Great Controversy Vision of 1848

It is of particular interest to note that early in this critical, formative period, and in the very year of the historic Sabbath conferences, there should be opened up to Ellen White a comprehensive view of the great conflict through the ages. Although it was not made a matter of record at the time, we can ascertain the scope of this important vision by a statement made in 1860. Describing the 1858 controversy vision, Ellen White states:EGWMR 50.17

“In this vision of Lovett’s Grove [in 1858], most of the matter of the great controversy which I had seen ten years before [in 1848] was repeated, and I was shown I must write it out.”—Spiritual Gifts 2:170. (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 162.) (Italics mine.)EGWMR 50.18

The description of the revelation regarding the great controversy constitutes the entire first volume of Spiritual Gifts (1858). (Early Writings, 145-295.) Note the comprehensiveness of the revelation:EGWMR 50.19

a. Lucifer’s rebellion in heaven.EGWMR 50.20

b. Fall of man and plan of salvation.EGWMR 50.21

c. Ministry and sacrifice of Christ.EGWMR 50.22

d. Early church and work of apostles.EGWMR 50.23

e. Great apostasy.EGWMR 50.24

f. Reformation of sixteenth century.EGWMR 50.25

g. Advent movement.EGWMR 50.26

h. First, second, and third angels’ messages.EGWMR 50.27

i. A firm platform.EGWMR 50.28

j. Closing of the message.EGWMR 50.29

k. Scenes connected with second advent.EGWMR 50.30

l. Millennium.EGWMR 50.31

m. Final eradication of sin.EGWMR 50.32

Truly, this twelve-year formative period was crowded with significant experiences in the work of God.EGWMR 50.33