Harmony With the Word Imperative

Another vitally important test is given by the prophet Isaiah. Referring to claimants of supernatural gifts, he says: “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20. That is very explicit, and very conclusive. The law and the testimony represent the Scriptures of truth, given “by inspiration of God,” the truths which “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21.AGP 279.4

The tests just enumerated are vital and fundamental. The utterances of one who claims direct instruction from God by visions and dreams must be true, and they must be in harmony with the inspired word of God.AGP 279.5

The giving of the first vision to Mrs. White in December, 1844, was the beginning of a long period of most intimate communion with God on her part. She passed away July 16, 1915,—almost seventy-one years after receiving this first view. During that long life of service she remained true to God, an untiring student of His word, and marvelously loyal to the light revealed to her in that first vision of the travels of the advent people toAGP 279.6

the holy city. The light given at that time was greatly increased through the years. The instruction then given was enlarged a thousandfold through many subsequent visions and dreams. At the close of her life she left a library of more than twenty major volumes of her writings, devoted largely to the various phases of the central truth revealed to her in that first vision. These writings are permeated with Scripture quotations, interpretations, and other evidences of her constant study of the word. Indeed, they are so true to the teachings of the Bible that they challenge the reader to discover any lack of harmony with the Inspired Word. It can be truthfully said that they furnish a vast amount of material by which to test her claims to the possession of the prophetic gift.AGP 280.1