"In our time there is a wide departure from their doctrines and precepts, and there is need of a return to the great Protestant principle--the Bible, and the Bible only, as the rule of faith and duty." "The Great Controversy," pp. 204, 205
"You are not familiar with the Scriptures. If you had made God's word your study, with a desire to reach the Bible standard and attain to Christian perfection, you would not have needed the "Testimonies". [Collections of letters of council for the church given by God in visions to Ellen.] It is because you have neglected to acquaint yourselves with God's inspired Book that He has sought to reach you by simple, direct testimonies, calling your attention to the words of inspiration which you had neglected to obey, and urging you to fashion your lives in accordance with its pure and elevated teachings." "Testimonies to the Church," Vol. 2, p. 605
"The written testimonies are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed. Man's duty to God and to his fellow man has been distinctly specified in God's word; yet but few of you are obedient to the light given. Additional truth is not brought out; but God has through the "Testimonies" simplified the great truths already given and in His own way brought them before the people to awaken and impress the mind with them, that all may be left without excuse." "Testimonies," Vol. 2. 605
These statements show clearly the purpose of Ellen's gift. Her writings are not an addition to the Bible, but are given to keep us close to the Bible. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is deeply indebted to Ellen White. Because of her ministry, the Seventh-day Adventist church has remained a Bible-based, Christ-centered movement throughout its history. Because of her life and ministry, the Adventist Church today has one of the most far-flung mission programs of any denomination. It was Ellen who encouraged the church to engage in a worldwide ministry. Because of her, Adventists today operate one of the largest non-profit health care systems in the United States and many hospitals around the world, as well as the largest Protestant parochial educational systems in the world. Because of the ministry of Ellen, Seventh-day Adventists have conducted a balanced ministry -- preaching the word, healing the sick, helping the poor. Adventists conduct one of the largest disaster and famine relief efforts in the world today. Adventists who follow the health counsels given by Ellen live nearly ten years longer than the general population. Truly the Seventh-day Adventist Church is deeply indebted to the ministry of Ellen White.
This page maintained by Allen Roy. Last update on 01/18/98