Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

68
Ellen White, Ellen White, Scripture and Scripture and Theology Theology Denis Fortin Denis Fortin June 22, 2005 June 22, 2005 SEEDS Plus! SEEDS Plus!

description

Ellen White, Scripture and Theology. Denis Fortin June 22, 2005 SEEDS Plus!. Ellen White’s recommendation. In 1851, at the end of her first booklet, Ellen White stated: - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Page 1: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Ellen White, Scripture Ellen White, Scripture and Theologyand Theology

Denis FortinDenis Fortin

June 22, 2005June 22, 2005

SEEDS Plus!SEEDS Plus!

Page 2: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Ellen White’s recommendationEllen White’s recommendation

In 1851, at the end of her first In 1851, at the end of her first booklet, Ellen White stated:booklet, Ellen White stated:

““I recommend to you dear reader, I recommend to you dear reader, the Word of God as the rule of your the Word of God as the rule of your faith and practice. By that Word we faith and practice. By that Word we are to be judged” (EW 78).are to be judged” (EW 78).

Page 3: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Take it as it isTake it as it is

“I take the Bible just as it is, as the Inspired Word. I believe its

utterances in an entire Bible.. . . . Men of humble acquirements,

possessing but limited capabilities and opportunities to become

conversant in the Scriptures, find in the living oracles comfort, guidance, counsel, and the plan of salvation as

clear as a sunbeam. . . .

Page 4: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Take it as it isTake it as it is

“No one need be lost for want of knowledge, unless he is willfully

blind. We thank God that the Bible is prepared for the poor man as well as for the learned man. It is fitted for all ages and all classes. (Ms 16, 1888 in 1 SM 17-

18)

Page 5: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The presence of GodThe presence of God

“In the Bible the will of God is revealed to His children. Wherever it is read,

in the family circle, the school, or the church, all should give quiet and devout attention as if God were really present and speaking to

them.” (5T 84)

Page 6: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Books on the BibleBooks on the Bible

Conflict of the Ages series :Conflict of the Ages series :• Patriarchs and ProphetsPatriarchs and Prophets• Prophets and KingsProphets and Kings• Desire of AgesDesire of Ages• Acts of the ApostlesActs of the Apostles• Great ControversyGreat Controversy

Thoughts from the Mount of BlessingThoughts from the Mount of Blessing Christ’s Object LessonsChrist’s Object Lessons Ministry of HealingMinistry of Healing EducationEducation

Page 7: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Only devotional writings?Only devotional writings?

In recent years, many people have In recent years, many people have claimed and argued that Ellen claimed and argued that Ellen White’s writings were primarily White’s writings were primarily devotional and as such not intended devotional and as such not intended for doctrinal and theological for doctrinal and theological guidance; that because she was not guidance; that because she was not a trained biblical scholar, or exegete, a trained biblical scholar, or exegete, we should not view her writings as we should not view her writings as more than devotional books.more than devotional books.

Page 8: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Only devotional?Only devotional?

Many of Ellen White’s books were Many of Ellen White’s books were pastoral in nature:pastoral in nature:• Testimonies for the ChurchTestimonies for the Church• Many books of counselsMany books of counsels

Other books were more philosophical Other books were more philosophical and practical:and practical:• EducationEducation• Ministry of HealingMinistry of Healing

Page 9: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Only devotional?Only devotional?

Are Ellen White’s writings on biblical Are Ellen White’s writings on biblical stories and themes, such as the stories and themes, such as the Conflict of the Ages series, only Conflict of the Ages series, only devotional?devotional?

How did Ellen White use Scripture?How did Ellen White use Scripture? Was she able to think theologically Was she able to think theologically

and to express her writings within and to express her writings within theological categories?theological categories?

Page 10: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Primarily a commentatorPrimarily a commentator

In her writings, but primarily in her Conflict of the Ages series, Ellen White ‘commented’ on the biblical story from the origin of sin in heaven to its final eradication from the universe after the millennium. She articulated her thoughts around major themes: great controversy, love of God, and salvation in Jesus.

Page 11: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Types of biblical interpretationTypes of biblical interpretation

Typologies Moralisms Character sketches Biblical analogies and parallelisms Spiritual warfare Exegesis

Page 12: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

TypologyTypology

A typology is to understand or A typology is to understand or perceive a person or event in the Old perceive a person or event in the Old Testament as a figure or illustration–Testament as a figure or illustration–a type–of something or someone in a type–of something or someone in the New Testament or in the Church.the New Testament or in the Church.

Page 13: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Elijah a type of the remnantElijah a type of the remnant

““Elijah was a Elijah was a typetype of the saints who will be living of the saints who will be living on the earth at the time of the second advent of on the earth at the time of the second advent of Christ and who will be "changed, in a moment, in Christ and who will be "changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump," the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump," without tasting of death. 1 Cor 15:51, 52. It was without tasting of death. 1 Cor 15:51, 52. It was as a as a representativerepresentative of those who shall be thus of those who shall be thus translated that Elijah, near the close of Christ's translated that Elijah, near the close of Christ's earthly ministry, was permitted to stand with earthly ministry, was permitted to stand with Moses by the side of the Saviour on the mount of Moses by the side of the Saviour on the mount of transfiguration. In these glorified ones, the transfiguration. In these glorified ones, the disciples saw in disciples saw in miniatureminiature a a representationrepresentation of the of the kingdom of the redeemed. . . .kingdom of the redeemed. . . .

Page 14: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Elijah a type of the remnantElijah a type of the remnant

““They beheld Jesus clothed with the light They beheld Jesus clothed with the light of heaven; they heard the "voice out of the of heaven; they heard the "voice out of the cloud" (Luke 9:35), acknowledging Him as cloud" (Luke 9:35), acknowledging Him as the Son of God; they saw Moses, the Son of God; they saw Moses, representingrepresenting those who will be raised from those who will be raised from the dead at the time of the second advent; the dead at the time of the second advent; and there also stood Elijah, and there also stood Elijah, representingrepresenting those who at the close of earth's history those who at the close of earth's history will be changed from mortal to immortal will be changed from mortal to immortal and be translated to heaven without and be translated to heaven without seeing death.” (PK 227)seeing death.” (PK 227)

Page 15: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Moses a type of ChristMoses a type of Christ

During the idolatry at Mount Sinai:During the idolatry at Mount Sinai:““Moses was a Moses was a typetype of Christ. As Israel's of Christ. As Israel's intercessor veiled his countenance, because the intercessor veiled his countenance, because the people could not endure to look upon its glory, so people could not endure to look upon its glory, so Christ, the divine Mediator, veiled His divinity with Christ, the divine Mediator, veiled His divinity with humanity when He came to earth. Had He come humanity when He came to earth. Had He come clothed with the brightness of heaven, he could clothed with the brightness of heaven, he could not have found access to men in their sinful state. not have found access to men in their sinful state. They could not have endured the glory of His They could not have endured the glory of His presence. Therefore He humbled Himself, and presence. Therefore He humbled Himself, and was made “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Rom was made “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Rom 8:3), that He might reach the fallen race, and lift 8:3), that He might reach the fallen race, and lift them up.” (PP 330)them up.” (PP 330)

Page 16: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

MoralismMoralism

Another way Ellen White uses Another way Ellen White uses Scripture is moralism.Scripture is moralism.

Moralism is weaving moral lessons Moralism is weaving moral lessons from events that happen to biblical from events that happen to biblical people and applying these lessons to people and applying these lessons to the Church today.the Church today.

Page 17: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Aaron and idolatry at SinaiAaron and idolatry at Sinai

““How often, in our own day, is the love of How often, in our own day, is the love of pleasure disguised by a "form of pleasure disguised by a "form of godliness"! A religion that permits men, godliness"! A religion that permits men, while observing the rites of worship, to while observing the rites of worship, to devote themselves to selfish or sensual devote themselves to selfish or sensual gratification, is as pleasing to the gratification, is as pleasing to the multitudes now as in the days of Israel. multitudes now as in the days of Israel. And there are still pliant Aarons, who, And there are still pliant Aarons, who, while holding positions of authority in the while holding positions of authority in the church, will yield to the desires of the church, will yield to the desires of the unconsecrated, and thus encourage them unconsecrated, and thus encourage them in sin.” (PP 317)in sin.” (PP 317)

Page 18: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Nadab and AbihuNadab and Abihu

The story of Nadab and Abihu a few The story of Nadab and Abihu a few chapters later is fraught with moral chapters later is fraught with moral lessons for God’s people (359-362).lessons for God’s people (359-362).• Lack of firmness in their educationLack of firmness in their education• Lack of reverence for GodLack of reverence for God• Use of alcoholUse of alcohol

Page 19: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Character SketchesCharacter Sketches

Given the overarching theme of the great Given the overarching theme of the great controversy in her writings, how people controversy in her writings, how people relate to God in this controversy between relate to God in this controversy between good and evil allows her to illustrate how good and evil allows her to illustrate how one’s life today should be lived in order to one’s life today should be lived in order to be victorious or to be defeated by the foe. be victorious or to be defeated by the foe. Plenty of character sketches illustrate her Plenty of character sketches illustrate her narratives.narratives.

Among her favorites in the Scriptures : Among her favorites in the Scriptures : Joseph, Daniel and the apostle John.Joseph, Daniel and the apostle John.

Page 20: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The greatest want of the worldThe greatest want of the world

““The greatest want of the world is The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.” though the heavens fall.” (Ed 57)(Ed 57)

Page 21: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Biblical analogy and parallelismBiblical analogy and parallelism

Ellen White draws parallels between Ellen White draws parallels between various Bible stories, events, people, various Bible stories, events, people, or texts.or texts.

In the chapter “Idolatry at Sinai”, she In the chapter “Idolatry at Sinai”, she draws a biblical analogy between draws a biblical analogy between God’s judgment of idolatry with what God’s judgment of idolatry with what is predicted will happen at the end of is predicted will happen at the end of time (PP 326).time (PP 326).

Page 22: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Biblical analogy and parallelismBiblical analogy and parallelism

Often, Ellen White explained the Often, Ellen White explained the meaning of a story by drawing on meaning of a story by drawing on many texts of the Bible. In many texts of the Bible. In connecting together many stories connecting together many stories and texts, she saw a basic harmony and texts, she saw a basic harmony between all of the books of the Bible.between all of the books of the Bible.

Page 23: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

““God with us”God with us”

In the first chapter of In the first chapter of Desire of Ages Desire of Ages in which she explains the meaning of in which she explains the meaning of Jesus’ first advent, Ellen White refers Jesus’ first advent, Ellen White refers to:to:• Isa 9, Ps 65, Ps 95, John 6-8, Mal 4, Rom Isa 9, Ps 65, Ps 95, John 6-8, Mal 4, Rom

16, John 3, Isa 14, Phil 2-3, Heb 10, Exo 16, John 3, Isa 14, Phil 2-3, Heb 10, Exo 25, John 1, Heb 2, 4, Ps 40, Exo 3, John 25, John 1, Heb 2, 4, Ps 40, Exo 3, John 10, 14, Mat 28, Isa 53, Heb 7, 11, Zech 10, 14, Mat 28, Isa 53, Heb 7, 11, Zech 9, Eph 2, 3.9, Eph 2, 3.

Page 24: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Spiritual WarfareSpiritual Warfare

Ellen White presents to her readers Ellen White presents to her readers the “behind the scenes” events, the “behind the scenes” events, conversations between Christ and conversations between Christ and Satan, or between evil angels, how Satan, or between evil angels, how God interprets or reacts to events, God interprets or reacts to events, etc. This approach is closely etc. This approach is closely connected with her understanding of connected with her understanding of the great controversy.the great controversy.

Page 25: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Spiritual WarfareSpiritual Warfare

Chapter 29 in Chapter 29 in Patriarchs and Patriarchs and ProphetsProphets, “Satan’s Enmity Against , “Satan’s Enmity Against the Law”the Law”

Chapter 79 in Chapter 79 in Desire of AgesDesire of Ages, “It Is , “It Is Finished”Finished”

Page 26: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Satan’s new conditionSatan’s new condition

““Satan stood in amazement at his new Satan stood in amazement at his new condition. His happiness was gone. He condition. His happiness was gone. He looked upon the angels who, with him, looked upon the angels who, with him, were once so happy, but who had been were once so happy, but who had been expelled from Heaven with him. Before expelled from Heaven with him. Before their fall, not a shade of discontent had their fall, not a shade of discontent had marred their perfect bliss. Now all seemed marred their perfect bliss. Now all seemed changed. Countenances which had changed. Countenances which had reflected the image of their Maker were reflected the image of their Maker were gloomy and despairing.gloomy and despairing.

Page 27: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Satan’s new conditionSatan’s new condition

““Strife, discord, and bitter Strife, discord, and bitter recrimination, were among them. recrimination, were among them. Previous to their rebellion these Previous to their rebellion these things had been unknown in Heaven. things had been unknown in Heaven. Satan now beholds the terrible Satan now beholds the terrible results of his rebellion. He results of his rebellion. He shuddered, and feared to face the shuddered, and feared to face the future, and to contemplate the end future, and to contemplate the end of these things.” (1SP 28)of these things.” (1SP 28)

Page 28: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

ExegesisExegesis

Although Ellen White was not a Although Ellen White was not a trained biblical scholar and exegete, trained biblical scholar and exegete, she nonetheless interpreted she nonetheless interpreted Scripture.Scripture.

She explained the meaning of words, She explained the meaning of words, talked about the context and talked about the context and circumstances of the passages, circumstances of the passages, referred to other texts to shed light referred to other texts to shed light on a passage.on a passage.

Page 29: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

ExegesisExegesis

Books such as Books such as Thoughts from the Thoughts from the Mount of BlessingMount of Blessing and and Christ’s Object Christ’s Object LessonsLessons are genuine Bible are genuine Bible commentaries.commentaries.

Her use of typologies, moralisms, Her use of typologies, moralisms, character sketches, and biblical character sketches, and biblical analogies and parallelisms are part of analogies and parallelisms are part of exegesis.exegesis.

Page 30: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Exegesis of Mat 5:48Exegesis of Mat 5:48

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."which is in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48. Matthew 5:48.

““The word "therefore" implies a conclusion, an The word "therefore" implies a conclusion, an inference from what has gone before. Jesus has inference from what has gone before. Jesus has been describing to His hearers the unfailing been describing to His hearers the unfailing mercy and love of God, and He bids them mercy and love of God, and He bids them therefore to be perfect. Because your heavenly therefore to be perfect. Because your heavenly Father "is kind unto the unthankful and to the Father "is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil" (Luke 6:35), because He has stooped to lift evil" (Luke 6:35), because He has stooped to lift you up, therefore, said Jesus, you may become you up, therefore, said Jesus, you may become like Him in character, and stand without fault in like Him in character, and stand without fault in the presence of men and angels.” (MB 76)the presence of men and angels.” (MB 76)

Page 31: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

EmphasisEmphasis

“The space she devotes to Biblical events and persons is not always proportional to the space given in the Bible. Her emphasis on certain events or persons depends on how she believes those events and persons contribute to the unfolding of the Great Controversy Theme.” (Herbert Douglass, Messenger of the Lord, 419)

Page 32: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Doctrinal GuidanceDoctrinal Guidance

Beyond the spiritual and pastoral Beyond the spiritual and pastoral guidance provided by the writings of guidance provided by the writings of Ellen White, her writings also provide Ellen White, her writings also provide doctrinal guidancedoctrinal guidance• valid applications of biblical teachingsvalid applications of biblical teachings• interconnectedness of biblical doctrinesinterconnectedness of biblical doctrines• steering Adventists away from errors of steering Adventists away from errors of

interpretationinterpretation

Page 33: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Doctrinal GuidanceDoctrinal Guidance

Ellen White showed doctrinal Ellen White showed doctrinal authority when the church was authority when the church was confronted with difficult doctrinal confronted with difficult doctrinal issuesissues• Kellogg’s teachings on pantheismKellogg’s teachings on pantheism• Ballenger’s teachings on Christ’s Ballenger’s teachings on Christ’s

ministry in the heavenly sanctuaryministry in the heavenly sanctuary• Centrality of Christ’s death on CalvaryCentrality of Christ’s death on Calvary• Importance of healthful livingImportance of healthful living

Page 34: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Theological GuidanceTheological Guidance

Perhaps more crucial to Adventism is how Perhaps more crucial to Adventism is how Ellen White’s writings have provided the Ellen White’s writings have provided the church with theological guidance, with church with theological guidance, with interpretative themes and motifs for a interpretative themes and motifs for a proper understanding of God’s revelation.proper understanding of God’s revelation.

Major themes:Major themes:• Great controversy between good and evilGreat controversy between good and evil• Love of God for humanityLove of God for humanity• Salvation in JesusSalvation in Jesus• Second coming of ChristSecond coming of Christ• Christian livingChristian living

Page 35: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Theological GuidanceTheological Guidance

Ellen White’s theological themes Ellen White’s theological themes provide Adventism and Christianity provide Adventism and Christianity with theological presuppositions and with theological presuppositions and assumptions (like a pair of eye assumptions (like a pair of eye glasses) with which to study glasses) with which to study Scripture and understand its Scripture and understand its meaning for our lives today as we meaning for our lives today as we wait for Christ’s second coming.wait for Christ’s second coming.

Page 36: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Themes in the Writings of Ellen Themes in the Writings of Ellen WhiteWhite

In his book Meeting Ellen White, George Knight discusses seven themes in her writings (pp. 109-127)

Page 37: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Themes in the Writings of Ellen Themes in the Writings of Ellen WhiteWhite

While Ellen White was not a theologian, per se, her writings present many theological themes and ideas which expand on the biblical stories.

A theme represents an idea or concept that helps us understand her writings, her theology and her burden for the church.

Page 38: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Themes in the Writings of Ellen Themes in the Writings of Ellen WhiteWhite

Themes integrate various strands of Ellen White’s thinking into a unified network of concepts.

They provide an interpretative framework for not only single documents or books, but for entire sectors of her writings (such as health, education, family living).

Page 39: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Themes in the Writings of Ellen Themes in the Writings of Ellen WhiteWhite

Love of God Great Controversy Jesus, the Cross, and Salvation Centrality of the Bible Second Coming of Jesus Third Angel’s Message and Adventist

Mission Practical Christianity and Character

Development

Page 40: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Love of God

Perhaps the central and most comprehensive theme of the writings of Ellen White is that of the love of God.

This is a theme that she repeatedly mentions and discusses in her books.

Page 41: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The phrase “God is love” appears as

the first three words ofPatriarchs and Prophets

and

the last three words ofThe Great Controversy.

Love of God

Page 42: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Love of God

In Ellen White’s writings,God’s love is the central point of the

great struggle between good and evil.

“God is love” is the phrase that provides the context for her telling of

the great controversy story.

Page 43: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The first chapter of Steps to Christ begins with the words:

“Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love.”

Love of God

Page 44: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Love of God

“The world, though fallen, is not all sorrow and misery. In nature itself

are messages of hope and comfort. There are flowers upon the thistles,

and the thorns are covered with roses. ‘God is love’ is written upon

every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass.” (Steps to Christ, pp. 9-10)

Page 45: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Yet, Ellen White points out, that the things of nature in a world of sin

“but imperfectly represent His love.”

The supreme and clearest illustration of God’s love for us is

God sending Jesus to save us from our sins (SC 10-13).

Love of God

Page 46: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Love of God

In the first chapter of the Desire of Ages she points out that Jesus

“came to reveal the light of God’s love” (DA 19).

Page 47: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Love of God“Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of

self- sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven;

that the love which "seeketh not her own" has its source in the heart of God; and that in the

meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.” (DA 19-20)

Page 48: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Love of God

On the last page of the Desire of Ages, her conclusion is that

through Christ “love has conquered” (DA 835).

Page 49: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

“The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe

is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and

light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things,

animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.” (GC 678)

Love of God

Page 50: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The Great Controversy

The themes of the love of God and the Great Controversy are closely

interconnected.

Ellen White emphasizes repeatedly that the focal point of the Great Controversy is

Satan’s aim to misrepresent the loving character of God.

Page 51: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The Great Controversy“Satan led men to conceive of God as a being whose chief attribute is stern justice,--one who is a severe judge, a harsh, exacting creditor.

He pictured the Creator as a being who is watching with jealous eye to discern the errors

and mistakes of men, that He may visit judgments upon them. It was to remove this dark shadow, by revealing to the world the infinite love of God, that Jesus came to live among men. The Son of God came from

heaven to make manifest the Father.” (Steps to Christ, p. 11)

Page 52: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The Great Controversy

Satan’s aim is also to misrepresent God’s law.

In Ellen White’s thought the character of God and law of God are not two different elements but

one.

Page 53: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The Great Controversy

“Satan represents God’s law of love as a law of selfishness. He declares that it is impossible for us to obey its precepts.”

(Desire of Ages, p. 24)

“From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven it has been

Satan’s purpose to overthrow the law of God.” (Great Controversy, p. 582)

Page 54: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The Great Controversy

In the great controversy, God fights against this misrepresentation.

“The history of the great conflict between good and evil, from the time it first began

in heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the total eradication of sin,

is also a demonstration of God's unchanging love.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33)

Page 55: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The Great Controversy

God’s demonstration of his love in the ongoing conflict with Satan forms the

focus of the Conflict of the Ages Series.

This theme provides the theological framework that gives direction and context to the rest of her writings.

Page 56: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The Great Controversy

“The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him

who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable

space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy,

declare that God is love.” (The Great Controversy, p. 678)

Page 57: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Jesus, the Cross, and Salvation

God’s foremost demonstration of his love in the great controversy was sending

Jesus to redeem humanity.

“It was to remove this dark shadow, by revealing to the world the infinite love of

God, that Jesus came to live among men.” (Steps to Christ, p. 11)

Page 58: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Jesus, the Cross, and Salvation

“Through Christ's redeeming work the government of God stands justified. The Omnipotent One is made known as the

God of love. Satan's charges are refuted, and his character unveiled.” (Desire of Ages, p. 26)

Page 59: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Jesus, the Cross, and Salvation

For Ellen White Jesus was not only the victorious Redeemer over the

forces of evil, he is a very personal friend to her and the Savior who died

on the cross for each individual human being.

Page 60: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Jesus, the Cross, and Salvation

“Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. ‘With His stripes we are

healed’.” (Desire of Ages, p. 25)

Page 61: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

Jesus, the Cross, and Salvation

“Christ crucified for our sins, Christ risen from the dead, Christ ascended

on high, is the science of salvation that we are to learn and to teach.”

(Testimonies 8:287)

Page 62: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

“The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the word of God,

from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light that streams from the cross of

Calvary. I present before you the great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration,

salvation and redemption,--the Son of God uplifted on the cross. This is to be the

foundation of every discourse given by our ministers.” (Gospel Workers, p. 315)

Jesus, the Cross, and Salvation

Page 63: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The centrality of the Bible

Another important theme in Ellen White’s writings is the Bible, the

written Word of God.

In her first book (1851) she wrote:“I recommend to you, dear reader, the Word of God as the rule of your

faith and practice.” (Early Writings, p. 78)

Page 64: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The centrality of the Bible“In His word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy

Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of His will.

They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of

experience. ‘Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for

correction, for instruction which is in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every

good work’.” (Great Controversy, p. vii)

Page 65: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The centrality of the Bible

“Search the Scriptures carefully to see what is true. . . . The truth can lose nothing by close investigation. Let the Word of God speak for itself, let it be its own interpreter. Our people, individually, must understand Bible truth more

thoroughly, for they certainly will be called before councils; they will be criticized by keen

and critical minds. It is one thing to give assent to the truth, and another thing, through close examination as Bible students, to know

what is truth.

Page 66: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The centrality of the Bible

“Many, many will be lost because they have not studied their Bibles upon their knees, with earnest prayer to God that the entrance of the Word of God might

give light to their understanding. . . . The Word of God is the great detector of

error; to it we believe everything must be brought. The Bible must be our standard

for every doctrine and practice. . . .

Page 67: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

The centrality of the Bible

“We are to receive no one’s opinion without comparing it with the Scriptures. Here is divine authority, which is supreme

in matters of faith. It is the word of the living God that is to decide all

controversies.”(1888 Materials, pp. 38-40, 44, 45; written August 5, 1888 to “Brethren

Who Shall Assemble in General Conference”)

Page 68: Ellen White, Scripture and Theology

This presentation is available on my This presentation is available on my website atwebsite at

www.andrews.edu/~fortindwww.andrews.edu/~fortind

Click on GSEM534Click on GSEM534