Third Surprise: There Are Several Versions Of The Great Controversy

Although believers in general accept the fact that there are various versions of the Bible, some have difficulty in accepting that various versions of a book by Ellen White also exist. They feel that changing certain words or expressions is somehow tampering with the sacred and profaning something inspired. The starting point for an answer to this third surprise is to accept without reservations her own statement: “It is not the words of the Bible that are inspired.” Once this statement is accepted, it is easier to understand why, on occasion, some words or sentences have been modified.VOTS 87.1

We are not speaking here of editorial changes or corrections. We have already dealt with that point in chapter two. It is clear that the prophet, as is the case with any writer, requires editors who verify the spelling and grammar of their writings. Also, with the passing of years, some expressions become archaic terms or are no longer used, and it is necessary to change them because contemporary generations no longer understand their meaning.VOTS 87.2

We are talking here about modifications or changes due to special circumstances. One of those circumstances refers to our relationship with other religious persuasions in various countries or regions of the world.VOTS 87.3