Chapter 18—Theological Crises

“[God has given me light] to correct specious errors and to specify what is truth.” ^{1Letter 117, 1910, cited in Selected Messages, book 3, p. 32.}MOL 194.1

Throughout history since Cain and Abel, as Ellen White has wisely noted, Satan has done well in his attempt “to deceive and destroy the people by palming off upon them a counterfeit in place of the true work.” ^{2The Great Controversy, 186.} Every reformatory movement has experienced this phenomenon. The apostle Paul had to contend with wily counterfeits in his day. ^{3Acts 20:28-31; Colossians 2:8, 16-23; 2 Timothy 4:3-5; Titus 1:9-16.} During the Protestant Reformation, counterfeit religious movements and theologies plagued Martin Luther, as they did John Wesley two centuries later. The very nature of counterfeits requires immediate response; if left unchecked, truth comes close to shipwreck until a clear voice arises to reveal the error.MOL 194.2

Such has been Ellen White’s role in the Seventh-day Adventist Church from the beginning of her ministry to this day through her published works. In reviewing the fanaticism and counterfeit views of the 1840s and 1850s, we are reminded that these same errors will be faced repeatedly until the close of time. ^{4“In later years I have been shown that the false theories advanced in the past have by no means been given up. As favorable opportunities come, they will have a resurrection. Let us not forget that everything is to be shaken that can be shaken.” Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 92, 93; see Selected Messages 2:25-30.}MOL 194.3