Purpose of the Visions

Every Seventh-day Adventist should understand the purpose of the visions given to God's servant and the testimonies that she wrote. Ellen White indicated that they were given: “To bring the minds of His people to His word.”—Ibid., 5:663. “God has through the Testimonies simplified the great truths already given.”—Ibid., 5:665. To call attention to Bible “principles for the formation of correct habits of living.”—Ibid., 5:663, 664.EGWE 242.4

They were not given “for a new rule of faith, but for the comfort of His people, and to correct those who err from Bible truth.”—Early Writings, 78.EGWE 243.1

They were provided to specify “man's duty to God and to his fellow man.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:665. Also, “to encourage the desponding.”—The Review and Herald, January 10, 1856. (Read carefully Testimonies for the Church 5:654-696; also Testimony Treasures, vol. 2, pp. 270-293.)EGWE 243.2