Reasons for Questions

The fact that Adventists ask certain questions regarding Mrs. White does not mean that there is widespread doubt or uncertainty among us regarding the divine gift of the Spirit of prophecy. Far from it. Adventists rejoice that God once more has graciously given to His people this great gift. But seeing that it is so rare, and nowhere else manifested in our age, it is natural that varying questions should arise in the minds of some, particularly those just entering the church. Indeed, it is for the special help of the latter that this chapter is written.WBEGW 112.2

Yes, it is natural that questions should be raised, at times, even by the most devout. God gave us the faculty of asking questions. But for our own protection let us never forget that all our faculties are subject to the bombardment of the evil one, and that he also can prompt questions. We shall never be free of dangers as we travel the road heavenward. Some of us will be tempted to let various questions blur the clear view of the road ahead. Others, though seeing clearly the road, will be tempted to try to rein up everyone to walk straightly according to their particular interpretation of the counsels God has graciously given us through the Spirit of prophecy. Their interpretation of inspiration on a certain point may be right, but their way of trying to bring conformity on that point may be woefully wrong. The result is discord. We all need, by God’s grace, to discover winning ways to present our view of what an inspired passage means. Only thus can we come into the desired unity of the faith. As we journey the upward way let us use the Spirit of prophecy, not as a club with which to force others into conformity with us, but as a staff to help our own faltering feet along the heavenly road.WBEGW 112.3