An Imperfect Messenger

The fact that the prophets were called “holy men of God” (2 Peter 1:21) does not mean that they were incapable of sinning, nor that it is disrespectful to recognize their human weaknesses. Any attempt to make the biblical prophets perfect or “saints” is contrary to the biblical record itself. The Scriptures, with characteristic honesty, describe the weaknesses and sins of the prophets as well as their virtues.VOTS 26.2

One of the most surprising illustrations of an imperfect messenger is found in the history of King David. Although he is called “the anointed of the God of Jacob,” and though he himself recognized: “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me” (2 Samuel 23:1, 2), the biblical record also describes his grievous sins. When his relationship with God was broken by sin, the Lord sent another prophet to correct his servant (2 Samuel 12:1-13). Once David repented and admitted his sin, the way for divine-human communication was again opened, and the psalmist was inspired to write the beautiful psalm of confession (Psalm 51). Does the fact that David was a guilty, and then repentant, sinner change in any way the inspiration of Psalm 51? Of course not.VOTS 26.3

We cannot establish our trust in the prophetic word of Scripture based on the prophet’s perfect behavior. Neither we can we do so with a modern prophet. The authority of the prophetic message is not based on the messenger’s perfect life or behavior. Ellen White never claimed perfection or infallibility for herself. “We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible.... In regard to infallibility, I never claimed it.” ^{2Selected Messages 1:37.} It is true that Ellen White was a mother concerned about her children, a consecrated missionary; an eloquent preacher, a good neighbor, and a loving and dedicated Christian. Nevertheless, through her diaries and personal letters we know that she was sometimes discouraged and depressed, that on occasion she had disagreements with her husband, that she made mistakes, and that many times she had to ask for forgiveness.VOTS 26.4