Conclusions

Based on the stages of development of how Seventh-day Adventists accepted Ellen White’s prophetic gift from 1844 to 1872 discussed in this chapter, three general conclusions can be noted. First, the Seventh-day Adventist acceptance of the modern manifestation of the prophetic gift was based on the Bible and its teachings. As demonstrated, during each period, there were those who questioned the validity of Ellen White’s prophetic claims. Although most of the objections were repetitive, each new period brought some new nuances that the denomination had to address. Seventh-day Adventists, therefore, tried to offer solutions to each of the raised objections and to show biblical evidences for their acceptance of Ellen White’s prophetic gift. Thus the sophistication and the biblical confirmation of their theology on the topic expanded and deepened at each stage. The raised objections, therefore, did not hurt but affirmed the denomination’s confidence in Ellen White. While the Sabbathkeeping Adventists agreed that there were instances of false prophetic claims, they also believed that the Bible allowed for the true display of the gift of prophecy before the second coming of Jesus. Ellen White’s gift, they believed, was a part of the true manifestation of the biblical gift of the Spirit. From a “sign,” her gift became to be seen as an “identifying mark” of the end-time people of God, and it became eventually one of the peculiar doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.GOP 268.1

A second conclusion that can be established from this study is that a belief in Ellen White’s gift has to be based not only on evidence, but also on personal experiences with her writings. Early Seventh-day Adventists understood that people needed time and space to examine, understand, and appreciate the gift of prophecy as displayed through Ellen White. Of course, they believed that sincere people who would take time to acquaint themselves with her messages eventually would find her gift to be genuine and authentic. But it is remarkable how early Sabbathkeeping Adventists, including Ellen White, were willing to show patience and tolerance toward individuals who were honestly searching to find out the truth about her prophetic claims. Related to that belief was also their reluctance to make Ellen White’s gift a “test of fellowship,” although the issue evolved through different nuances as this chapter has demonstrated. Modern Seventh-day Adventism should remember, therefore, that because of its nature, the acceptance of Ellen White’s prophetic gift should not be based on intellectual (or theological) evidence only. People should be given sufficient time to familiarize themselves with Ellen White’s life and ministry through her writings and make intelligent decisions about her prophetic claims. The gift of prophecy cannot be imposed, but must be experienced.GOP 268.2

A third conclusion that can be drawn is that the acceptance of Ellen White’s gift has helped Seventh-day Adventists to establish important theological principles and put the doctrine of spiritual gifts (and the gift of prophecy in particular) into a balanced perspective within their overall theology. The discussion over Ellen White’s gift has helped the denomination (a) to formulate and develop biblical and theological principles in defense of the modern display of the gift of prophecy; (b) to clarify the relationship between the Bible and Ellen White’s prophetic role; (c) to reject the notion of Ellen White’s gift as a source for Seventh-day Adventist doctrines; and (d) to begin to see the gift of prophecy as having end-time significance for the remnant people of God. What Seventh-day Adventists must never forget is that Ellen White’s writings should never be equated or used in place of the Bible. After all, part of her prophetic role was to bring people back to the Scripture. Seventh-day Adventism at its best has always made a distinction between the Scriptures and the gifts of the Spirit, including Ellen White’s gift of prophecy.GOP 268.3

Because of its nature, the acceptance of Ellen White’s prophetic gift has continued to bring waves of theological tensions and controversies within and without the Seventh-day Adventist denomination since 1872. The church, on its part, has continued to clarify, explain, and defend its belief in her prophetic claims. The doctrine of the gift of prophecy, therefore, is still a fundamental part of the Seventh-day Adventist theological system.GOP 269.1