“And the Lord said to Moses: “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at simply any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. Thus Aaron shall come into the Holy Place: with the blood of a young bull as a sin offering, and of a ram as a burnt offering. He shall put the Holy linen tunic and the linen trousers on his body; he shall be girded with a linen sash, and with the linen turban he shall be attired. These are holy garments. Therefore he shall wash he body in water, and put them on. ........For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you that you may be clean from all your sins before the Lord. It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever.” Leviticus 16:2-4, 31-32.
“I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil, and sit down. Then Jesus rose up from the throne, and the most of those who were bowed down arose with Him. I did not see one ray of light pass from Jesus to the careless multitude after He arose, and they were left in perfect darkness. Those who arose when Jesus did, kept their eyes fixed on Him as He left the throne and led them out a little way. Then He raised His right arm, and we heard His lovely voice saying, "Wait here; I am going to My Father to receive the kingdom; keep your garments spotless, and in a little while I will return from the wedding and receive you to Myself." Then a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to the holiest, where the Father sat. There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the Father. On the hem of His garment was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate.” Early Writings pg. 55
“I was then shown what did take place in heaven as the prophetic periods ended in 1844. I saw that as the ministration of Jesus in the Holy place ended, and he closed the door of that apartment, a great darkness settled upon those who had heard, and had rejected the messages of Christ's coming, and they lost sight of him. Jesus then clothed himself with precious garments. Around the bottom of his robe was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. He had suspended from his shoulders a breastplate of curious work. And as he moved, it glittered like diamonds, magnifying letters which looked like names written, or engraven upon the breastplate. After he was fully attired, with something upon his head which looked like a crown, angels surrounded him, and in a flaming chariot he passed within the second veil. I was then bid to take notice of the two apartments of the heavenly Sanctuary. The curtain, or door, was opened, and I was permitted to enter.” Spiritual Gifts. Volume 1 pg.158
“[The Sealing] At the commencement of the Holy Sabbath, (Jan. 5th, 1849,) we engaged in prayer with Bro. Belden's family at Rocky Hill, Con., and the Holy Ghost fell upon us. I was taken off in vision to the Most Holy Place, where I saw Jesus still interceding for Israel. On the bottom of his garment was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. Then I saw that Jesus would not leave the Most Holy Place until every case was decided either for salvation or destruction, and that the wrath of God could not come until Jesus had finished his work in the Most Holy Place, laid off his priestly attire and clothed himself with the garments of vengeance. Then Jesus will step out from between the Father and man, and God will keep silence no longer; but pour out his wrath on those who have rejected his truth.” A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White pg.19
“The most important part of the daily ministration was the service performed in behalf of individuals. ... By his own hand the animal was then slain, and the blood was carried by the priest into the holy place and sprinkled before the veil, behind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had transgressed. By this ceremony the sin was, through the blood, transferred in figure to the sanctuary.” Patriarchs and Prophets, p.354
For seven years after 1844, Mrs. White taught that the door of probation was closed. She claimed that the Lord had “shown” her this. Even when challenged she maintained that the Lord had shown her that probation had closed. Only after the children of the believers began to reach the “age of accountability,” did the “door” begin to open. (See “The Cultic Doctrine of Seventh-day Adventists by Dale Ratzlaff.)
“Others [open door Adventists} rashly denied the light behind them, and said that it was not God that had led them out so far. The light behind them went out leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and they stumbled and got their eyes off the mark and lost sight of Jesus, and fell off the path down in the dark and wicked world below. It was just as impossible for them to get on the path again and go to the City, as all the wicked world which God had rejected. They fell all the way along the path one after another, until we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus/ coming. (From Ellen White’s first vision received in December 1844. Published as “To the Remnant Scatter Abroad,” in “A word to the Little Flock, May 30, 1847, p.14.)
“The view about the Bridegroom’s coming I had about the middle of February, 1845, while in Exeter, Maine, in meeting with Israel Dammon, James, and many others. Many of them did not believe in the shut door. I suffered much at the commencement of the meeting. Unbelief [in the shut door] seemed to be on every hand.
There was one sister there that was called very spiritual. She traveled and [had] been a power ful preacher the most of the time for twenty years. She had been truly a other in Israel. But a division had risen in the band on the shut door. She had great sympathy, and could not believe the door was shut. I had known nothing of their difference.”
“At length my soul seemed to be in an agony, and while she was talking I feel from my chair to the floor. It was then I had a view of Jesus rising from His mediatorial throne and going to the holiest, the Bridegroom to receive His kingdom. They all said it was entirely new to them. The Lord worked in mighty power, setting the truth home to their hearts.
Sister Durben knew what the power of the Lord was, for she had felt it many times; and a short time after I fell she was struck down, and fell to the floor, crying to God to have mercy on her. When I came out of vision, my ears were saluted with Sister Durben’s singing and shouting with a loud voice.
Most of them received the vision, and were settled upon the shut door. Previous to this I had no light on the coming of the Bridegroom, but had expected Him to come to this earth to deliver His people on the tenth day of the seventh month. I did not hear a lecture or a word in any way relating to the Bridegroom’s going to the Holiest.” Manuscript Releases Volume Five pg. 97 - “Three Early Letters"
“I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil, and sit down. Then Jesus rose up from the throne, and the most of those who were bowed down arose with Him. I did not see one ray of light pass from Jesus to the careless multitude after He arose, and they were left in perfect darkness. Those who arose when Jesus did, kept their eyes fixed on Him as He left the throne and led them out a little way. Then He raised His right arm, and we heard His lovely voice saying, "Wait here; I am going to My Father to receive the kingdom; keep your garments spotless, and in a little while I will return from the wedding and receive you to Myself." Then a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to the holiest, where the Father sat. There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the Father. On the hem of His garment was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate.” Early Writings pg. 55
“With my brethren and sisters, after the time passed in forty-four I did believe no more sinners would be converted. But I never had a vision that no more sinners would be converted. And am clear and free to state no one has ever heard me say or has read from my pen statements which will justify them in the charges they have made against me upon this point.” Selected Messages Book 1, p. 74, (Written in 1874.)
“The whole family of Adam must die. I saw the lovely JESUS, and beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon his countenance. Soon I saw him approach the exceeding bright light which enshouded the FATHER. Said my accompanying angel, 'He is in close converse with his FATHER. The anxiety of the angels seemed to be intense while JESUS was communing with his FATHER. Three times he was shut in by the glorious light about the FATHER, and the third time he came for the FATHER, his person could be seen. His countenance was calm, free from all perplexity and trouble, and shone with benevolence and loveliness, such as words cannot express. He then made known to the angelic host that a way of escape had been made for lost man. He told them that he had been pleading with his FATHER, and had offered to give his life a ransom, and take the sentence of death upon himself, that through him man might find pardon. That through the merits of his blood, and obedience to the law of God, they could have the favor of God, and be brought into the beautiful garden, and eat of the fruit of the tree of life.” Spiritual Gifts Volume I, p.23
“. . . the plan of salvation was devised, and his FATHER had accepted the plan.” Spiritual Gifts Volume I, p.25
“Jesus bid the heavenly host be reconciled to the plan that his FATHER accepted, . . .” Spiritual Gifts Volume I, p.25
“Said the angel, 'Think ye that the FATHER yielded up his dearly beloved SON without a struggle? No, no. It was even a struggle with the GOD of heaven, whether to let guilty man perish, or to give his beloved SON to die for them.’” Spiritual Gifts Volume I, p.26
“As soon as the long fast of Christ commenced, Satan was at hand with his temptations...Satan told Christ ...that it was not necessary for him to endure this painful hunger and death from starvation”
(Redemption of the Temptation of Christ, p. 37 1874 Edition).
“As soon as Christ began his fast, Satan appeared as an angel of light, and claimed to be a messenger of heaven. He told him it was not the will of God that he should suffer this pain and self denial”
(Christ Our Saviour p. 45. 1 Selected Messages p.273).
Forty days He was tempted of Satan” (Early Writings p.155).
NOTE: According to these first three statements, Satan came to tempt Christ at the beginning of His forty day fast in the wilderness. In the following statement, Satan appears after the forty days of fasting are completed. This is consistent with Scripture which does not say that Christ was tempted for forty days, only that Satan came to tempt Him after He was very hungry.
“When Jesus entered the wilderness, He was shut in by the Father’s glory...But the glory departed, and He was left to battle with temptation. For forty days he fasted and prayed... Now was Satan’’s opportunity. Now he supposed he could overcome Christ” (Desire of Ages p.118)
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” ... “The tempter came to him and said, ?If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread’” (Matthew 4:2-3 NIV).
BONES OF CHRIST BROKEN AT CALVARY
“The heart of his disciples fainted within them. The mother of JESUS was agonized, almost beyond endurance, and as they stretched JESUS upon the cross, and were about to fasten his hands with the cruel nails to the wooden arms, the disciples bore the mother of JESUS from the scene, that she might not hear the crashing of the nails, as they were driven through the bone and muscle of his tender hands and feet.” Spiritual Gifts Volume I, p.58
NOTE: Perhaps at the first writing, Mrs. White was not aware of the prophecy which stated that no bone of the Passover sacrifice was to be broken. The mistake was later corrected in the “Desire of Ages,” p.744.
“She saw His hands stretched upon the cross; the hammer and the nails were brought, and as the spikes were driven through the tender flesh, the heart-stricken disciples bore away from the cruel scene the fainting form of the mother of Jesus.”
WAS THE DEATH OF CHRIST COMPLETE?
(YES) “Men need to understand that Deity suffered and sank under the agonies of Calvary”
(Manuscript 44, 1898, and the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary Volume 7, p.907).
(NO) “He who said, ?I lay down my life, that I might take it again,’ came forth from the grave to life that was in himself. Humanity died: divinity did not die. In his divinity, Christ possessed the power to break the bonds of death” (The Youth’s Instructor, August 4, 1898 pr.1)
NOTE: If part of Christ remained alive, then all of Christ did not die. Then Christ was not a complete sacrifice. And the full price was not paid for our redemption.
“We believe that Jesus died and rose again” (1Thessalonians 4:14).
NOTE: Scripture is very clear. The Father raised His Son from death. Christ did NOT come forth from the grave by His own power. And He was in fact - dead. (Acts 4:10, Acts 13:30, Acts 17:31, Romans 4:24, Romans 6:4, Romans 8:11, Romans 10:9, Galatians 1:1, Ephesians 1:17-20, 1Thessalonians 1:10, 1Peter 1:3)
ALL THE MIRACLES OF CHRIST WERE DONE THROUGH ANGELS
“The angels of God are ever moving up and down from earth to Heaven, and from Heaven to earth. All the miracles of Christ performed for the afflicted and suffering were, by the power of God, through the ministration of angels. Christ condescended to take humanity, and thus he unites his interests with the fallen sons and daughters of Adam here below, while his divinity grasps the throne of God. And thus Christ opens the communication of man with God, and God with man. All the blessings from God to man are through the ministration of holy angels.”
Spirit of Prophecy Volume Two pg.76, Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald January 21, 1873 pr.16
Comment: “The Father who dwells in Me does the works” John 14:10.
GRAVECLOTHES CAREFULLY FOLDED
“It was Christ Himself who had placed those graveclothes with such care. When the mighty angel came down to the tomb, he was joined by another, who with his company had been keeping guard over the Lord’s body. As the angel from heaven rolled away the stone, the other entered the tomb, and unbound the wrappings from the body of Jesus. But it was the Saviour’s hand that folded each, and laid it in its place. In His sight who guides alike the star and the atom, there is nothing unimportant. Order and perfection are seen in all His work.”
Desire of Ages pg.789
Comment: It was the custom, as verified in the New Testament, to prepare the corpse (after cleansing) with various types of aromatic spices. In the case of Christ’s burial, 100 pounds of spices were used. (This amount was not unusual for an important person.) The graveclothes consisted of three or more long strips of linen sewed together in which no knots were permitted. Beginning at the feet the body was wrapped with the strips of linen. At this point the aromatic spices (composed of fragments of a fragrant wood pounded into a dust known as aloes) were mixed with a gummy substance known as myrrh. This mixture was placed between the strips of linen as the body was wrapped. The body would be wrapped up to the armpits, the arms folded down, and the wrapping continued up to the neck, then down to the feet again. A separate piece was wrapped around the head. The entire encasement would weigh perhaps 120 pounds. The myrrh used was a gummy resin which adheres so closely to the body that the graveclothes could not easily be removed. The Scripture says that when John looked into the tomb “he believed.” What did John see? He saw the graveclothes in the exact position where he had last seen them, wrapped around the body of his Lord. But now they were empty, perhaps a bit caved in like an empty cocoon from which a butterfly has emerged.
“But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed marveling to himself at what had happened” (Luke 24:12). “Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, (John) who came to the tomb first went in also; and he saw and believed.” (John 20:6-8).
The wrapping which had been around the head was lying separated from the body wrapping. The separation was the space where the neck would have been. (The neck was not wrapped.) The words “folded together” in the NKJV are an unfortunate translation. The KJV says “wrapped together,” which is more accurate and the RSV says “rolled up.” The head wrapping appeared folded because it flattened out when the body disappeared.
The whole point here being that Christ could not have carefully folded these long strips of linen unless He also made the sticky resin disappear which was glueing them together. This is unlikely.
THE WRONG HEROD
Writing under inspiration; E. G. White wrote in 1858 that, “Herod’s heart grew still harder, and when he heard that JESUS had arisen, he was not much troubled. He took the life of James; and when he saw that this pleased the Jews, he took Peter also, intending to put him to death” (Spiritual Gifts Vol 1, p.71).
Note: Mrs. White was under the impression that the Herod who took part in Jesus’ trial was the same Herod who took the life of James. She did not realize that it was Herod Antipas who took part in Jesus’ trial and Herod Agrippa I who put James to death. This was not correct. It is one example of her fallibility.
Note: This error was never corrected in the revisions of Early Writings. But when the error was discovered the authors tried to fix it by a footnote on page 185 of Early writings saying it was, “the same Herodian spirit only in another personality.”
THE GOLDEN OIL
“The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4 quoted).” Christ’s Object Lessons pg.406
“The oil with which the wise virgins filled their lamps represents the Holy Spirit. (Zechariah 4 quoted)
“The golden oil, representing the Holy Spirit, is communicated to God’s servants by the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” Review and Herald 01/25/98
“These heavenly messengers empty the golden oil out of themselves . . .”
“Unless God shall work through the two olive-trees, his witnesses, causing them to empty from themselves the golden oil through the golden tubes into the golden bowls, . . . “ Review and Herald 09/14/97
“From the two olive-trees, the golden oil was emptied through golden pipes into the bowl of the candlestick, and thence into the golden lamps that gave light to the sanctuary. So from the holy ones that stand in God’s presence, his Spirit is imparted to human instrumentalities that are consecrated to his service.”
“Through the golden pipes, the olive-branches empty the golden oil out of themselves. These olive-branches are the anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. Through them the Holy Spirit is communicated to the churches. Thus heaven and earth are united.” Review and Herald 05/16/99
“. . . and the Holy Spirit fulfils his office work to empty the golden oil into the golden bowls, . . . “
“The Holy Spirit’s office work is to empty the golden oil into the golden bowls . . .”
“As we consecrate ourselves to God, the Holy Spirit will impart to us the holy oil . . . “
“The word itself must be as represented, the golden oil, emptied from the two olive trees that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. This is the baptism by the Holy Spirit with fire.” Bible Commentary Vol. 4, pg.1180
“The gracious utterances of the word are the holy golden oil, emptied from the two olive branches into the hearts ...” General Conference Bulletin 04/01/99
“By the holy beings surrounding His throne, the Lord keeps up a constant communication with the inhabitants of the earth. The golden oil represents the grace with which God keeps the lamps of believers supplied.
The golden oil represents the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is communicated to men through heavenly messengers.
The golden oil is God’s grace. The golden oil is truth. The Holy Spirit’s office is to empty the golden oil into the golden bowls. The Holy Spirit will impart to us the golden oil. The writer is not consistent in her interpretation of the imagery of Zechariah’s vision. The interpretation of the imagery of Zechariah’s vision is only one of many themes which demonstrate the writer’s inconsistency.
JACOB AND THE ANGEL: TWO DIFFERENT STORIES
“Jacob's wrong, in receiving his brother's blessing by fraud, is again brought forcibly before him, and he is afraid that God will permit Esau to take his life. In his distress he prays to God all night. An angel was represented to me as standing before Jacob, presenting his wrong before him in its true character. As the angel turns to leave him, Jacob lays hold of him, and will not let him go. He makes supplications with tears. He pleads that he has deeply repented of his sins, and the wrongs against his brother, which have been the means of separating him from his father's house for twenty years. He ventures to plead the promises of God, and the tokens of his favor to him from time to time, in his absence from his father's house. All night Jacob wrestled with the angel, making supplication for a blessing. The angel seemed to be resisting his prayer, by continually calling his sins to his remembrance, ....... Spirit of Prophecy Vol. 1, pg.118
“It was in a lonely, mountainous region, the haunt of wild beasts and the lurking place of robbers and murderers. Solitary and unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth. It was midnight. All that made life dear to him were at a distance, exposed to danger and death. Bitterest of all was the thought that it was his own sin which had brought this peril upon the innocent. With earnest cries and tears he made his prayer before God. Suddenly a strong hand was laid upon him. He thought that an enemy was seeking his life, and he endeavored to wrest himself from the grasp of his assailant. In the darkness the two struggled for the mastery. Not a word was spoken, but Jacob put forth all his strength, and did not relax his efforts for a moment. While he was thus battling for his life, the sense of his guilt pressed upon his soul; his sins rose up before him, to shut him out from God. But in his terrible extremity he remembered God's promises, and his whole heart went out in entreaty for His mercy. The struggle continued until near the break of day, when the stranger placed his finger upon Jacob's thigh, and he was crippled instantly. The patriarch now discerned the character of his antagonist. He knew that he had been in conflict with a heavenly messenger, and this was why his almost superhuman effort had not gained the victory.”
COMMENT: In the first version Mrs. White says that the angel was clearly seen by Jacob. The angel was calling his sins to his remembrance, and Jacob laid hold of the angel as he was about to leave. In the second version it is dark and the angel first lays his hand upon Jacob. Jacob thinks that the angel is a human enemy. In the second version not a word is spoken. Only when the angel touches his thigh and cripples him, does Jacob realize that this is a heavenly messenger, and he then clings to Him pleading for a blessing.
AMALGAMATION OF MAN AND ANIMAL SEEN IN CERTAIN RACES OF MEN
“Every species of animal which God had created were preserved in the ark. The confused species which God did not create, which were the result of amalgamation, were destroyed by the flood. Since the flood there has been amalgamation of man and beast, as may be seen in the almost endless varieties of species of animals, and in certain races of men.” Spiritual Gifts Volume Three pg.75
“But if there was one sin above another which called for the destruction of the race by the flood, it was the base crime of amalgamation of man and beast which defaced the image of God, and caused confusion everywhere.
Comment: I had a pastor once tell me that Mrs. White was making reference to inbreeding of men, and inbreeding of animals. But the “amalgamation” was referred to by Mrs. White as “a base crime.” Animals don’t sin. Noah’s grandchildren married each other. Abraham married his half sister. This was not referred to in the Bible as sin. Genetic defects have not been a problem until recent history. New or “confused” species have never been demonstrated to result from inbreeding, not without gene splicing using a high powered electron microscope. (One wonders which “races of men” Mrs. White had in mind, which demonstrate the effects of this amalgamation.)
INSANITY AND RETARDATION THE RESULT OF MASTURBATION
“Females possess less vital force than the other sex, and are deprived very much of the bracing, invigorating air, by their in-door life. The result of self-abuse in them is seen in various diseases, such as catarrh, dropsy, headache, loss of memory and sight, great weakness in the back and loins, affections of the spine, and frequently, inward decay of
the head. Cancerous humor, which would lie dormant in the system their lifetime, is inflamed, and commences its eating, destructive work. The mind is often utterly ruined, and insanity supervenes.
A Solemn Appeal (Appeal to Mothers) pg.73
“The state of our world was presented before me, and my attention was especially called to the youth of our time. Everywhere I looked, I saw imbecility, dwarfed forms, crippled limbs, misshapen heads, and deformity of every description. Sins and crimes, and the violation of nature's laws, were shown me as the causes of this accumulation of human woe and suffering. I saw such degradation and vile practices, such defiance of God, and I heard such words of blasphemy, that my soul sickened. From what was shown me, a large share of the youth now living are worthless.”
Comment: The small tract - An Appeal to Mothers, was the first writing of Mrs. White on health reform after her “health reform vision.” The subject of this tract was the “soul destroying vice” of “self abuse.”
“It is not the taxation of study alone that was doing the work of injury to your children, but that their own wrong habits were sapping the brain, and robbing the entire body of vital energy. The nervous system was becoming shattered by being often excited and thus laying the foundation for premature and certain decay. Self -abuse is killing thousands and tens of thousands.” Manuscript Releases Volume Five pg. 396 (Letter to Dr. and Sister Lay, Feb. 13, 1870).
“The minds of some of these children are so weakened that they have but one half or one third of the brilliancy of intellect that they might have had, had they been virtuous and pure. They have thrown it away in self-abuse. Right here in this church, corruption is teeming on every hand.” Testimonies for the Church volume Two pg. 361
IT IS A SIN TO BE SICK
“It is a sin to be sick; for all sickness is the result of transgression” (Counsels on Health, p. 37).
NOTE: “So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. ... In all this, Job did not sin” (Job 2:7, 10).
It is a matter of record that Ellen White was quite sickly --does that mean she sinned quite often?
PRAYER FOR THE SICK
“We should first find out if the sick one has been withholding tithes or has made trouble in the church”
(Healthful Living, p. 237).
NOTE: Assuming that she is hear speaking of prayer for church members, still, I have never known an Adventist pastor who followed this command. I find no such command in Scripture.
TOWER OF BABEL - BEFORE THE FLOOD?
“The Lord first established the system of sacrificial offerings with Adam after his fall, which he taught to his descendants. This system was corrupted before the flood by those who separated themselves from the faithful followers of God, and engaged in the building of the tower of Babel. They sacrificed to gods of their own making instead of the God of Heaven.” Spiritual Gifts Volume 3 pg.301
ANGEL’S PREDICTION NOT FULFILLED
“I was shown the company present at the Conference. Said the angel: ?Some food for worms, some subjects of the seven last plagues, some will be alive and remain upon the earth to be translated at the coming of Jesus.’"
Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 pg.131-132 (1856); Spiritual Gifts Volume 4B pg.18
Comment: Everyone who attended the conference has been dead for many years.
OLD JERUSALEM WILL NEVER BE BUILT UP
“Then I was pointed to some who are in the great error of believing that it is their duty to go to Old Jerusalem, and think they have a work to do there before the Lord comes. Such a view is calculated to take the mind and interest from the present work of the Lord, under the message of the third angel. For those who think that they are yet to go to Jerusalem, will have their minds there, and their means will be withheld from the cause of present truth, to get themselves and others to Jerusalem. I saw that such a mission would accomplish no real good. That it would take a long while to make a very few of the Jews believe even in the first 'Advent of Christ,' much more, to believe in his second Advent. I saw that Satan had greatly deceived some in this thing, and that souls, all around them, in this land, could be helped by them, and led to keep the commandments of God; but they were leaving them to perish. I also saw that Old Jerusalem never would be built up; and that Satan was doing his utmost to lead the minds of the children of the Lord into these things
now, in the gathering time, to keep them from throwing their whole interest into the present work of the Lord, and to cause them to neglect the necessary preparation for the day of the Lord.
A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White, pg.62
Note: It seems clear to me from the Bible prophecies, that a great closing work will be done for the Jews. The final events leading up to the return of Christ are given in relation to Israel and Jerusalem. The Temple will be rebuilt and Antichrist will sit in the Temple of God. And of course, Jerusalem has been built up.
BURNING COAL THE CAUSE OF VOLCANIC ACTIVITY
“Before the flood there were immense forests. The trees were many times larger than any trees which we now see. They were of great durability. They would know nothing of decay for hundreds of years. At the time of the flood, these forests were torn up or broken down and buried in the earth. In some places large quantities of these immense trees were thrown together and covered with stones and earth by the commotions of the flood. They have since petrified and become coal, which accounts for the large coal beds which are now found. This coal has produced oil. God causes large quantities of coal and oil to ignite and burn. Rocks are intensely heated, limestone is burned, and iron ore melted. Water and fire under the surface of the earth meet. The action of water upon the limestone adds fury to the intense heat, and causes earthquakes, volcanoes, and fiery issues. The action of fire and water upon the ledges of rocks and ore causes loud explosions which sound like muffled thunder. These wonderful exhibitions will be more numerous and terrible just before the second coming of Christ and the end of the world, as signs of its speedy destruction.” The Spirit of Prophecy Volume One pg. 81
Comment: Coal does not burn under the earth’s surface. And volcanic activity is caused by the molten core magma seeping up through fissures caused by the movement of tectonic plates, not because “God causes large quantities of coal and oil to ignite and burn.”
THE SEAL OF GOD
“The enemies of God's law, from the ministers down to the least among them, have a new conception of truth and duty. Too late they see that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is the seal of the living God (Great Controversy, p. 640).
NOTE: “You were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13).
“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with which you were sealed for the day of redemption”
According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit is the seal.
DURING THE MILLENIAL JUDGMENT
CHRIST AND THE SAINTS MET OUT CRUEL PUNISHMENT
“Then I saw thrones, and JESUS and the redeemed saints sat upon them; and the saints reigned as kings and priests unto GOD, and the wicked dead were judged, and their acts were compared with the statute book, the word of GOD, and they were judged according to the deeds done in the body. JESUS, in union with the saints, meted out to the wicked the portion they much suffer, according to their works; and it was written in the book of death, and set off against their names.” Spiritual Gifts Volume I, p.212-213
“Satan rushes into the midst, and tries to stir up the multitude to action. But fire from GOD out of heaven is rained upon them, and the great men, and the mighty men, and the noble and poor and miserable men, are all consumed together. I saw that some were quickly destroyed, while others suffered longer. They were punished according to the deeds done in the body. Some were many days consuming, and just as long as there was a portion of them unconsumed, all the sense of suffering was there. Said the angel, The worm of life shall not die; their fire shall ot be quenched as long as there is the least particle for it to prey upon.”
Spiritual Gifts Volume I, p.217-218
CHILDREN WITH WINGS IN THE NEW EARTH
“We passed through the wood, for we were on our way to Mount Zion, as we were traveling along we met a company who were also gazing at the glories of the place: I noticed red as a border on their garments. Their crowns were brilliant--their robes were pure white. As we greeted them, I asked Jesus who they were? He said they were martyrs that had been slain for him. With them was an innumerable company of little ones, they had a hem of red on their garments also. Mount Zion was just before us, and on the Mount sat a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies, and I saw the little ones climb, or if they chose use their little wings and fly to the top of the mountains, and pluck the never fading flowers.”
The Day-Star January 24, 1846, Early Writings of Ellen G. White pg.18, Spiritual Gifts Volume II, p.54
CHILDREN RESURRECTED WITH WINGS
“As the little infants come forth immortal from their dusty beds, they immediately wing their way to their mother's arms. They meet again never more to part. But many of the little ones have no mother there. We listen in vain for the rapturous song of triumph from the mother. The angels receive the motherless infants and conduct them to the tree of life. Jesus places the golden ring of light, the crown upon their little heads. God grant that the dear mother of "Eva" may be there, that her little wings may be folded upon the glad bosom of her mother.”
The Youth’s Instructor April 1, 1858 pr.3
Comment: Christ did not have wings on his resurrected body, and we are to have a body like his. The addition of wings would make us a new species. Did these resurrected children not grow for a thousand years? Why are they still children in the new earth - with red borders on their garments showing that they were martyred? Other passages state that minor children are “covered” by the faith of believing parents (See “Last Day Events” p. 293). Why then would the infant child of an unbeliever be saved?
DOCTRINE OF THREE DIVINE BEINGS INTRODUCED AFTER 50 YEARS
From 1844 until 1896 Mrs. White believed in two divine beings - God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, begotten of the Father prior to His human incarnation. (This was also the belief held by the majority of the Adventist pioneers.) In 1896, Mrs. White’s secretary heard lectures by Herbert Camden Lacey (a Trinitarian), the content of which she shared with Mrs. White. During the next 14 years Mrs. White (and/or her underwriter Marion Davis?) penned many statements which support the doctrine of a Trinity of “three living persons of the heavenly trio.” Marion Davis solicited the help of Herbert Lacey in compiling/writing the book “The Desire of Ages,” published in 1898. Lacey’s term for the Holy Spirit, “the third person of the Godhead” is used in that book. (See EGW Biography Vol. 4, pg.380-387.)
(See the study - “The Persons of God” by Rachel Cory-Kuehl pg. 159-165 available from IBE Inc. P.O. Box 352, Jemison, AL 35085.)
CONFLICT SERIES COPIED FROM OTHER WRITERS
Upwards of 85 percent of the “conflict series” was copied from other Christian writers. Not just short phrases or concepts, but almost whole chapters (title and all) were copied. (See “The White Lie” by Walter Rae.)
HEALTH REFORM VISION CONTENT COPIED FROM JAMES C. JACKSON
Everything contained in the health reform “vision” and message had been published 10 years earlier by a “Doctor” James C. Jackson. Mrs. White stayed at his sanitarium “Our Home on the Hillside” at Dansville (about 50 miles south of Rochester), for the “water treatment.” Jackson wrote many tracts on health and natural remedies, but his heavy focus was on sexual disorders and the terrible effects of masturbation. In Mrs. White’s day, before her health reform writings, there were over 100 sanitariums all teaching vegetarianism, and natural remedies. (See “EGW Prophetess of Health.”)
ARTICLES FOR “REVIEW AND HERALD” WRITTEN BY FANNY BOLTON
Many of the articles published in “The Review and Herald” under Mrs. White’s name were actually written by Fanny Bolton, one of Mrs. White’s underwriters. (See “The White Lie” by Walter Rae.)
“DESIRE OF AGES” COPIED FROM OTHERS: COMPILED BY MARION DAVIS
The book “Desire of Ages” was compiled and underwritten by Marion Davis. She copied heavily from other Christian writers. She also received help from Prescott and Lacey in the preparation of the book. (See “The White Lie” and also the official Bibliography of EGW by her grandson, and the notes of the 1919 GC Session.) I personally own an 1868 edition of the book “Night Scenes in the Bible” by Rev. Daniel March, from which Mrs. White and/or Marion Davis borrowed many passages .
KELLOGG FALSELY ACCUSED
Mrs. White said that the Lord had “shown” her that Dr. Kellogg was using funds from the Battle Creek Sanitarium to finance low cost housing in Chicago. This Kellogg had never done. Certain local businessmen had tried to force Kellogg into financing their project by publishing a statement in the newspaper saying that Kellogg was committed to the project, but Kellogg refused to be manipulated by this tactic. Someone probably sent Willie White or his mother a copy of this newspaper. Her letters to Kellogg were very strong accusing him of something which he had never done, saying the Lord had “shown” her these things. (See “The White Lie.)
LETTERS USED TO DISFELLOWSHIP MINISTERS
Mrs. White sent letters to five prominent Adventist leaders asking them to write to her and honestly share any reservations which they had about her “prophetic gift.” She said that she would answer any questions which they asked. When two of the men did as she asked, Willie White published their letters in the “Review and Herald” and the men were forced out of the church. Mrs. White never wrote back to any of these men with any answers to their questions.
(See “The White Lie.”)
MRS. WHITE AND OTHERS WORE JEWELRY
A group photograph published in the EGW biography shows the women without jewelry. But in the original photograph the women were all wearing jewelry. The offending articles were simply airbrushed out of the published version. I have personally seen a copy of the original photograph with the jewelry.
EARLY VISIONS COPIED FROM JOSEPH SMITH
A book called “The Adventist Mormon Connection” written by Phyllis Watson of Angwin, California will be published soon. This book will show that Mrs. White copied much of the content of her early “visions” from Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism.(She also quoted many times from the Apocrypha in her book “Early Writings.) The material in this book has been carefully researched. The book is a credible work and should not be taken lightly.
DID SHE CLAIM TO BE A PROPHET?
“Those who reject the messages of God's servant reject not only the Son, but also the Father.”
Testimonies to the Church Volume 4, p.196
NOTE: The term “God’s servant” Mrs. White uses to refer to herself.
“There is one straight chain of truth without one heretical sentence in that which I have written.”
“Yet, now when I send you a testimony of warning and reproof, many of you declare it to be merely the opinion of Sister White. You thereby insulted the Spirit of God.” Testimonies 5, p. 64
“In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me. I do not write one article in the paper expressing merely my own ideas. They are what God has opened before me in vision--the precious rays of light shining from the throne.” Testimonies 5 p. 67.
“If you lessen the confidence of God’s people in the testimonies He has sent them, you are rebelling against God as were Korah, Dathan, and Abriam” Testimonies 5 p. 66.
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I recommend the book “Ellen G. White - Prophetess of Health,” by Ron Numbers, University of Tennessee Press/Knoxville ISBN# 0-87049-713-8. (I purchased this book from a large internet bookstore. The web site address is amazon.com.) I also recommend the book “The White Lie” by Walter Rae, M&R Publications, P.O. Box 2056 Turlock, CA. 95381. (This book seems to have a critical, almost hostile tone, nevertheless it does document clearly that large portions of writings published under Ellen White’s name were in fact copied from other Christian writers. Another book which documents the “shut door” teaching is “The Cultic Doctrine of Seventh-day Adventists” by Dale Ratzlaff, a 4th generation Adventist minister who left the church over EGW and the 1844 doctrine. (In this book also I feel the author’s deep frustration with the Adventist establishment. His wording gets a bit harsh. Also I do not agree with this writer’s opinion, that Christ entered the Most Holy Place once and for all in 31AD. I also disagree wholeheartedly with his teaching on the Sabbath. Ratzlaff’s book is available from Life Assurance Ministries, Box 3745, Sedona, Arizona 86340.