The Stavdals: Was Ellen G. White a genuine prophet?

Apr 22 2008

Was Ellen G. White a genuine prophet?

Posted by Rune Stavdal

Who was she? Was she really a genuine messenger from God? The YouTube user "sleanos" has uploaded a series dealing with those questions, and although this is far from new material to most Adventists, I thought it served as a helpful reminder of who she was and also clearing up a few misunderstandings that have appeared along the way.

The E. G. White Estate gives this summary of her life and ministry:

"In brief, she was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century (1827-1915), yet through her writings she is still making a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world. During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books; but today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, including religion, education, social relationships, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, nutrition, and management. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 140 languages. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was more than a gifted writer; they believe she was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world's attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ's second advent."

Due largely to her influence, the Seventh-Day Adventist Church today is counted in millions around the globe. More than anyone, she inspired the SDA Church to centre its unique prophetic message in Jesus. In recent years Ellen G. White and her ministry have come under a lot of criticism. Was she really a messenger sent by God? Did she really exercise the prophetic gift?

Ch 1 A - Ellen G. White - A Genuine Prophet?

Ch 1 B - Ellen G. White - A Genuine Prophet?

Ch 2 A - Role of Ellen G White - Relationship to the Bible

Ch 2 B - Role of Ellen G White - Relationship to the Bible

Ch 2 C - Role of Ellen G White - Relationship to the Bible

Ch 3 A - Prophets are Persons - God Speaks Through People

Ch 3 B - Prophets are Persons - God Speaks Through People

Ch 3 C - Prophets are Persons - God Speaks Through People

Ch 4 A - How Inspiration Works - The Biblical Model

Ch 4 B - How Inspiration Works - The Biblical Model

Ch 4 C - How Inspiration Works - The Biblical Model

Ch 5 A - How to Test a Prophet - Biblical Criteria