The Rise of False Prophets

But if Ellen White had no light on the question of a possible prophetic successor, she was in no doubt about whether false prophets would arise.HONL 6.6

She stated emphatically that many false prophets would arise, ^{2Selected Messages 2:49, 392.} and that many people would be deceived thereby. ^{3Selected Messages 2:72, 392.} She also said that their numbers would continue to increase worldwide, ^{4Ellen G. White, Evangelism, 610 (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1946). (Cited hereafter as Ev.)} many claimants would be genuinely sincere though misguided (not all of them would be hoaxes or frauds), ^{5Selected Messages 2:72.} and of these, some would even produce supernatural manifestations in support of their claims. ^{6Selected Messages 2:49.} She specifically warned:HONL 6.7

Let none cherish the idea that special providences or miraculous manifestations are to be the proof of the genuineness of their work or of the ideas they advocate. If we keep these things before the people, they will produce an evil effect, and unhealthful emotion.... Satan will work in a most subtle manner to introduce human inventions clothed with angel garments. But...the Bible will never be superceded by miraculous manifestations. ^{7Selected Messages 2:48.}

Mrs. White especially emphasized five results to the church from these false prophetic manifestations: (1) deception ^{8Ellen G. White, Counsels to Writers and Editors (Nashville, Tenn.: Southern Publishing Association, 1946), 152.} (2) confusion, ^{9Selected Messages 2:72.} (3) rebellion, ^{10Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 4:173 (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1948). See also Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, 442 (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1917); Selected Messages 2:392-395.} (“Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe.” “I question whether genuine rebellion is ever curable.” ^{11Selected Messages 2:394, 393}), (4) doctrinal heresies, ^{12Selected Messages 2:393} and (5) a discrediting of the legitimate prophetic gifts. ^{13Selected Messages 2:77, 78.}HONL 7.1

Ellen White spoke out decidedly on the church’s obligation to test those claiming to be prophets ^{14Evangelism, 360.} and the ideas which they advocate. ^{15Evangelism, 610.}HONL 7.2