Visions Not a Substitute for Bible Study

In the 1850s, opponents of Seventh-day Adventists ridiculed their doctrines as “vision views.” James White responded by pointing to the fact that every doctrine is Bible based and sustained by Biblical arguments: “The revival of any, or of all the gifts, will never supersede the necessity of searching the Word to learn the truth.... It is not God’s plan to lead out His people into the broad field of truth by the gifts. But after His people have searched the Word, if then individuals err from Bible truth, or through strife urge erroneous views upon the honest seekers for truth, then is God’s opportunity to correct them by the gifts. This is in harmony with our entire experience on this subject.” ^{46The Review and Herald, February 26, 1856, p. 172.}MOL 175.8

In 1874 Uriah Smith, editor of the church paper, responded to a charge by a Sunday-observing Adventist that Seventh-day Adventists base their sanctuary teachings on the visions of Ellen G. White. In his reply, Smith wrote that “works upon the sanctuary are among our standard publications.... But in no one of these are the visions referred to as any authority on this subject, or the source from whence any view we hold has been derived.... The appeal is invariably to the Bible, where there is abundant evidence for the views we hold on this subject.” ^{47The Review and Herald, December 22, 1874. “Though Ellen White received confirming visions at the time of the doctrinal discussions and following ... Adventists consistently made their final appeal to Scripture.” Paul A. Gordon, The Sanctuary, 1844, and the Pioneers (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1983), p. 29.}MOL 175.9

Throughout her ministry, Ellen White maintained the primacy of the Bible. In 1851 she appealed: “I recommend to you, dear reader, the Word of God as the rule of your faith and practice. By that Word we are to be judged.” ^{48Early Writings, 78.} In 1901: “The Lord desires you to study your Bibles. He has not given any additional light to take the place of His Word. This light [the gift of prophecy] is to bring confused minds to His Word.” ^{49Letter 130, 1901, cited in Selected Messages 3:29; see Testimonies for the Church 2:604-609.}MOL 176.1