Salvation and atonement

The central theme of the Bible, the theme about which every other in the whole book clusters, is the redemption plan, the restoration in the human soul of the image of God. From the first intimation of hope in the sentence pronounced in Eden to that last glorious promise of the Revelation, “They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads” (Revelation 22:4), the burden of every book and every passage of the Bible is the unfolding of this wondrous theme,—mans uplifting,—the power of God, “which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57. ^{20Ibid., 125, 126.}UEGW 115.1

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. ^{21EGW, Gospel Workers (Washington DC: Review and Herald®, 1915), 315.}UEGW 115.2

Ellen White and her prophetic revelations are not the source of distinctive Seventh-day Adventist doctrines, nor did she control the development of Seventh-day Adventist doctrinal understanding during her lifetime. Her role was one of correction, confirmation, and enrichment. Her visions brought unity and a focus on the teaching of Scripture. While her writings had prophetic authority, they always pointed to Scripture as the final authority for faith and practice.UEGW 115.3

Beyond this role, she provided an integrated theological framework that greatly enriched the Seventh-day Adventist understanding of the Bible and truth. This was linked to the movements of God in history as presented in a great controversy theme and other great theological themes. These themes were integrated with distinctive Seventh-day Adventist doctrines to give focus to the message and mission of the church.UEGW 115.4