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Understanding Ellen White

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    Misconception and growing understanding

    A common misconception regarding the gift of prophecy is the belief that prophetic revelation does not allow for correction or growth in understanding on the part of the messenger. 41Sheldon, The Visions and Theories of the Prophetess Ellen G. White, 3, 4; Snook and Brinkerhoff, The Visions of E. G. White, Not of God, 3ff. The earliest critics did not understand that while God is careful to make sure that His messenger communicates His intended revelation, He does not eliminate the process of growth in their personal understanding and application. Looking at the biblical model we find that the prophets and apostles did not always have immediate and perfect understanding, and on occasion even misunderstood aspects of what they were shown. Examples include Daniel’s misunderstanding of Daniel 8 and God’s explanation given years later in Daniel 9, the apostles’ misunderstanding of the plan of God to evangelize the gentiles, and Paul’s countering of the evil of slavery while not removing it entirely. It is helpful to realize that God does not immediately correct every misconception a prophet has before using him or her to convey special revelation.UEGW 175.1

    Ellen White’s experience was similar to that of the Bible prophets. She wrote of her visions: “Often representations are given me which at first I do not understand, but after a time they are made plain by a repeated presentation of those things that I did not at first comprehend, and in ways that make their meaning clear and unmistakable” 42EGW, Selected Messages, 3:56; see also EGW, Letter 86, 1906 (March 8). Her personal preconceptions or possibly mistaken inferences relating to the shut-door teaching do not invalidate her visions, particularly because it was those early visions that provided a theological orientation resulting in a worldwide evangelistic gospel proclamation. Examples of these types of misconception, however, are rare in Ellen White’s experience.UEGW 175.2

    For those who became Sabbatarian Adventists, and later Seventh-day Adventists, the shut-door idea went through successive stages that progressively changed the theological meaning. It progressed from a strict “close of probation” view to the “open door” to the mercy seat in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary.UEGW 175.3

    Ellen White’s visions and prophetic influence throughout these years theologically led away from the shut-door view. God used her visions to urge an evangelistic Sabbath proclamation of the gospel that helped launch the movement that became the Seventh-day Adventist Church.UEGW 175.4

    Some have wondered why it took so long to correct the misconceptions of the shut-door view. James White answered this question:UEGW 176.1

    Some of this [sic] people did believe in the shut door, in common with the Adventists generally, soon after the passing of time. Some of us held fast this position longer than those did who gave up their Advent experience, and drew back in the direction of perdition. And God be thanked that we did hold fast to that position till the matter was explained by light from the heavenly sanctuary. 43James White, Life Incidents in Connection With the Great Second Advent Movement, as Illustrated by the Three Angels of Revelation 14 (Battle Creek, MI: Review and Herald®, 1868), 207.UEGW 176.2

    From Scripture we understand that special revelation and inspiration do not automatically confer perfect understanding to inspired messengers. However, the Holy Spirit makes sure that His intended message is transmitted in a trustworthy and accurate manner. Additionally, God makes sure that His intended result is accomplished. As illustrated by the experience of prophets and apostles in the Bible, this may require repetition and expansion of messages over a period of time through visions and dreams. Thus Scripture provides instructive models on how we should expect the prophetic gift to function in the experience of Ellen White.UEGW 176.3

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