reinstated in heaven. He was willing to take his proper place, or any position that might be assigned him. But no; heaven must not be placed in jeopardy. All heaven might be marred should he be taken back; for sin originated with him, and the seeds of rebellion were within him. Both he and his followers wept, and implored to be taken back into the favor of God. But their sin - their hatred, their envy and jealousy - had been so great that God could not blot it out. It must remain to receive its final punishment.
When Satan became fully conscious that there was no possibility of his being brought again into favor with God, his malice and hatred began to be manifest. He consulted with his angels, and a plan was laid to still work against God's government. [15]
Out of Context and Partially Quoted Verses.
On Page 7 of Darkness Before Dawn, (also Page 521 of The Great Controversy), Ellen White wrote
the discord and division which exists among the churches of Christendom is in a great measure due to the prevailing custom of wresting the Scriptures to support a favorite theory... In order to sustain erroneous doctrines or unchristian practices, they seize upon passages of Scripture separated from the context, perhaps quoting half of a single verse as proving their point, when the remaining portion would show the meaning to be quite the opposite. [16]
Using verses completely removed from their context to prove the speaker/author's pet theory has been used ever since the original authors of the Bible put quill to parchment. It remains one of the most commonly used methods to lead believers astray in the modern church. See Context is Crucial
The Millennium
The Earth Will Be Barren During The Millennium
The book of Revelation says
(7) When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, (8) and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. (9) And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. (10) And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:7-10 NASB)
While few are agreed as to the exact identity of Gog and Magog, the fact is that they go out to deceive the nations They are gathered from the four corners of the earth (20:7-8), will surround the camp of the saints and besiege Jerusalem, but will be consumed by fire from heaven (20:9).
So where did the saints come from? Seventh Day Adventists believe that
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever. [17]
In order to 'prove' her teaching that the earth will be barren for a thousand years, in The Great Controversy, Chapter 41—Desolation of the Earth, Ellen White quoted from Isaiah 24, stating that
At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face of the whole earth, - consumed with the spirit of his mouth, and destroyed by the brightness of his glory. Christ takes his people to the city of God, and the earth is emptied of its inhabitants. "Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof." "The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled; for the Lord hath spoken this word." " Because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned." [Isaiah 24:1, 3, 5, 6.] [18]
Except that Ellen White did exactly what she accused others of - left out part of the verse that "would show the meaning to be quite the opposite". Isaiah 24:6 does not end with "the inhabitants of the earth are burned". Here is what it actually says
Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. (Isaiah 24:6 KJV)
Similarly, in the previous paragraph [19] Ellen White also quotes Zechariah 14:12-13 that reads
And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. And it shall come to pass in that day that a great tumult from the Lord shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor. [Zechariah 14:12, 13.]
Except that a couple of verse later, the prophet added
Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. (Zechariah 14:16 NASB)
So, the question of whether the earth is emptied of its inhabitants for a thousand years can only be answered with an emphatic "no". Further proof can be found in thoroughly understanding....
The Rapture
I had always wondered what the purpose of the rapture was. Since the Lord is not exactly given to taking His people on celestial joyrides, why in the world do we have to meet Him "in the air"?
The answer, as it turned out, was very simple. Christ takes His people off the earth, in order to protect them from the last, and most devastating, stage of the Great Tribulation - the Seven Bowls that are introduced by the Seventh Trumpet. This last trumpet is, in a sense, the most eventful of all them all, since it literally ushers the old age out, and the new one in. In summary, it
a) Brings and end to the mystery of God, when the doors to the Kingdom close forever with no possibility of redemption for any that have not yet become a disciple of the Lamb.
b) Marks the point when believers are caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air (the rapture). The dead will rise first, followed by those still alive at this point.
c) Introduces the Seven Bowls that end all things.
See The End Of The Age Part IV... The Seventh Trumpet
Additionally, we can be reasonably sure that, after meeting the Lord in the air, we do not stay suspended in space, but go somewhere. The question is where - do we continue on into "heaven" or...?
I Thessalonians 4:17 provides the answer.
Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet (Gk. apantesis) the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. (NASB)
There are only three other instances of apantesis in the New Testament - two in the parable of the ten virgins, the third in Acts 28:15. Therefore, how the word is used in those sentences must dictate how we interpret apantesis in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. In both situations this particular Greek word is used in the context of going out to meet someone who is heading your way, then turning around and accompanying that person to their intended destination.
The five wise virgins, came out from the bride's home to greet the bridegroom and escort him back to her home. In Acts 28:15, Paul is sent, under guard as a prisoner to Rome. The Roman Christians who hear of his imminent arrival go out on the road to meet him, then turn around and accompany him back to Rome.
This means that at the end of the great tribulation, the church of believers will be "caught up" into the air to meet the returning Christ. We shall be changed at that moment, then turn around and accompany Him back to Earth, where He will set up His Kingdom.
(For Details See Raptured, But Where Are We Going?
Also See The Prophecy of The Golden Gate (Scroll down slightly on the page)
Investigative Judgment
Ellen White wrote
So in the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God. The judgment of the wicked is a distinct and separate work, and takes place at a later period. "Judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel?” 1 Peter 4:17. [20]
However, read Peter's full sentence. The part that Ellen White left out is in bold. "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God... (1 Peter 4:17 KJV) Although, one cannot exactly sure what Peter was talking about, he certainly wasn't referring to an "investigative judgment" that was supposed to have begun some 18 centuries later.
Additions to The Word of God
Unfallen Worlds
Ellen White wrote that on March 24th, 1849, The Lord gave her "a view of other worlds".
Wings were given me, and an angel attended me from the City to a place that was bright and glorious. The grass of the place was living green, and the birds there warbled a sweet song. The inhabitants of the place were of all sizes, they were noble, majestic and lovely. [21]
Apparently the inhabitants of these other worlds have never fallen. They "look with pity and reproach on man's pride and self-importance" [22] and are "unable to comprehend the degradation that sin had wrought". [23]
She referred to them and the angels as "holy beings"
Not until the death of Christ was the character of Satan clearly revealed to the angels or to the unfallen worlds. The archapostate had so clothed himself with deception that even holy beings had not understood his principles. They had not clearly seen the nature of his rebellion. [24]
and stated that, to them, Jesus' cry "It is finished," had a deep significance. It was for them as well as for us that the great work of redemption had been accomplished. They share the fruits of Christ's victory with us and with the angels." [25] And how do they do this? Somehow Christ's death provides an "an eternal safeguard against defection"
To the angels and the unfallen worlds the plan of salvation, making manifest the justice and love of God, provides an eternal safeguard against defection in unfallen worlds. [26]
Additionally, Christ's name is already "hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of unfallen worlds". Thus when people pray "Hallowed be Thy name,” they are asking that it may be "hallowed in this world" and in us. [27]
The problem is that there isn't a single reference in the Bible to any other world than ours.
William Fagal, the director of the Ellen G. White Estate Branch Office made the argument that the "morning stars" and "the sons of God" who shouted for joy at the creation of the earth are different beings. [28]
Because Satan was referred to as "star of the morning, son of the dawn" in Isaiah 14:12 - terminology that is similar to the "morning stars" in the book of Job, the argument is made that the "sons of God" could very well refer to some other beings. In fact, representatives of the unfallen words Ellen White spoke about.
However, if you look closely at the surrounding verse, you will see that each verse has a parallel format. In other words, both parts of each verse say exactly the same thing. In 38:4 God asks Job where he was when God laid the foundation of the earth and, if he has any understanding, to tell Him
"Who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it?" (Vs. 5)
Both parts of verse 5 refer to the size of the earth:
"On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone," (Vs. 6)
Sinking a base and laying a cornerstone of the same thing
"Or who enclosed the sea with doors When, bursting forth, it went out from the womb;" (Vs. 8)
When the sea was created it burst forth and had to be stopped by doors.
"When I made a cloud its garment And thick darkness its swaddling band," (Vs. 9)
The newly created ocean had a cloud covering and was enveloped in thick darkness. Compare Genesis 1:2, "And darkness was upon the face of the deep.”
"And I placed boundaries on it and set a bolt and doors," (Vs. 10)
This refers to Genesis 1:9: "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together unto one place.”
By the same token, "morning stars" that sang together and the "sons of God" who shouted for joy in verse seven, are one and the same beings. But who were they? DETAILS
Tithing
According to Ellen White, tithing is a test to see whether we are fit for eternal life. Not tithing may lead to being cursed by God.
God calls for talents of influence and of means. Shall we refuse to obey? Our heavenly Father bestows gifts and solicits a portion back, that He may test us whether we are worthy to have the gift of everlasting life [29]
Let the neglected tithes be now brought in. Let the new year open upon you as men honest in their deal with God. Let those who have withheld their tithes, send them in before the year 1904 shall close, that they may be right with God, and never, never again run any risk of being cursed by God. [30]
The Apostle Paul never once appealed to tithing even though he obviously often suffered financial difficulties. However, he wrote rather a lot about FREELY giving financial support where one is able. Includes the commonly misrepresented words of Malachi (In-depth Article
Contradicting Scripture
Apart from the addition of details, Ellen White's visions and writings often contradict or significantly deviate from the word of the Father.
How Judas became a Disciple
Ellen White wrote
While Jesus was preparing his disciples for their ordination, and instructing them as to the duties of the great work that lay before them, Judas urged his presence among them. This man made great professions of devotion to Jesus, and proposed to become one of his disciples. Said he, "Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest." Jesus did not warmly receive him, neither did he repulse him, but addressed him with these words of mournful pathos, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head." [31]
The Bible begs to differ
And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles: Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James and John; and Philip and Bartholomew; and Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. (Luke 6:13-16 NASB)
Nor was the part about the Son of Man having no place to lay His head spoken to Judas. It was only after that disciples had already been assembled that Luke 9:57-62 tells us that three unnamed men desired to follow Jesus. This is the conversation between Jesus and the first one.....
And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. (Luke 9:57-58 KJV)
In the parallel verse, Matthew indicates that the man was a scribe (Matthew 8:9-22).
Ellen White also wrote
While Jesus was preparing the disciples for ordination, one who had not been summoned urged his presence among them. Judas Iscariot, a professed follower of Christ, came forward, soliciting a place in this inner circle. By joining the apostles he hoped to secure a high place in the new kingdom. He was of commanding appearance, of keen discernment and executive ability, and the disciples commended him to Jesus as one who would greatly assist Him in His work. If Jesus had repulsed Judas, they would have questioned the wisdom of their Master. However, the after-history of Judas would show the danger of allowing worldly consideration to have weight in deciding the fitness of men for the work of God. [32]
There is not one word in the Bible about the disciples recommending Judas, much less that he was "of commanding appearance, of keen discernment and executive ability". Additionally, can anyone seriously believe that, in picking Judas, Jesus allowed "worldly consideration to have weight".
Ellen White went on to say..
The Saviour read the heart of Judas; He knew the depths of iniquity to which, unless delivered by the grace of God, he would sink. In connecting this man with Himself, He placed him where he might, day by day, be brought in contact with His own unselfish love. If he would open his heart to Christ, even Judas might become a subject of the kingdom of God. [33]
In other words, placing Judas where he would be in daily contact with the Saviour, might save him. While Ellen White rightly says Jesus read Judas' heart, it is ludicrous in the extreme to suggest that the Messiah imagined for a moment that Judas might become a true follower? During His time on earth Jesus displayed remarkable foreknowledge over and over again, which means there is little question that Jesus knew exactly what Judas would do from the moment he set eyes on him.
No! I take that back. Jesus knew what Judas would do from the beginning of time. See The Foreknowledge of God
Which Herod
According to Ellen White
Herod's heart had grown still harder; and when he heard that Christ had risen, he was not much troubled. He took the life of James, and when he saw that this pleased the Jews, he took Peter also, intending to put him to death..
A note inserted into the text says
"It was Herod Antipas who took part in the trial of Christ, and Herod Agrippa I who put James to death.
In the present instance this use of the term [Herod] becomes more natural and appropriate inasmuch as Agrippa, when he put James to death, occupied the throne of Antipas, who a little before had been concerned in the trial of Christ; and he manifested the same character. It was the same Herodian spirit, only in another personality, as "the dragon" of Revelation 12:17 is the same as the dragon of verse 3. [34]
Except that, the text clearly indicates that she was speaking of one specific person, not a "Herodian spirit" in two different men.
Jesus's Robe
Regarding the trial of Jesus, Ellen White
At the suggestion of Herod, a crown was now plaited from a vine bearing sharp thorns, and this was placed upon the sacred brow of Jesus; and an old tattered purple robe, once the garment of a king, was placed upon his noble form, while Herod and the Jewish priests encouraged the insults and cruelty of the mob. [34b]
Only Luke (23:6-12) mentions Herod at all. All the evangelist says is that because Jesus was a Galilean who belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, Pilate sent Him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at that time. He goes to say that, having heard a lot about Him, Herod was very glad to see Jesus. Herod questioned Jesus at length but receiving no answer he, with his soldiers mocked Jesus, then "dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate". If the robe was an old tattered one as EW writes, one wonders why the soldiers would cast lots for it as Matthew said in the 27th chapter of his gospel.)
Having Children is An Occasion For Grief
In a message written from Sweden on October 22, 1885, Ellen White wrote
The time is and has been for years that the bringing of children into the world is more an occasion of grief than of joy. The very atmosphere seems polluted. Satan controls these children, and the Lord has but little to do with them. Parents give but little attention to them, and in the near future they will be removed by death. "Woe unto them that be with child and give suck" even in these days, and if our workers were walking closely with God, they would see the situation and would feel that it is no matter of rejoicing to bring a child into the world. A blessing is pronounced upon the eunuchs who keep the Lord's Sabbath. He says He will give them a name, and a place better than of sons and daughters. [35]
The Bible tells us
Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate. (Psalms 127:3-5 NASB)
Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." After laying His hands on them, He departed from there. (Matthew 19:13-15 NASB)
Important Biblical Facts Ellen White Got Wrong
(Most of the modern church doesn't get several of them right either)
All three of the following issues have an EXTREMELY important bearing on OUR future and are thus very, very relevant to the 21st century Christian. However, not only did Ellen White get them wrong, but the mainstream church has very muddled and/or inaccurate teachings about all three issues
Cain and Seth
The Lord Jesus specifically taught that the days of Noah and the days of the Son of Man parallel each other. In His words. "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the coming of the Son of Man," (Matthew 24:37, Luke 17:26).
An accurate interpretation of Genesis 6:1-6 (the days of Noah) hinges upon the definition of three key terms, the sons of God, the daughters of men, and the Nephilim. Since we cannot possibly be adequately prepared for what is to come in the not too distant future -very possibly in our lifetime, it is imperative that we understand who these sons of God were, and what behavior they will replicate.
Ellen White - the self proclaimed 'messenger of the Lord' also taught the 'sanitized' version that finds so much favor in churches today.
For some time the two classes remained separate. The race of Cain, spreading from the place of their first settlement, dispersed over the plains and valleys where the children of Seth had dwelt; and the latter, in order to escape from their contaminating influence, withdrew to the mountains, and there made their home. So long as this separation continued, they maintained the worship of God in its purity. But in the lapse of time they ventured, little by little, to mingle with the inhabitants of the valleys. This association was productive of the worst results. "The sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair." The children of Seth, attracted by the beauty of the daughters of Cain's descendants, displeased the Lord by intermarrying with them.
Many of the worshipers of God were beguiled into sin by the allurements that were now constantly before them, and they lost their peculiar, holy character. Mingling with the depraved, they became like them in spirit and in deeds; the restrictions of the seventh commandment were disregarded, "and they took them wives of all which they chose." The children of Seth went "in the way of Cain;" they fixed their minds upon worldly prosperity and enjoyment, and neglected the commandments of the Lord." [36]
The Bible doesn't tell us the descendants of Cain and Seth lived one in the valleys, the other on the mountains, nor that they gradually began to mingle.
Besides which it is relatively easy to show that the sons of God were not the descendants of Seth, and that not all the descendants of Cain were unholy men. However, this has to be done honestly... letting the text tell us what it means, instead of attempting to force it into saying what we consider palatable, or even possible. While the church in general has been largely taught this inaccurate version, no prophet of God could possibly make this mistake.
The truth is actually very sinister. See Days of Noah
And by the way, Ellen White said "God condescends to send an angel to Cain to converse with him. The angel inquires of him the reason of his anger, and informs him that if he does well, and follows the directions God has given, he will accept him and respect his offering. But..." [37]
The Bible says "Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?.... (Genesis 4:6-15 NASB)
Why The Tower of Babel was Built
According to Ellen White
The dwellers on the plain of Shinar disbelieved God's covenant that he would not again bring a flood upon the earth. Many of them denied the existence of God, and attributed the flood to the operation of natural causes. Others believed in a supreme being, and that it was he who had destroyed the antediluvian world; and their hearts, like that of Cain, rose up in rebellion against him. One object before them in the erection of the tower of Babel was to secure their own safety in case of another deluge. By carrying the structure to a much greater height than was reached by the waters of the flood, they thought to place themselves beyond all possibility of danger. And as they would be able to ascend to the region of the clouds, they hoped to ascertain the cause of the flood. [38]
Ellen White said they built the tower of Babel to protect themselves from another flood. It is sad that the translators of our English Bibles decided to make two separate names - Babel and Babylon - of the one Hebrew word bâbel. This means that few have realized that it is very likely that Babel and Babylon were the same place. In fact, while we cannot be dogmatic about it, all indications are that Nebuchadnezzar built his very impressive seven storey ziggurat on the foundations of the original Tower of Babel. Some sources say that this immense ziggurat... was called ziqqurat Bâbîli. [39].
Although the Bible never specifically tells us exactly what the significance of the tower of Babel was, based on the name, the location and the religious practices of Babylon, it is not difficult to draw a reasonable conclusion.
However, since Genesis 11:1-9 clearly shows that the tower being constructed was displeasing to the Lord, the church has come up with a number of different hypotheses, as to what specific sin the builders were guilty of - none of which hold water. The story is far more complicated and sinister than most people imagine.
See From Babel to Babylon. Note that this is only Part II of the main article... While it is way too long to go into here, the subject is hugely important considering Revelation 17 and 18 could very well be described as the 'Two Babylons'. Chapter 17 deals with the spiritual side of Babylon, while chapter 18 deals with Babylon as a political and commercial system. They are two faces of the same coin. The first apostasy of all kind including the worship of false gods. The second founded on values that are antithetical to God's values. See Two Babylons
Jacob's Trouble
Ellen White recounted another of her visions. All Emphasis Added)
I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus' work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob's trouble. Then all the saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of God. The one hundred and forty-four thousand triumphed. Their faces were lighted up with the glory of God. [40]
By the way, there is absolutely nothing in the book of Revelation that says that in the end times the wicked will believe that the plagues would be stayed if they could rid the earth of Christians and send out a decree to slay the saints. In any case, the persecution of believers is not "the time of Jacob's trouble."
The only reference to "Jacob's trouble" is in Jeremiah 30:7 (for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble) and can only refer to the Great Tribulation that Jesus said would be unparalleled in human history (Matthew 24:21). In other words, "Jacob's trouble" is the plagues of God's judgment introduced by the blowing of trumpets. See The End Of The Age Part I... The Day Of The Lord
However, Christ's followers will not suffer in the terrible time when God brings retributive justice to the earth. After all the whole point of salvation is being saved from the wrath of God. This is clearly indicated by various passages of Scripture. See, for example, Ephesians 5:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9.
This does not mean that believers will not be persecuted and slain. The difference is that the persecution of Christians begins much earlier and is carried out by humans under, I suspect, the antichrist. If one avoids a superficial reading of the text, it becomes quite clear that the Seals represent the persecution of Christians. In order to understand this, we first have to carefully read Jesus' words in Matthew 24 (commonly known as the Olivet Discourse), then compare what He said in that chapter with the Seals of Revelation 6.
In fact, the Bible indicates that the spilling of the blood of believers is, in a manner of speaking, the spark that finally sets off the fire of God's wrath. See The End Of The Age Part II... The Seven Seals.
It is, by the way, six plagues not seven. The seventh trumpet unleashes a series of events including the final bowls. See The Seventh Trumpet
However, in complete contradiction to what the Bible tells us, Ellen White seemed quite confident that, in the end times, the saints will be delivered from all harm, apparently once by the voice of God (above) and then by warrior angels. On page 282 of her Early Writings, she said...
I saw the saints leaving the cities and villages, and associating together in companies, and living in the most solitary places. Angels provided them food and water, while the wicked were suffering from hunger and thirst. Then I saw the leading men of the earth consulting together, and Satan and his angels busy around them. I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders that unless the saints should yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath, and observe the first day of the week, the people were at liberty after a certain time to put them to death. But in this hour of trial the saints were calm and composed, trusting in God and leaning upon His promise that a way of escape would be made for them. In some places, before the time for the decree to be executed, the wicked rushed upon the saints to slay them; but angels in the form of men of war fought for them. Satan wished to have the privilege of destroying the saints of the Most High; but Jesus bade His angels watch over them. [41]
God made no promise that a way of escape would be made for His people. Much to the contrary Jesus said "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name." (Matthew 24:9 NASB)
On page 284, Ellen White once again displayed her lack of understanding of the difference between persecution by humans and the wrath of God. She claimed that Noah's ark provided the example of how God would not allow the wicked to destroy His people.
I was pointed back to faithful Noah. When the rain descended and the flood came, Noah and his family had entered the ark, and God had shut them in. Noah had faithfully warned the inhabitants of the antediluvian world, while they had mocked and derided him. And as the waters descended upon the earth, and one after another was drowning, they beheld that ark, of which they had made so much sport, riding safely upon the waters, preserving the faithful Noah and His family. So I saw that the people of God, who had faithfully warned the world of His coming wrath, would be delivered. God would not suffer the wicked to destroy those who were expecting translation and who would not bow to the decree of the beast or receive his mark. I saw that if the wicked were permitted to slay the saints, Satan and all his evil host, and all who hate God, would be gratified. [42]
Noah and his family were protected from the wrath of God upon the ancient world, not from the pagan world around them.
Heaven
I would like to return for a moment to Ellen White's first vision which, when compared to the Scriptures, is more full of holes than a mosquito net. If a vision is divinely inspired, it has to strictly harmonize with the word of God, which Ellen White's did not. Instead her vision reflects the idea of heaven that was popular then and is popular now, i.e. we ascend up to some ethereal heaven in the sky, which is as far from the truth as it gets. Again her first vision is too long to relate in its entirety, but you can read the entire account if you wish. It begins on THIS page.
Heaven is Somewhere "Up There"
EGW: "We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the sea of glass"
THE BIBLE: There is not a single verse in the Bible that says that 'heaven' is some place out there. Much to the contrary, from cover to cover, there a zillion verses that clearly point to the kingdom of God being right here on earth. For example, Revelation 5:9-10 speaks of those who were purchased for God reigning on the earth.
And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth." (Revelation 5:9-10 NASB)
The misunderstanding comes from the fact that, in both Old and New Testaments, the word "heaven" did refer to the very dwelling place of God. However, exactly the same word also referred to the sky or outer space. Therefore, one has to carefully distinguish which of the three "heavens" was being spoken about.
Jesus' core message was the good news of the kingdom of God, and men should repent and believe. However, whenever He referred to this coming kingdom, He never used the single word "heaven", but either of the two synonymous phrases... "kingdom of Heaven" or "kingdom of God", thus distinguishing God's coming kingdom from "heaven" which could have meant the sky, deep space, or the present dwelling place of God.
In spite of the fact that Jesus' language was so very specific, the church has failed to differentiate between the present abode of God, and His coming kingdom. This has led to the totally erroneous idea that heaven is this ethereal place that God now dwells in, and which we go up to, and live in... for all eternity. Since it is simply impossible to condense all the facts in a couple of short paragraphs, I refer the reader to an in-depth article What And Where is "Heaven"? Part I... Defining "Heaven"
And the Bible definitely indicates that we return to earth after the Seven Bowls are complete. Since we can be reasonably sure that, after meeting the Lord in the air, we do not stay suspended in space for all eternity, the question is what happens next?
Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet (Gk. apantesis) the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. (NASB)
The word translated "meet", in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 above is the Greek apantesis, which is used only three other times in the NT. All three uses demonstrate that apantesis is used in the context of going out to meet someone who is headed your way, then turning around and accompanying that person to their intended destination.
For Details See
Raptured, But Where Are We Going?
What And Where is "Heaven"? Part III... Jesus' Second Coming and The Resurrection of The Body
As a by the way, Ellen White also wrote "Then Jesus' silver trumpet sounded, as He descended on the cloud, wrapped in flames of fire".
In Revelation only the angels have trumpets. However, in Revelation 14:14, Jesus is described as holding a sharp sickle which, by the way, is used to make the distinction between the good crop and the weeds. After which the angels gather and bind the tares, then collect the elect from one end of the heaven to the other, which is the Rapture. Again, I refer the reader to That Earth-Shaking Seventh Trumpet
The Trinity
Over and over again, Ellen White referred to the Holy Spirit as "the third person of the Godhead" [43]
Although most people cannot wrap their heads around, much less explain, the concept of the trinity, the vast majority of Christians believe it to be an unassailable and inviolable doctrine that comes straight from the pages of Scripture itself.
It doesn't.
Most people have been fooled by translations that reflect the translators pre-assumptions. As a result they have never really looked closely at the people (read Greek philosophers and Catholic mystics) who enormously influenced the first council of Nicea, and have never examined many verses in the New Testament that appear to snub the "third person" of the Godhead.
God's prophet would NEVER have made the same mistakes. See Is God a Trinity?
End Notes. Ellen White Vs. The Bible
[01] Seventh Day Adventist. The Gift of Prophecy.
https://www.adventist.org/en/spirituality/prophecy/article/go/-/the-gift-of-prophecy/
[02] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 63. Chapter 4—The Plan of Redemption.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=PP&lang
=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=63
[03] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Early Writings, Page 126.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=EW&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=126
[04] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, Page 31. Chapter 5—The Privilege of Being a Christian.
Manuscript 16, 1886.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=2SAT&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=31
[05] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Signs of the Times. August 24, 1891.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Periodical&bookCode=ST&lang
=en&collection=2§ion=all&year=1891&month=
August&day=24¶graphnumber=10&QUERY=The+terms+of+this+oneness+between+God+and+man&resultId=1
[06] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Early Writings, Page 126.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=EW&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=126
[07] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Patriarchs and Prophets. Page 64.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=PP&lang=en&pagenumber=64
[08] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Signs of the Times.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Periodical&bookCode=ST&lang=en&year=1878&month=March&day=14¶graphReferences=1
[09] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Great Controversy 1888, Pages 347- 348.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=GC&lang=en&pagenumber=347
[10] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Desire of Ages, Page 147. https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=DA&lang=en&pagenumber=147
[11] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Desire of Ages. Page 22,
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=DA&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=22
[12] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 63. Chapter 4—The Plan of Redemption.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=PP&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=63
[13]Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Work Of The Holy Spirit.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=WV&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=358
[13a] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Signs of the Times. March 3, 1890. Sermon given by Ellen White at Torre Pellice, Italy, December 3, 1885. http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Periodical&bookCode=ST&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&year=1890&month=March&day=3¶graphnumber=3
[13b] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Review and Herald. September 25, 1900
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Periodical&bookCode=RH&lang=en&collection=2§ion
=all&year=1900&month=September&day=25¶graphnumber=10
[14] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 64.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=PP&lang=en&pagenumber=64. Pg. 66-67
[15] Ellen White. Early Writings, Page 146. http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=EW&lang=en&pagenumber=146
[16] Ellen G. White Writings. Darkness Before Dawn, Page 7. Some Willfully Pervert God's Word.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=DD&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=7
[17] Seventh-day Adventists Believe. Fundamental Beliefs, 26. Chapter 26. The Millennium and the End of Sin.
http://www.sdanet.org/atissue/books/27/27-26.htm
[18] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Great Controversy 1888, Page 657.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=GC88&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=657
[19] ibid.
[20] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Great Controversy. Pg. 480.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=GC&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=480
[21] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Present Truth. August 1, 1849.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Periodical&bookCode=PT&lang=en&collection=2&
section=all&year=1849&month=August&day=1¶graphnumber=18&QUERY=%22other+worlds%22&resultId=1
22] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Heavens Declare the Glory of God, February 9.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=LHU&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=54&
[23] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Truth About Angels, Page 199.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=TA&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=199
[24] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Desire of Ages, Page 758. Chapter 79— "It is Finished"
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=DA&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=758
[25] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Desire of Ages, Page 758.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=DA&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=758
[26] Ellen White. The Signs of the Times. December 30, 1889.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Periodical&bookCode=ST&lang=en&year=1889&month=December&day=30
[27] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Prayer, Page 293. http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=Pr&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=293
[28] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Unfallen Worlds. http://ellenwhite.org/content/file/unfallen-worlds-1#document
[29] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, Chapter 34—Systematic Benevolence.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=3T&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=40
[30] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. December 14, 1904. The Church and its Mission.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php pubtype=Periodical&bookCode=AUGleaner&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&year=1904&month=December
&day=14¶graphnumber=7&QUERY=cursed+by+God&resultId=1
[31] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, Page 202.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=2SP&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=202
[32] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. From Heaven With Love, Page 194.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=HLv&pagenumber=194
33] ibid. Pg. 195
[34] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen G White. Early Writings, Page 185.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=EW&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=185
[34b] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen G White. Redemption Or The Sufferings Of Christ His Trial And Crucifixion, Page 58.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=5Red&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=58
[35] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen G White. Regarding Ministers' Families. Ms 34b, 1885.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=EGWManuscript&bookCode=Ms34b-1885&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=1
[36] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Patriarchs and Prophets. Pages 81, 82.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=PP&lang=en&pagenumber=81
[37] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, Page 48.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=3SG&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=48
[38] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Christian Education, Page 208.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=CE&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=208
[39] Tower of Babel http://www.conservapedia.com/Tower_of_Babel
[40] Ellen G. White Writings. Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, Page 117.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=LS&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=117
[41] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Early Writings, The Time of Trouble
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=EW&lang=en&pagenumber=282
[42] ibid Page 284.
[43] Ellen G. White Writings. Ellen White. Christ Triumphant, Page 301.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=CTr&lang=en&pagenumber=301
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