The Key That Unlocked Mysteries

Ellen White’s theological plumb line, as governed by the Great Controversy Theme and affirmed by revelation, remained the same, even as her insights deepened. Her theological discernment provided a unifying center that helped church members to share with others, in a lucid and convincing manner, the coherent message. Her written understanding of the sanctuary doctrine, for example, became the microcosm of the plan of salvation. This teaching not only was the “key” that unlocked the mystery of the 1844 disappointment, “it opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God’s hand had directed the great Advent Movement, and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people.... Light from the sanctuary illumined the past, the present, and the future.” ^{44The Great Controversy, 423. For a Biblical study of Daniel 8-9 as these chapters related to the heavenly sanctuary, see Angel Manuel Rodriguez, “The Sanctuary and Its Cleansing,” Adventist Review, September, 1994 (North American Edition).}MOL 259.5

From the earliest days of her prophetic ministry, Ellen White saw in the three angels’ messages (Revelation 14:1-12) “the perfect chain of truth.” Flowing from within this “chain” was the sanctuary doctrine. These Biblical messages “were represented to [her] as an anchor to hold the body.” ^{45“The third angel was pointing them to the Most Holy Place, and those who had an experience in the past messages were pointing them the way to the heavenly sanctuary. Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels’ messages, and gladly received it. They embraced them in their order, and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly sanctuary. These messages were represented to me as an anchor to hold the body. And as individuals receive and understand them, they are shielded against the many delusions of Satan.” Spiritual Gifts 1:165, 166. For an analysis of the historical understanding of the message of the three angels, see Damsteegt, Foundations, pp. 268-270.}MOL 260.1