Concepts of Revelation and Inspiration Denis Fortin Writings of Ellen G. White

Concepts of Revelation Concepts of Revelation and Inspirationand Inspiration

Denis FortinDenis Fortin

Writings of Ellen G. WhiteWritings of Ellen G. White

The IssuesThe Issues

Most difficulties with the writings of Most difficulties with the writings of Ellen White stem often from a faulty Ellen White stem often from a faulty understanding of how God gave her understanding of how God gave her messages and how her writings are messages and how her writings are inspired.inspired.

Thus, people not well informed Thus, people not well informed regarding the processes of revelation regarding the processes of revelation and inspiration are more vulnerable to a and inspiration are more vulnerable to a loss of confidence in her ministry when loss of confidence in her ministry when they discover information contrary to they discover information contrary to their views.their views.

Ellen White’s view of Ellen White’s view of her ministry her ministry Introduction to the Introduction to the Great Controversy:Great Controversy: "In harmony with the word of God, His "In harmony with the word of God, His

Spirit was to continue its work Spirit was to continue its work throughout the period of the gospel throughout the period of the gospel dispensation. During the ages while the dispensation. During the ages while the Scriptures of both the Old and the New Scriptures of both the Old and the New Testament were being given, the Holy Testament were being given, the Holy Spirit did not cease to communicate Spirit did not cease to communicate light to individual minds, apart from the light to individual minds, apart from the revelations to be embodied in the revelations to be embodied in the Sacred Canon. Sacred Canon.

Ellen White’s view of Ellen White’s view of her ministry her ministry "The Bible itself relates how, through "The Bible itself relates how, through

the Holy Spirit, men received warning, the Holy Spirit, men received warning, reproof, counsel, and instruction, reproof, counsel, and instruction, in in matters in no way relating to the matters in no way relating to the giving of the Scripturesgiving of the Scriptures. And mention . And mention is made of prophets in different ages, is made of prophets in different ages, of whose utterances nothing is of whose utterances nothing is recorded. recorded. In like mannerIn like manner, after the , after the close of the canon of the Scripture, the close of the canon of the Scripture, the Holy Spirit was still to continue its Holy Spirit was still to continue its work, to enlighten, warn, and comfort work, to enlighten, warn, and comfort the children of God." (GC viii)the children of God." (GC viii)

Ellen White’s view of Ellen White’s view of her ministryher ministry "The Spirit [i.e. the gift of "The Spirit [i.e. the gift of

prophecy] was not given--nor can prophecy] was not given--nor can it ever be bestowed-- to it ever be bestowed-- to supersede the Bible; for the supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the Scriptures explicitly state that the word of God is the standard by word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience which all teaching and experience must be tested." (GC vii)must be tested." (GC vii)

Modes of RevelationModes of Revelation

1. Visions1. Visions In her early years of ministry, In her early years of ministry,

Ellen White received visions often Ellen White received visions often attended by striking physical attended by striking physical phenomena.phenomena.– Unconscious of earthly surroundingsUnconscious of earthly surroundings– Temporary cessation of breathingTemporary cessation of breathing– Unblinking eyelidsUnblinking eyelids– Supernatural strengthSupernatural strength

Ellen White's first Ellen White's first visionvision "While I was praying at the family altar, "While I was praying at the family altar,

the Holy Ghost fell upon me, and I the Holy Ghost fell upon me, and I seemed to be rising higher and higher, seemed to be rising higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned to far above the dark world. I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, look for the Advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice but could not find them, when a voice said to me, "Look again, and look a little said to me, "Look again, and look a little higher." At this I raised my eyes, and higher." At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the Advent people were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the city, which was at the farther end of the path." (EW 14)path." (EW 14)


2. Prophetic Dreams2. Prophetic Dreams These were visions received These were visions received

during her sleep.during her sleep.

San Francisco San Francisco EarthquakeEarthquake

"While at Loma Linda, California, April 16, 1906, "While at Loma Linda, California, April 16, 1906, there passed before me a most wonderful there passed before me a most wonderful representation. During a vision of the night, I stood representation. During a vision of the night, I stood on an eminence, from which I could see houses on an eminence, from which I could see houses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings, great and shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings, great and small, were falling to the ground. Pleasure resorts, small, were falling to the ground. Pleasure resorts, theaters, hotels, and the homes of the wealthy were theaters, hotels, and the homes of the wealthy were shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the air was filled with the shrieks of existence, and the air was filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified. . . . The awfulness of of the injured and the terrified. . . . The awfulness of the scenes that passed before me I cannot find the scenes that passed before me I cannot find words to describe. It seemed that the forbearance of words to describe. It seemed that the forbearance of God was exhausted, and that the judgment day had God was exhausted, and that the judgment day had come. Terrible as was the representation that come. Terrible as was the representation that passed before me, that which impressed itself most passed before me, that which impressed itself most vividly upon my mind was the instruction given in vividly upon my mind was the instruction given in connection with it." (3SM 40-41)connection with it." (3SM 40-41)

Natural DreamsNatural Dreams

Prophetic dreams must be Prophetic dreams must be distinguished from natural distinguished from natural dreamsdreams– by the information and contentby the information and content– by the presence of the same angel by the presence of the same angel

as in prophetic daytime visionsas in prophetic daytime visions

Genuine visions and Genuine visions and dreamsdreams

"I would call especial attention to the remarkable "I would call especial attention to the remarkable dreams given in this little work, all with harmony dreams given in this little work, all with harmony and distinctness illustrating the same things. The and distinctness illustrating the same things. The multitude of dreams arise from the common multitude of dreams arise from the common things of life, with which the Spirit of God has things of life, with which the Spirit of God has nothing to do. There are also false dreams, as nothing to do. There are also false dreams, as well as false visions, which are inspired by the well as false visions, which are inspired by the spirit of Satan. But dreams from the Lord are spirit of Satan. But dreams from the Lord are classed in the word of God with visions and are classed in the word of God with visions and are as truly the fruits of the spirit of prophecy as as truly the fruits of the spirit of prophecy as visions. Such dreams, taking into the account the visions. Such dreams, taking into the account the persons who have them and the circumstances persons who have them and the circumstances under which they are given, contain their own under which they are given, contain their own proofs of their genuineness." (1T 569-570 [1867])proofs of their genuineness." (1T 569-570 [1867])


3. Short visions during periods of 3. Short visions during periods of prayer or writingprayer or writing

““Well, while I was praying and was Well, while I was praying and was sending up my petition, there was, as sending up my petition, there was, as has been a hundred times or more, a has been a hundred times or more, a soft light circling around in the room, soft light circling around in the room, and a fragrance like the fragrance of and a fragrance like the fragrance of flowers, of a beautiful scent of flowers, of a beautiful scent of flowers.” (Ms 43a, 1901)flowers.” (Ms 43a, 1901)


4. Precognitions4. Precognitions Literal eyewitness-style revelations of Literal eyewitness-style revelations of

persons she did not know or events that persons she did not know or events that had not yet happened. had not yet happened. "Sometimes the things which I have seen "Sometimes the things which I have seen are hid from me after I come out of are hid from me after I come out of vision, and I cannot call them to mind vision, and I cannot call them to mind until I am brought before a company until I am brought before a company where that vision applies, then the things where that vision applies, then the things which I have seen come to my mind with which I have seen come to my mind with force." force." (2SG 292-293)(2SG 292-293)


5. Impressions5. Impressions““When I am speaking to the people I say When I am speaking to the people I say much that I have not premeditated. The much that I have not premeditated. The Spirit of the Lord frequently comes upon Spirit of the Lord frequently comes upon me. I seem to be carried out of, and me. I seem to be carried out of, and away from, myself; the life and away from, myself; the life and character of different persons are character of different persons are clearly presented before my mind. I see clearly presented before my mind. I see their errors and dangers, and feel their errors and dangers, and feel compelled to speak of what is thus compelled to speak of what is thus brought before me. I dare not resist the brought before me. I dare not resist the Spirit of God.” (5T 20) Spirit of God.” (5T 20)

Function of InspirationFunction of Inspiration

In contrast to revelation, which is In contrast to revelation, which is a process of wholly divine a process of wholly divine initiative and control, the process initiative and control, the process of inspiration involves a union of of inspiration involves a union of divine and human elements.divine and human elements.

Inspiration is the work of the Holy Inspiration is the work of the Holy Spirit upon the prophet.Spirit upon the prophet.

Union of Divine and Union of Divine and Human ElementsHuman Elements "The Ten Commandments were spoken by "The Ten Commandments were spoken by

God Himself, and were written by His own God Himself, and were written by His own hand. They are of divine, and not of human hand. They are of divine, and not of human composition. composition. ButBut the Bible, with its God-given the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the presents a union of the divine and the humanhuman. Such a union existed in the nature of . Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that 'the Word was made flesh, and of Christ, that 'the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.' John 1:14." (GC v-vi)dwelt among us.' John 1:14." (GC v-vi)

Role of the Holy SpiritRole of the Holy Spirit

"Each [Bible writer], under the "Each [Bible writer], under the guidanceguidance of the Holy Spirit, of the Holy Spirit, presents what is most forcibly presents what is most forcibly impressed upon his own mind--a impressed upon his own mind--a different aspect of the truth in different aspect of the truth in each, but a perfect harmony each, but a perfect harmony through all." (GC vi)through all." (GC vi)


"God has been pleased to "God has been pleased to communicate His truth to the communicate His truth to the world by human agencies, and He world by human agencies, and He Himself, by His Holy Spirit, Himself, by His Holy Spirit, qualified men and enabled them qualified men and enabled them to do this work. He to do this work. He guidedguided the the mind in the mind in the selectionselection of what to of what to speak and what to write." (GC vi)speak and what to write." (GC vi)


"I am trying to catch the very "I am trying to catch the very words and expressions that were words and expressions that were made in reference to this matter, made in reference to this matter, and as my pen hesitates a and as my pen hesitates a moment, the appropriate words moment, the appropriate words come to my mind." (Letter 123, come to my mind." (Letter 123, 1904; 8MR 35)1904; 8MR 35)


"I have all faith in God .... He works at "I have all faith in God .... He works at my right hand and at my left. While I my right hand and at my left. While I am writing out important matter, He is am writing out important matter, He is beside me, helping me. He lays out my beside me, helping me. He lays out my work before me, and when I am puzzled work before me, and when I am puzzled for a fit word with which to express my for a fit word with which to express my thought, He brings it clearly and thought, He brings it clearly and distinctly to my mind. I feel that every distinctly to my mind. I feel that every time I ask, even while I am still time I ask, even while I am still speaking, He responds, "Here am I." speaking, He responds, "Here am I." (Letter 127, 1902; 2MR 156-157)(Letter 127, 1902; 2MR 156-157)


"Through the inspiration of His "Through the inspiration of His Spirit the Lord gave His apostles Spirit the Lord gave His apostles truth, to be expressed according truth, to be expressed according to the to the development of their mindsdevelopment of their minds by the Holy Spirit. But the mind is by the Holy Spirit. But the mind is not cramped, as if forced into a not cramped, as if forced into a certain mold." (Letter 53, 1900 in certain mold." (Letter 53, 1900 in 1SM 22)1SM 22)

Where does this Where does this divine-human union divine-human union occur?occur? The dictation theory of inspiration The dictation theory of inspiration

virtually asserts that the earliest point virtually asserts that the earliest point at which a human element becomes at which a human element becomes part of the writing is at the pen.part of the writing is at the pen.

In other words, every word and detail In other words, every word and detail is pre-selected and dictated by God is pre-selected and dictated by God and the only part of the prophet really and the only part of the prophet really involved is the prophet's hand. involved is the prophet's hand.

Where does this Where does this divine-human union divine-human union occur?occur? The term "verbal inspiration" has today The term "verbal inspiration" has today

such a wide range of interpretations that it such a wide range of interpretations that it has lost much of its precision.has lost much of its precision.

As understood by early Adventists, As understood by early Adventists, however, it denoted the idea that every however, it denoted the idea that every word of the prophet's utterance was pre-word of the prophet's utterance was pre-selected by God without any human selected by God without any human participation, hence could not participation, hence could not subsequently be altered, even by the subsequently be altered, even by the prophet. prophet.

Where does this Where does this divine-human union divine-human union occur?occur? The verbal/dictation view was The verbal/dictation view was

specifically rejected by the 1883 General specifically rejected by the 1883 General Conference, in a resolution offered by Conference, in a resolution offered by W.C. White, and clearly representing W.C. White, and clearly representing Ellen White's understanding of Ellen White's understanding of inspiration.inspiration.

The context for this resolution was the The context for this resolution was the need of reprinting Ellen White's need of reprinting Ellen White's Testimonies for the ChurchTestimonies for the Church which had which had gone out of print. gone out of print.

Where does this Where does this divine-human union divine-human union occur?occur? WhereasWhereas, We believe the light given by God , We believe the light given by God

to His servants is by the to His servants is by the enlightenment of the enlightenment of the mindmind, thus , thus imparting the thoughtsimparting the thoughts, and not , and not (except in rare cases) the very words in (except in rare cases) the very words in which the ideas should be expressed; which the ideas should be expressed; therefore - therefore - ResolvedResolved, That in the re-publication of these , That in the re-publication of these volumes such verbal changes be made as to volumes such verbal changes be made as to remove the above-named imperfection, as remove the above-named imperfection, as far as possible, without in any measure far as possible, without in any measure changing the thought; and, further - changing the thought; and, further - ResolvedResolved, That this body appoint a , That this body appoint a committee of five to take charge of the committee of five to take charge of the republication of these volumes. (republication of these volumes. (Review and Review and HeraldHerald, November 27, 1883, p. 741; see also , November 27, 1883, p. 741; see also 3Bio 217-219)3Bio 217-219)

Conceptual or Thought Conceptual or Thought InspirationInspiration Ellen White taught that the union Ellen White taught that the union

of the divine and human in the of the divine and human in the process of inspiration took place process of inspiration took place at the level of the "mind and will."at the level of the "mind and will."

Conceptual or Thought Conceptual or Thought InspirationInspiration The Bible is written by inspired men, but The Bible is written by inspired men, but

it is not God's mode of thought and it is not God's mode of thought and expression. It is that of humanity. God, expression. It is that of humanity. God, as a writer, is not represented. Men will as a writer, is not represented. Men will often say such an expression is not like often say such an expression is not like God. But God has not put Himself in God. But God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. Bible. The writers of the Bible were The writers of the Bible were God's penmen, not His penGod's penmen, not His pen. Look at the . Look at the different writers. different writers.

Conceptual or Thought Conceptual or Thought InspirationInspiration It is not the words of the Bible that are It is not the words of the Bible that are

inspired, but the inspired, but the menmen that that were inspiredwere inspired. . Inspiration acts not on the man's words or his Inspiration acts not on the man's words or his expressions but on the man himself, who, expressions but on the man himself, who, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts. But the words receive imbued with thoughts. But the words receive the impress of the individual mind. The the impress of the individual mind. The divine mind is divine mind is diffuseddiffused. The divine mind and . The divine mind and will is combined with the human mind and will is combined with the human mind and will; thus the utterances of the man are the will; thus the utterances of the man are the word of God (Manuscript 24, 1886 in 1SM word of God (Manuscript 24, 1886 in 1SM 21).21).

Implications of Implications of Conceptual InspirationConceptual Inspiration If the union of the divine and the If the union of the divine and the

human in inspiration takes place human in inspiration takes place at the level of "thoughts," and at the level of "thoughts," and involves a "combining" of "mind involves a "combining" of "mind and will," it follows that the and will," it follows that the faculties of both faculties of both understandingunderstanding and and choicechoice were fully operant as were fully operant as the prophet wrote.the prophet wrote.

Implications of Implications of Conceptual InspirationConceptual Inspiration How “the divine mind and will is How “the divine mind and will is

combined with the human mind and combined with the human mind and will” remains a mystery, but it suggests will” remains a mystery, but it suggests that in formulating or choosing "words that in formulating or choosing "words and expressions" to represent the and expressions" to represent the "thoughts" received from God, "thoughts" received from God, the the prophet exercised both human intellect prophet exercised both human intellect and choiceand choice, in cooperation with the , in cooperation with the "divine mind and will.""divine mind and will."

Implications of Implications of Conceptual InspirationConceptual Inspiration Ellen White clearly understood Ellen White clearly understood

this process to be a live, dynamic this process to be a live, dynamic one that continued as long as the one that continued as long as the prophet remained under the prophet remained under the influence of the Holy Spirit. influence of the Holy Spirit. – She claimed full dependence of the She claimed full dependence of the

Holy Spirit in writing and that Holy Spirit in writing and that – she had full responsibility and she had full responsibility and

freedom to choose her words.freedom to choose her words.

Implications of Implications of Conceptual InspirationConceptual Inspiration "Although I am as dependent upon "Although I am as dependent upon

the Spirit of God in writing my the Spirit of God in writing my views as I am in receiving them, views as I am in receiving them, yet the words I employ in yet the words I employ in describing what I have seen are my describing what I have seen are my own, unless they be those spoken own, unless they be those spoken to me by an angel, which I always to me by an angel, which I always enclose in marks of quotation." enclose in marks of quotation." (RH, 8 (RH, 8 Oct 1867, also in 1SM 37 and 3SM 278)Oct 1867, also in 1SM 37 and 3SM 278)

Implications of Implications of Conceptual InspirationConceptual Inspiration In summary, Ellen White understood In summary, Ellen White understood

the combination of the divine and the combination of the divine and human mind and will to be an ongoing human mind and will to be an ongoing process in the prophet's experience.process in the prophet's experience.

Inspiration guided the prophet as Inspiration guided the prophet as communicator, not only in the initial communicator, not only in the initial formulation of thoughts into words, but formulation of thoughts into words, but also in the subsequent improvement of also in the subsequent improvement of those expressions by herself or with those expressions by herself or with the help of others.the help of others.

Characteristics of Characteristics of divine-human writingsdivine-human writings Individual styles of writings and Individual styles of writings and

diversitydiversity (GC vi; 1SM 21-22) (GC vi; 1SM 21-22) Variety of viewpoints, yet “perfect Variety of viewpoints, yet “perfect

harmony”harmony”– "The Creator of all ideas may impress "The Creator of all ideas may impress

different minds with the same different minds with the same thought, but each may express it in a thought, but each may express it in a different way, yet without different way, yet without contradiction" (1SM 22). contradiction" (1SM 22).

Characteristics of Characteristics of divine-human writingsdivine-human writings Imperfect language, yet trustworthy Imperfect language, yet trustworthy

messagemessage"The treasure was entrusted to earthen "The treasure was entrusted to earthen vessels, yet it is, nonetheless, from vessels, yet it is, nonetheless, from Heaven. The testimony is conveyed Heaven. The testimony is conveyed through the imperfect expression of through the imperfect expression of human language, yet it is the testimony human language, yet it is the testimony of God; and the obedient, believing child of God; and the obedient, believing child of God beholds in it the glory of a divine of God beholds in it the glory of a divine power, full of grace and truth" (GC vi-power, full of grace and truth" (GC vi-vii).vii).

Characteristics of Characteristics of divine-human writingsdivine-human writings "The Bible is not given to us in "The Bible is not given to us in

grand, superhuman language. grand, superhuman language. Jesus, in order to reach man Jesus, in order to reach man where he is, took humanity. The where he is, took humanity. The Bible must be given in the Bible must be given in the language of men. Everything that language of men. Everything that is human is imperfect" (1SM 20).is human is imperfect" (1SM 20).

Characteristics of Characteristics of divine-human writingsdivine-human writings While Ellen White insists that God alone is While Ellen White insists that God alone is

infallible yet she believed in the infallible yet she believed in the trustworthy reliability of Scripture as a trustworthy reliability of Scripture as a whole (1SM 17).whole (1SM 17)."In His word, God has committed to men "In His word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for salvation. the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an an authoritativeauthoritative, , infallibleinfallible revelation of revelation of His will. They are the standard of His will. They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience" (GC vii).the test of experience" (GC vii).

Characteristics of Characteristics of divine-human writingsdivine-human writings While the human vessel of While the human vessel of

inspiration is fallible and imperfect, inspiration is fallible and imperfect, the product of inspiration is infallible the product of inspiration is infallible albeit imperfect.albeit imperfect.

Divine inspired writings are not Divine inspired writings are not exempt from insignificant mistakes exempt from insignificant mistakes due to limitations of languages or of due to limitations of languages or of comprehension. But the message is comprehension. But the message is trustworthy and infallible.trustworthy and infallible.

Characteristics of Characteristics of divine-human writingsdivine-human writings Erroneous concepts of inspiration lead Erroneous concepts of inspiration lead

inevitably to misinterpretation and inevitably to misinterpretation and misuse of inspired writings.misuse of inspired writings.

Overemphasis on the human elements Overemphasis on the human elements in inspired writings leads to diminished in inspired writings leads to diminished appreciation for their true value and appreciation for their true value and authority. authority.

De-emphasis of the human elements De-emphasis of the human elements leads to rigid, inflexible, and leads to rigid, inflexible, and authoritarian applications; confusion of authoritarian applications; confusion of rules and principles.rules and principles.

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Concepts of Revelation and Inspiration Denis Fortin Writings of Ellen G. White