What Ellen White Has Written About the Godhead

[John317]

What Ellen White said about the eternal Godhead:

3 Holiest Beings

3 Living Persons

3 Eternal Heavenly Dignitaries

3 Highest Powers

3 Great Worthies

3 Divine Agencies

3 Distinct Eternal Persons

3 Distinct Personalities

3-fold Name of the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit

Heavenly Trio

[John317]

" If any one comes to you and begins to tell you of the faults of another, if you cannot stop that voice in any other way, lift your voice and SING THE DOXOLOGY."

{{& added here, for your convenience: are the very clear words to that song that EGW clearly just told us to sing:> "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!

Praise Him all creatures here below!!!

Praise Him above ye heavenly host!!!

PRAISE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST!!!

AMEN!!"!--EGW knew full well the words to that song she told us to sing}}

[now continuing the quote]> "Vain talkers and mischief makers are Satan's agents in doing his work. There is a great work to be done for this church, and the sad part of it is there are so many well satisfied with themselves. They must be converted, their thoughts must be directed in a divine channel. We have a mighty soul-purifying truth, and this truth is to sanctify us individually. Satan has come down with great power, knowing that his time is short. He will overthrow the faith of some in this assembly unless we keep close to Jesus. We are warned that he [satan] will work with all power and signs and lying wonders, and therefore we want to be building up a firm character. All our powers should be trained to war against the enemy, for as Christ's faithful soldiers we want to be minutemen and >give no place to the devil<." {5MR 6.2} [in Manuscript 4, 1885]

[sermon by Mrs. E. G. White, Christiania, Norway, November 9,1885]

[Light Fox]

I'm curious; is there anywhere that confirms that is the same doxology they used in her day? I ask because I'm aware of other places where Adventists changed the words to standard hymns to better fit their beliefs. For example, earlier SDA hymnals changed the ending verse of "Holy Holy Holy" to "God over all who rules eternity" from the traditional "God in three persons, blessed Trinity."

Thanks in advance.

[John317]

Good question. The answer is that the song Ellen White was talking about has the words, "Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." I would have to check and see about the other words in the Doxology. Thanks for asking. I'll post an answer about the rest of the song as soon as I know for sure.

[John317]

EGW WROTE THESE STATEMENTS:

">>The three<powers of the Godhead<<,>the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit<, are pledged to be their strength and their efficiency in their new life in Christ Jesus."—Australian Union Conference Record, October 7, 1907.

"We are to co-operate with>the three< highest powers in heaven,—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,—and these powers will work through us, making us workers together with God."—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 7, 51 and (Evangelism, 617).

The eternal heavenly dignitaries—God, and Christ, and the Holy Spirit—arming them [the disciples] with more than mortal energy . . would advance with them to the work and convince the world of sin."—Manuscript 145, 1901. (Evangelism, 616).

"The work of salvation is not a small matter, but so vast that the highest authorities are taken hold of by the expressed faith of the human agent. The eternal Godhead—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost—is involved in the action required to make assurance to the human agent."—Upward Look, 148.

"The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, >the three< holy dignitaries of heaven, have declared that they will strengthen men to overcome the powers of darkness. All the facilities of heaven are pledged to those who by their baptismal vows have entered into a covenant with God."—5 Bible Commentary, 1110. (Manuscript 92,1901).

"The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, powers infinite and omniscient, receive those who truly enter into covenant relation with God. They are present at every baptism, to receive the candidates who have renounced the world and have received Christ into the soul temple. These candidates have entered into the family of God, and their names are inscribed in the Lamb’s book of life."—6 Bible Commentary, 1075. (Manuscript 27, 1900).

"When we have accepted Christ, and in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit have pledged ourselves to serve God, the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit— >the three< dignitaries and powers of heaven—pledge themselves that every facility shall be given to us if we carry out our baptismal vows to "come out from among them, and be . . separate . . and touch not the unclean thing."— 6 Bible Commentary, 1075. (Manuscript 85, 1901).

"Our sanctification is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit . . Have you been born again? Have you become a new being in Christ Jesus? Then cooperate with >the three< great powers of heaven who are working in your behalf."—7 Bible Commentary, 908; Signs, June 19, 1091 (Manuscript 11, 1901).

"The work is laid out before every soul that has acknowledged his faith in Jesus Christ by baptism, and has become a receiver of the pledge from >the three<->>PERSONS<<—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."—6 Bible Commentary, 1074.

"The prince of the power of evil can only be held in check by >the power of God in>>the third<>PERSON<< of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit<."—Series A, no. 10, 37 (Evangelism, 617).

"Evil had been accumulating for centuries, and could only be restrained and resisted by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, >>the third Person<<>of the Godhead<, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power."—10 Manuscript Releases, 63 (Letter 8, February 6, 1896; Series A, No. 10, 25; Testimonies to Ministers, 392,) >"There are>>THREE LIVING PERSONS<<of the heavenly>>TRIO<<; in the name of >these three< great powers—The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—Those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live the new life in Christ."—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 7, 63. (Evangelism, 615.

" ‘If a man love Me. He will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him and make Our abode with Him."—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 125. (Manuscript Releases, 19, 153).

"Keep yourselves where >the three< great powers of heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, can be your efficiency. These powers work with the one who gives himself unreservedly to God. The strength of heaven is at the command of God’s believing ones."—In Heavenly Places, 176 (4 Signs, 512; Southern Watchman, February 23, 1904 ).

"The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost supply the power that makes him victorious in every conflict with the prince of darkness."—6 Manuscript Releases, 167 (Letter 200, December 15, 1902).

"They pledge themselves to devote their lives to God’s service; and >the three< great powers in heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, pledge Themselves to cooperate with them, to work in and through them."—6 Manuscript Releases, 166 (Manuscript 118, October 6, 1902).

">The three< highest powers in the universe are pledged to labor with those who will seek to save the lost."—5 Review, 533, col. 2.

"In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, man is laid in his watery grave, buried with Christ in baptism, and raised from the water to live the new life of loyalty to God >The three< great powers in heaven are witnesses; they are invisible but present."—Manuscript 57, 1900 (6 Bible Commentary, 1074).

"If man, in acquiring the Christian graces, works on the plan of addition, God has pledged Himself to work in his behalf upon the plan of multiplication. "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord." The work is laid out before every soul that has acknowledged his faith in Jesus Christ by baptism, and has become a receiver of the pledge from >the three<>>PERSONS<<—The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."—Manuscript 57, 1900 (6 Bible Commentary, 1074).

"At our baptism we pledged ourselves to break all connection with Satan and his agencies, and to put heart and mind and soul into the work of extending the kingdom of God. All heaven is working for this object. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are pledged to cooperate with sanctified human instrumentalities. If we are true to our vow, there is opened to us a door of communication with heaven—a door that no human hand or satanic agency can close."—Review May 17, 1906. (6 Bible Commentary, 1075.

"On that occasion [baptism] we pledge ourselves, in the presence of >the three< great heavenly Powers, to come out from the world and be separate."—6 Manuscript Release 167 (Manuscript 130, October 27, 1902).

"When you took these vows, you pledged yourself, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, that you would live unto God, and you have no right to break this pledge. The help of >the three< great Powers is placed at your disposal."—5 Review, 143 (Receiving Christ, 178).

Continued

[John317]

Continued

"Baptized into the>>>THREEFOLD NAME<<< . . at the very entrance of their Christian life . . the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, powers infinite and omniscient, receive those who truly enter into covenant relation with God. They are present at every baptism."—6 Bible Commentary, 1075.

"Those who submit to the solemn rite of baptism pledge themselves to devote their lives to God’s service; and >the three< great powers of heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, pledge themselves to cooperate with them, to work in and through them."—4 Signs, 282 (March 11, 1903).

">The three< great powers of heaven pledged Themselves to cooperate with you in your efforts to live the new life in Christ."—5 Review, 142.

"As a Christian submits to the solemn rite of baptism, >the three< highest powers in the universe,—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,—place Their approval on this act, pledging Themselves to exert Their power in his behalf as he strives to honor God."—6 Manuscript Release, 26 (Letter 53, January 26, 1904; 4 Signs, 399, August 16, 1905).

"The presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, >the three< highest powers in the universe and those in whose name the believer is baptized, is pledged to be with every striving soul."—Pacific Union Recorder, September 2, 1908.

"The rite of baptism is administered in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. >These three< great powers of heaven pledge Themselves to be the efficiency of all who submit to this ordinance, and who faithfully keep the vow they then make."—6 Manuscript Release, 27 (Manuscript 78, 1905).

"When you went down into the water and were baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, >these three< great powers of heaven pledged Themselves to give you power and grace to resist every temptation to dishonor God."—19 Manuscript Releases, 235.

"When you gave yourself to Christ, you made a pledge in the presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,—>the three<great >>personal<< dignitaries of heaven."—7 Bible Commentary, 959 (Sons and Daughters of God, 351).

"No requirement is laid upon man that Christ has not obeyed. We can overcome as He overcame, if we will avail ourselves of the help of >the three< great powers of heaven, who are waiting to answer the demand made upon Them by God’s people for power to defeat satanic agencies."—Notebook Leaflets, 124.

"Let us not forget our baptismal vow. In the presence of >the three< highest powers of the heaven,—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,—we have pledged ourselves to do the will of Him who, over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, declared, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’ "—5 Review, 45.

"There is to be the imprint of the . . >threefold powers< in the heavenly world . . >The three< great and glorious >heavenly characters< are present on the occasion of baptism. All the human capabilities are to be henceforth consecrated powers to do service for God in representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost upon whom they depend. All heaven is represented by >these three< in covenant relation with the new life."—6 Manuscript Releases, 389.

& Then there is this one:> "The Father cannot be described by the things of earth. The Father is all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and is invisible to mortal sight.

The Son is all the fullness of the Godhead manifested. The Word of God declares Him to be ‘the express image of His person.’ ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ Here is shown the personality of the Father.

>>The Comforter that Christ promised to send after He ascended to heaven, is the Spirit<< in all the fullness of the Godhead, making manifest the power of divine grace to all who receive and believe in Christ as a personal Saviour."—Evangelism, 614-615.

"The greatness of God is to us incomprehensible. ‘The Lord’s throne is in heaven’ (Psalm 11:4); yet >>by His Spirit<< >He is everywhere present<."—Education, 132.

"You are baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. You are raised up out of the water to live henceforth in newness of life—to live a new life. You are born unto God, and you stand under the sanction and the power of >the three< holiest Beings in heaven, who are able to keep you from falling."—Sermons and Talks, Vol. 1, 367.

"We are ordained unto God to bear fruit. Was this not our experience when we were led down into the water and baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost? What did that mean? —It meant that >the three< great Powers in heaven were pledged to keep us so long as we remain one with Christ, united to the vine."—6 Manuscript Releases, 29 (Sermon given March 10, 1908).

"Those who have been baptized can claim the help of >the three< great Worthies in heaven,—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."—Sermons and Talks, Vol. 1, 366.

"When I feel oppressed, and hardy know how to relate myself toward the work that God has given me to do, I just call upon >the three< great Worthies."—7 Manuscript Releases, 267-268; Manuscript Release 307, 2, 4 (Sermon given October 20, 1906).

"In whose name are we baptized? In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost—>the three< highest powers in the heavenly courts."—Manuscript Release 135, 4 (Camp meeting sermon given June 27, 1907).

"We are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost, and these>three<great, infinite powers are unitedly pledged to work in our behalf if we cooperate with them."—1901 General Conference Bulletin, 36-37 (Lift Him Up, 109).

"No requirement is laid upon man that Christ has not obeyed. We can overcome as He overcame, if we will avail ourselves of the help of>>the three great powers of heaven<<, who are waiting to answer the demand made upon Them by God’s people for power to defeat satanic agencies."—Notebook Leaflets, 124.

"Let us not forget our baptismal vow. In the presence of>>the three< highest powers of the heaven,—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit<<,—we have pledged ourselves to do the will of Him who, over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, declared, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’ "—5 Review, 45.

"There is to be the imprint of the . .>>threefold powers< in the heavenly world<< . .>>The three<great and glorious Heavenly characters<< are present on the occasion of baptism. All the human capabilities are to be henceforth consecrated powers to do service for God in representing>>the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost<< upon whom they depend. All heaven is represented by>>these three<< in covenant relation with the new life."—6 Manuscript Releases, 389.

">>I am Instructed to say..... >>The Father cannot be described by the things of earth.>The Father is all the fullness of the Godhead bodily<, and is>>invisible to mortal sight<<.

>>The Son is >all the fullness of the Godhead manifested<<. The Word of God declares Him to be>‘the express>image<of His person<.’ ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ Here is shown the personality of the Father.

>>The Comforter<<that>Christ promised to send<after He ascended to heaven, >is The Spirit< in all the fullness of the Godhead<<,>making manifest the power<of divine grace>to all who receive and believe in Christ as a personal Saviour." >Evangelism, 614-615<.

"You are baptized in>the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost<. You are raised up out of the water to live henceforth in newness of life—to live a new life. You are born unto God, and you stand under the sanction and the power of >>the three holiest Beings in heaven<<, who are able to keep you from falling."—Sermons and Talks, Vol. 1, 367.

"We are ordained unto God to bear fruit. Was this not our experience when we were led down into the water and baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost? What did that mean? —It meant that >>the three great Powers in heaven<< were pledged to keep us so long as we remain one with Christ, united to the vine."—6 Manuscript Releases, 29 (Sermon given March 10, 1908).

"Those who have been baptized can claim the help of>>the three great Worthies in heaven<<,—>the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost<."—Sermons and Talks, Vol. 1, 366.

"When I feel oppressed, and hardy know how to relate myself toward the work that God has given me to do, I just call upon>>>the three< great Worthies<<."—7 Manuscript Releases, 267-268; Manuscript Release 307, 2, 4 (Sermon given October 20, 1906).

"In whose name are we baptized? In the name of>the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost<—>>the three< highest powers in the heavenly courts<<."—Manuscript Release 135, 4 (Camp meeting sermon given June 27, 1907).

"We are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost, and>>these three< great, infinite powers<< are unitedly pledged to work in our behalf if we cooperate with them."—1901 General Conference Bulletin, 36-37 (Lift Him Up, 109).

3 HOLIEST >BEINGS<: Plain words of Truth:

"Here is where the work of the Holy Ghost comes in, after your baptism. You are baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. You are raised up out of the water to live henceforth in newness of life—to live a new life. You are born unto God, and you stand under the sanction and the power of >the three holiest *BEINGS * in Heaven,< who are able to keep you from falling. You are to reveal that you are dead to sin; your life is hid with Christ in God. Hidden “with Christ in God,”—wonderful transformation. This is a most precious promise. When I feel oppressed, and hardly know how to relate myself toward the work that God has given me to do, I just call upon the three great Worthies, and say; You know I cannot do this work in my own strength. You must work in me, and by me and through me, sanctifying my tongue, sanctifying my spirit, sanctifying my words, and bringing me into a position where my spirit shall be susceptible to the movings of the Holy Spirit of God upon my mind and character."- Manuscript Releases Volume Seven [Nos. 419- 525], Page 268.

"There are three living *PERSONS* of the heavenly TRIO; in the name of these three great powers—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live the new life in Christ".—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 7, pp. 62, 63. (1905)

“The Holy Spirit always leads to the Written WORD. The Holy Spirit *IS A PERSON*; for He beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God.” (Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, Volume 7, MR No. 487, 1906..

[miz3]

The Holy Spirit always leads to the Written WORD. The Holy Spirit *IS A PERSON*; for He beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God.” (Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, Volume 7, MR No. 487, 1906..

In the above statement the words "our spirits" is used.

Precisely what is "our spirits"?

[John317]

The same that is referred to in Romans 8: 16: "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."

Also the same as "Glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Cor. 6: 20.

See also 1 Cor. 5: 4.

Our spirit is not a person. We are a person and we both have a spirit [mind, through which God communicates] and are a spirit.

Our spirit is not a distinct person nor does it have a personality.

On the other hand, the Holy Spirit is a distinct person and He has a personality.

[John317]

M.L. Andreasen, one of our most important theologians of the first half of the twentieth century, began his ministry as a non-Trinitarian, but after studying the Bible and the writings of Ellen White, he went on to eventually become a convinced Trinitarian. After meeting with Ellen White in her home in 1909 and talking with her, he wrote the following:

"In her own handwriting I saw the statements which I was

sure she had not written—could not have written. Especially

was I struck with the now familiar quotation in Desire of Ages,

page 530: “In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived.”

This statement at that time was revolutionary and compelled a

complete revision of my former view—and that of the denomination—

on the deity of Christ." Testimony of M. L. Andreasen, Oct. 15, 1953, White Estate Document File 961.

[ClubV12]

Thanks John, I really appreciate these thoughts on the Three Great Worthies!

[Pastor_Chick]

Brother Blair Andrew (Australia) says:

Erwin Gane in his summary on Anti-trinitarianism, stated:

Quote:

What changed the prevailing Seventh-day Adventist view from Arianism to Trinitarianism? The evidence would indicate that it was the publication of the Trinitarian declarations of Ellen G. White in the last decades of the nineteenth century that initiated the change. It would appear that she wrote little before the early 1890s which could have led to serious questioning of the prevailing Arian view. Most of her statements which appeared before 1890 could have been interpreted to agree with the Arian doctrine. But from the early 1890s on, Ellen G. White produced increasingly unequivocal Trinitarian statements. She did not contradict any position she had formerly taken. – Erwin Gane, Anti-trinitarianism, chapter XVI. Summary.

George Knight in Ministry gave this explanation:

Quote:

It was Ellen White whose writings led the way in the theological shift. Unlike her experience in the post-1844 period, during which she followed the lead of her husband and Bates in the formulation of the distinctive Adventist doctrines, in the 1890’s she was at the forefront of the action, related to theological reformulation, through her major writings on Christ and His teachings. . . . it should be obvious to our readers that Adventism has experienced major theological change across the course of its history and that Ellen White had a role in that change. – G. Knight, Ministry, Oct, 1993. p.10,11. Art. Adventists and Change.

This is the prevailing belief of most Adventists today. However, if the above argument is true, it needs careful consideration. Questions arise which need answers. Questions such as:

1. Why is there no record of a vision or dream from the Lord telling Ellen White to change her views, and to correct the views of the denomination to accept the trinity doctrine?

2. As the prophetess to the last-days remnant church, wouldn’t she have been duty bound to go to the leaders of our denomination at the time, and explain to them their error? Why did she not call a meeting of the leaders and scholars of the church at the time and do this? There is no record of such a meeting.

3. Why did she not write private “testimonies” to any of the leaders of the Church, clarifying the necessity to change to Trinitarianism? To allow people to continue to believe and teach error, and then just publish a book, and leave it to gradually change the mind of whoever might read it, without even saying to anybody “we were wrong on this matter”; was that Ellen White’s way?

4. Why did she choose to publish her new views in an evangelistic book designed for the general public, as if she wanted the world to think we were Trinitarian? Would not this be deceptive on her part, and against Gospel Order (Matt 18:15-17)? The method she chose to employ on this issue opened the whole church to public embarrassment, scandal and controversy. But nothing came of it at the time. Why is this so?

5. It is a known fact that The Desire of Ages was largely compiled from her existing writings, put together by herself and her assistants. It was also a book which took some years to compile. There was no reaction when these so-called “Trinitarian statements” were first published in the years leading up to 1898; why then in more recent years do scholars make such strong statements about the importance of the book in changing the direction of the whole denomination; and yet these statements made very little impact on the minds of leaders, scholars and teachers within the denomination for many years. Why is this so?

6. Why, five years after the publication of The Desire of Ages, in 1903, did Ellen White pen these words:

“Many will depart from the faith and give heed to seducing spirits. Patriarchs and Prophets and The Great Controversy are books that are especially adapted to those who have newly come to the faith, that they may be established in the truth. The dangers are pointed out that should be avoided by the churches. Those who become thoroughly acquainted with the lessons in these books will see the dangers before them and will be able to discern the plain, straight path marked out for them. They will be kept from strange paths. They will make straight paths for their feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way.”

“In Desire of Ages, Patriarchs and Prophets, The Great Controversy, and in Daniel and the Revelation, there is precious instruction.

“These books must be regarded as of special importance, and every effort should be made to get them before the people.” - Ellen G. White, Letter 229, 1903. (Ev 36)

To non-trinitarians, this poses no problem, for all are regarded as good, non-trinitarian books. But to a Trinitarian, these books are known to contain clear, unequivocal statements which are regarded as non-trinitarian; even Arian in their thinking?

7. Why didn’t Ellen White organize in the 17 years after Desire of Ages was published, that all of her books be re-edited, to remove any non-trinitarian thoughts, thus aiding the church along on the path of truth?

8. For a prophetess who supposedly borrowed some terms, expressions and sometimes whole sentences from other writers, why was she meticulously careful never even once to borrow the term ‘trinity’, or to state it in no uncertain terms?

9. Why did she not rebuke the two messengers of the 1888 Message during the 1890’s on their views on the Sonship of Christ, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Latter Rain and Loud Cry, as they clearly differed from the Trinitarian position?

Who has the answers?

[Pastor_Chick]

Brother Blair Andrew continues:

So, let us take a brief look at some of EGW statements written after the writing of The Desire of Ages, and see if she did clearly renounce the old non-trinitarian position.

One thing it is certain is soon to be realized, - the great apostasy, which is developing and increasing and waxing stronger, and will continue to do so until the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout. We are to hold fast the first principles of our denominated faith, and go forward from the strength to increased faith. Ever we are to keep the faith that has been substantiated by the Holy Spirit of God from the earlier events of our experience until the present time. - Special Testimonies Series B, No.7, p57. (1905).

The past fifty years have not dimmed one jot or principle of our faith as we received the great and wonderful evidences that were made certain to us in 1844, after the passing of the time. The languishing souls are to be confirmed and quickened according to His word. And many of the ministers of the gospel and the Lord's physicians will have their languishing souls quickened according to the word. Not a word is changed or denied. That which the Holy Spirit testified to as truth after the passing of the time, in our great disappointment, is the solid foundation of truth. Pillars of truth were revealed, and we accepted the foundation principles that have made us what we are - Seventh-day Adventists, keeping the commandments of God and having the faith of Jesus. - Special Testimonies Series B, No.7, p57-58. (1905).

[Pastor_Chick]

M.L. Andreasen, one of our most important theologians of the first half of the twentieth century, began his ministry as a non-Trinitarian, but after studying the Bible and the writings of Ellen White, he went on to eventually become a convinced Trinitarian. After meeting with Ellen White in her home in 1909 and talking with her, he wrote the following:

"In her own handwriting I saw the statements which I was

sure she had not written—could not have written. Especially

was I struck with the now familiar quotation in Desire of Ages,

page 530: “In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived.”

This statement at that time was revolutionary and compelled a

complete revision of my former view—and that of the denomination—

on the deity of Christ." Testimony of M. L. Andreasen, Oct. 15, 1953, White Estate Document File 961.

[skyblue888]

"Christ determined that when He ascended from this earth, He would bestow a gift on those who had believed on Him, and those who should believe on Him. What gift could He bestow rich enough to signalize and grace His ascension to the mediatorial throne? It must be worthy of His greatness and His royalty. He determined to give His representative, the Third Person of the Godhead. This gift could not be excelled. He would give all gifts in one, and therefore the divine Spirit, that converting, enlightening, and sanctifying power, would be His donation." E.G. White, SW Nov.28, 1905; B.C.Vol.6, p.1053.

[ClubV12]

I am reminded of the questions being asked concerning Galations in 1888. Men pressed her hard for a "revelation" of what position she would take. But she never responded. There are some things, many things, left for us to figure out, through careful searching of the word. Which she herself undertook, not sitting around waiting for a vision or a revelation to explain all things. She frequently has "no comment" on many issues. When a young man about to enter the ministry wrote her and asked for her views on the 144,000 and the nature of the Holy Spirit, she did not comment on either. Considering BOTH issues secondary to the higher calling of being in harmony with the brethren on these points. The importance of unity cannot be under estimated,,, Pastor Chick. You would do well to consider this counsel on unity and let go of those issues that only divide.

As for myself, I am moving toward the position Paul took. To know Jesus Christ and Him crucified above all else.

[Parade Orange]

amen CLUBV12!

[Gail]

amen CLUBV12!

Ditto!

[Parade Orange]

JOHN317!

amen!

my heart soars when i read how literly all of heaven pours itself out for us

all THREE WORTHIES infested in u and me!

so much to ponder looking at all those affirming statements from EGW!

im overwhelmed

praise GOD

thanky for your leg work

its all to the GLORY OF GOD

[Pastor_Chick]

I am reminded of the questions being asked concerning Galations in 1888. Men pressed her hard for a "revelation" of what position she would take. But she never responded. There are some things, many things, left for us to figure out, through careful searching of the word. Which she herself undertook, not sitting around waiting for a vision or a revelation to explain all things. She frequently has "no comment" on many issues. When a young man about to enter the ministry wrote her and asked for her views on the 144,000 and the nature of the Holy Spirit, she did not comment on either. Considering BOTH issues secondary to the higher calling of being in harmony with the brethren on these points. The importance of unity cannot be under estimated,,, Pastor Chick. You would do well to consider this counsel on unity and let go of those issues that only divide.

As for myself, I am moving toward the position Paul took. To know Jesus Christ and Him crucified above all else.

[ClubV12]

My response is not based on emotion Pastor Chick, it's based on the solid testimony of Ellen White.

The issue of the exact nature of the Holy Spirit is secondary to being in harmony with the brethren. The nature of the Holy Spirit is worthy of being considered with a sanctified imagination. But such issues should not be allowed to rise to the level of a cause of separation and conflict within the brethren, Pastor Chick. I could say that is my personal opinion, but in this case, my personal opinion is formed as a direct result of the counsel of the Lords messenger on subjects such as this.

[John317]

Brother Blair Andrew (Australia) says:

Erwin Gane in his summary on Anti-trinitarianism, stated:

Quote:

What changed the prevailing Seventh-day Adventist view from Arianism to Trinitarianism? The evidence would indicate that it was the publication of the Trinitarian declarations of Ellen G. White in the last decades of the nineteenth century that initiated the change. It would appear that she wrote little before the early 1890s which could have led to serious questioning of the prevailing Arian view. Most of her statements which appeared before 1890 could have been interpreted to agree with the Arian doctrine. But from the early 1890s on, Ellen G. White produced increasingly unequivocal Trinitarian statements. She did not contradict any position she had formerly taken. &#150; Erwin Gane, Anti-trinitarianism, chapter XVI. Summary.

Yes, I agree completely with my former professor (PUC, 1973,4). What is not included in the above paragraph, however, is the fact that the church did not change merely on the basis of Ellen White's writings, but her writings caused them to restudy the Bible's testimony on the topic. The vast majority of the members of the church concluded that we worship one God who is manifested in three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is clearly supported by the Bible as well as by the clear testimony of God's last-day prophet.

[John317]

JOHN317!

amen!

my heart soars when i read how literly all of heaven pours itself out for us

all THREE WORTHIES infested in u and me!

so much to ponder looking at all those affirming statements from EGW!

im overwhelmed

You got it, Parade! With all heaven fighting FOR US and cooperating with us for our salvation, how can we fail?!!!

Reminds me of the verse, "If God be for us, who can be against us?"

[John317]

7. Why didn&#146;t Ellen White organize in the 17 years after Desire of Ages was published, that all of her books be re-edited, to remove any non-trinitarian thoughts, thus aiding the church along on the path of truth?

Ellen White never needed to go back over her previous writings and change them so they were in conformity with the most recent revelations from God. We can accept the things she wrote in 1845 right along with what she wrote in 1910 or 1914. While her later writings are more clearly written and contain more detail, there is really no genuine contradiction between her earlier writings and her later ones. This harmony is actually another evidence that God was working through her, because God kept her from including private opinions during the period 1850-1888 that would doubtless have contained error. As it is, she only included the things that God had revealed to her.

[John317]

&#147;In Desire of Ages, Patriarchs and Prophets, The Great Controversy, and in Daniel and the Revelation, there is precious instruction.

&#147;These books must be regarded as of special importance, and every effort should be made to get them before the people.&#148; - Ellen G. White, Letter 229, 1903. (Ev 36)

To non-trinitarians, this poses no problem, for all are regarded as good, non-trinitarian books. But to a Trinitarian, these books are known to contain clear, unequivocal statements which are regarded as non-trinitarian; even Arian in their thinking?

Ellen White did not write the book, Daniel and Revelation. It was written by Uriah Smith, as I'm sure you know. It's true that D & R contains non-Trinitarian language, and it has been changed. The only changes in Smith's book were the parts dealing with the Godhead. None of its interpretations of prophecy were changed at all.

Please quote the statements in DA, PP, and GC that you believe are "unequivocal statements which are regarded as non-Trinitarian or Arian"?

We can talk about them and see if they do indeed express the views that you claim.

[John317]

8. For a prophetess who supposedly borrowed some terms, expressions and sometimes whole sentences from other writers, why was she meticulously careful never even once to borrow the term trinity, or to state it in no uncertain terms?

This is fairly easy to answer. There was a lot of unnecessary historical and theological baggage that came with the term in those years. When people thought of "Trinity," they thought of a number of false teaching, such as that God the Father had no body and no parts. In other words, there is much about the "Trinity" that was not according to the Bible, and Ellen White wanted to build the SDA doctrines concerning God on the Bible. It had to come from a study of the Scriptures, not simply because of her statements.

Another factor is the fact that using the term, Trinity, would likely have engendered conflict and argument, since the church generally was coming out of a long period when most of the members had either been non-Trinitarian or anti-Trinitarian.

Remember that Ellen White was all about bringing unity to the body of Christ, not causing it to fracture over the use of a word. The angels' message was always, "Draw closer together." To push the Trinity doctrine at that point, using the title, "Trinity," would obviously have caused argument and division, and would therefore have been counter-productive. God was using Ellen White to lead, not drive, the flock.

As it is, the Bible and Ellen White both contain clear evidence of the Trinity (as SDAs believe it), so that if people are willing to accept the truth of the doctrine of God as revealed in the Spirit of prophecy, they already have sufficient reason to believe it, without the use of the term, Trinity.

After all, what is the Trinity? It is One God manifested in three distinct Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, all three of whom are individualy the fullness of the Godhead. Whether or not we use the term, Trinity, is really unimportant. Ellen White used various terms in its place, including "heavenly trio." Trio is the same as a unit of three, or Trinity. What is a trio but three men who are united together to make music? Therefore a "heavenly trio" is three divine, eternal persons, each of whom are cooperating with us for our salvation. This is all clearly found-- but without the use of the word "Trinity"-- in both the Bible and in the writings of Ellen G. White.