Ellen White, More Relevant and Needed Today Than Ever!
Ellen White, More Relevant and Needed Today Than Ever!
Ellen White, More Relevant and Needed Today Than Ever!
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! Eschatology—last-day events confusion Nature of man—immortal soul notions Kind of God running the universe How salvation happens—works, easybelievism, or unconscious legalism New Spirituality <strong>and</strong> “emergent”churches, focusing on “God within”<strong>and</strong> false hopes of world peace
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! That Bible package reveals itself in itssystematic unity <strong>and</strong> coherence <strong>Ever</strong>y church has its own systematicunity <strong>and</strong> coherence depending on itsfounder’s main principle about God <strong>and</strong>salvation. The Adventist unity <strong>and</strong> coherence restson the Great Controversy Theme.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! Here enters <strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong> whom I call“the Adventist Advantage.” Her self-stated mission was tocomfort those who neededencouragement <strong>and</strong> to correct thoseerrors that either misrepresent Godor incorrectly define how men <strong>and</strong>women are saved.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! Our primary purpose here today is tofocus on <strong>Ellen</strong>'s major, over-archingcontributions, without which wewould not be talking about hertoday. Let’s look at some of theseinescapable contributions inunfolding “present truth” for us in
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! Loma Linda University <strong>and</strong> Hospital Advanced health principles of the midnineteenthcentury, so wise then <strong>and</strong>validated today. Adventist educational philosophy has provenitself wherever faithfully implemented Adventists would have no idea of suchphrases as Latter Rain, Loud Cry, SealingWork, Close of probation, etc.
Paul Harvey, coast to coastSeptember 25, 1997. “I can name an American woman author[whose] writings have been translatedinto 148 languages. <strong>More</strong> than Marx orTolstoy, more than Agatha Christie,more than William Shakespeare. Onlynow is the world coming to appreciateher recommended prescription foroptimum spiritual <strong>and</strong> physical health, . .. <strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>. You don’t know her? . . .Get to know her!”
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! Adventists today would have noclue as to what is meant by theMessages of the Three Angels inRevelation 14 or the other angelof Revelation 18.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! Most every denominational crisis for 70years of ministry was definitely <strong>and</strong>substantially rescued by <strong>Ellen</strong>. Early struggles to begin healthinstitutions The immortal 1888 General Conference 1901 General Conference—reorganization Sanctuary/Ballenger Crisis, 1905.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! I. The seventh-day Sabbath is ourCreator’s way of reminding us He isworthy of our worship <strong>and</strong> also theSabbath is the central, deciding issue inthe end-times. 2. Jesus is not only our Redeemer butalso our Empowering Example: He paidthe price for our sins <strong>and</strong> promised tohelp us overcome those sins, “even as I(He) overcame.” Revelation 3:21.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! 3. <strong>Ellen</strong> made clear that Jesus came intothis world “in the likeness of sinfulflesh,” just like all babies are born,accepting “all the results of the workingof the great law of heredity.” Why?“With such a heredity to share oursorrows <strong>and</strong> temptations, <strong>and</strong> to give usthe example of a sinless life.”—TheDesire of Ages, 49
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! This is powerful good news.<strong>Ellen</strong> is light years ahead ofother Christian thinkers insimply letting the Bible frameher thinking. Those who resist this emphasison “overcoming” call it“perfectionism.”
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! 4. Because of this promise thatovercoming sin was possible, John theRevelator could speak boldly about howthis promise was core truth that woulddetermine last-day events. <strong>Ellen</strong> is veryrelevant! Without <strong>Ellen</strong>, we would neverunderst<strong>and</strong> why God has been holdingback the Seven Last Plagues for perhaps acentury (Rev. 7)!
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! Revelation 7 sums up why Jesus hasdelayed His Return: “The restraining Spirit of God is evennow being withdrawn from the world.Hurricanes, storms, tempests, fire <strong>and</strong>flood, disasters by sea <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong>, followeach other in quick succession. Scienceseeks to explain all these. . .
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! “The signs thickening around us, tellingof the near approach of the Son of God,are attributed to any other than the truecause. Men cannot discern the sentinelangels restraining the four winds thatthey shall not blow until the servants ofGod are sealed; but when God shall bidHis angels loose the winds, there will besuch a scene of strife as no pen canpicture.” 6T:408.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! Revelation 14 continues thisremarkable forecast of end-times:The seal is God’s signature ofendorsement. Think: Tiger Wood’s endorsement onyour golf clubs! God’s signature tells the world youcan be trusted with eternal life.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>! Revelation 22:4: Those sealedwill see God’s face “because Hisname shall be on theirforeheads.”That’s some future!
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>!
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> What kind of people will be sealed? “Will this seal be put upon the impure inmind, the fornicator, the adulterer, heman who covets his neighbor's wife? Letyour souls answer the question, Does mycharacter correspond to the qualificationsessential that I may receive a passport tothe mansions Christ has prepared forthose who are fitted for them? Holinessmust be inwrought in our character.”TM 446.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> <strong>Ellen</strong> would not be more relevant!All this because of her simpleunfolding of what God wants to dofor you in being an overcomer! TheGreat Controversy theme determinesevery aspect of her salvationtheology.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Remember those TV ads forHanes clothing? Can’t you seethat determined femaleinspector on the assembly line,with all of her formidablecharm, looking over each item:“The quality goes in before thename goes on.”
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Down here in these days of the heldwinds, that is what God is telling theuniverse when He writes His namein the foreheads of His willingfaithful: “Listen to them,” He issaying, “You can trust what they say.I am proud to give them my seal ofapproval : “The quality goes in beforemy name goes on.”
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Would you rather have <strong>Ellen</strong>’srelevancy, or the psycho-babbleof others who keep their eyes oneverything else except whatreally is going on?
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> <strong>Ellen</strong> is even more relevant <strong>and</strong> graphicwhen she describes the people who aresealed down through history <strong>and</strong> in thelast days as vindicators of God’scharacter. The st<strong>and</strong>ard argument bythose who do not buy into the principleof overcoming is that only Jesus could<strong>and</strong> did vindicate the character of God.Obviously, very few question that. But.. .
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> But there is more to why He came.“Those who keep the comm<strong>and</strong>mentsof God should make it manifest that thetruth is sanctifying the soul, refining<strong>and</strong> purifying the thoughts, <strong>and</strong>elevating the character <strong>and</strong> life. Christhas died that the moral image of Godmight be restored in our souls <strong>and</strong> mightbe reflected to those around us.“ FW 61.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Something more was neededafter the cross to completeGod’s rescue plan for us onPlanet Earth!
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Plan A was for Jesus to vindicatethe character of God. Jesus wasGod’s Exhibit A. But thoughtfulChristians have sensed there mustbe more—for who would havereally known what actuallyhappened on that gloomy Friday2000 years ago?
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> “Yet Satan was not then destroyed. Theangels did not even then underst<strong>and</strong> allthat was involved in the greatcontroversy. The principles at stake wereto be more fully revealed. And for thesake of man, Satan's existence must becontinued. Man as well as angels mustsee the contrast between the Prince oflight <strong>and</strong> the prince of darkness. Hemust choose whom he will serve.” DA761.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> The Christian church was <strong>and</strong> isGod’s Plan B. This is what Jesusmeant when He said in His awesomeprayer in John 17: “As You sent Meinto the world, I also have sent Theminto the world.” John 17:5.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> In Plan B we have the same mission <strong>and</strong>purpose for the church that God had forAdam <strong>and</strong> Eve <strong>and</strong> for the Jewish nation:“Through His people Christ is tomanifest His character <strong>and</strong> theprinciples of His kingdom. . . . Hedesires through His people to answerSatan’s charges by showing the resultsof obedience to right principles.”COL:296.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> This core thought has oftenbeen diluted into mush thatsays, “Well, she is talkingabout the church in general!”Hardly!
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> These “right principles” in contrastto satanic principles “are to bemanifest in the individual Christian. .. . All are to be symbols of what canbe done for the world. They are tobe types of the saving power of thetruths of the gospel. All are agenciesin the fulfillment of God’s greatpurpose for the human race.”COL:296, 297.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Ezekiel gives us some insights asto how ancient Israel had failedin their day to vindicate God.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> “But when they came to the nations,wherever they came, they profaned myholy name, in that men said of them,‘These are the people of the Lord, <strong>and</strong>yet they had to go out of his l<strong>and</strong>.’ But Ihad concern for my holy name, whichthe house of Israel caused to be profanedamong the nations to which they came. . .
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Therefore . . . It is not for your sake, Ohouse of Israel, that I am about to act, butfor the sake of my holy name, which youhave profaned among the nations. . . .And I will vindicate the holiness of mygreat name, which has been profanedamong the nations. . . . <strong>and</strong> the nationswill know that I am the Lord . . .whenthrough you I vindicate my holinessbefore their eyes” (36:20-23, RSV).
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Israel failed to recognize thattheir highest task was tovindicate the character ofGod.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> After the Cross, Christians are tocomplete the task that Israel failed to do.God <strong>and</strong> the church are both on trial forthe same reasons: to prove Satan <strong>and</strong>human beings wrong in all the charges<strong>and</strong> misrepresentations against thecharacter <strong>and</strong> government of God. Itcould be argued that God needs you asmuch as you need Him to get the GreatControversy settled!
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> No wonder <strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong> was concernedenough to ask: “In this crisis, where isthe church to be found? Are its membersmeeting the claims of God? Are theyfulfilling His commission, <strong>and</strong>representing His character to the world?Are they urging upon the attention oftheir fellowmen the last mercifulmessage of warning?”—COL: 303.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> And she is does not muffle her words:“If there was ever a people in need ofconstantly increasing light from heaven,it is the people that, in this time of peril,God has called to be the depositaries ofHis holy law <strong>and</strong> to vindicate Hischaracter before the world. Those towhom has been committed a trust sosacred must be spiritualized, elevated,vitalized, by the truths they profess tobelieve.” 5T 746.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Again: “It becomes every child ofGod to vindicate His character.You can magnify the Lord; youcan show the power of sustaininggrace.” 5T 317
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> And again: “The angels are, as it were,just loosening the four winds, but theycannot loose them yet. The church is toofar behind her privileges. The people ofGod are too indolent. Many areunfaithful; many are unclean <strong>and</strong>polluted. We are not prepared for thecrisis. The question is, How long willGod wait for our tardy movements?”Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 86.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> To put it another way: “To disproveSatan’s claim is the work of Christ<strong>and</strong> of all who bear His name.”Education, 154.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> No wonder <strong>Ellen</strong> could keep this themethroughout her ministry. For instance:“The Saviour came to glorify the Fatherby the demonstration of His love; so theSpirit was to glorify Christ by revealingHis grace to the world. The very image ofGod is to be reproduced in humanity. Thehonor of God, the honor of Christ, isinvolved in the perfection of the characterof His people.” DA 671.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Only <strong>Ellen</strong> has told us how God’ssalvation plan truly works in thisend-times—all the while unfoldingthe big picture of the Bible story!Who else on Planet Earth is tellingthe truth about The GreatControversy <strong>and</strong> how it will workout before Jesus returns!
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> <strong>Ellen</strong> has given us a balanced pictureof the plan of salvation. To put it bluntly, The Christianchurch has been divided for morethan 2000 years, leading topersecution <strong>and</strong> death, over how thesalvation should work.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>Simple words such as faith, grace,works, law, justification have beenterribly misunderstood. <strong>Ever</strong>y churchon earth today is divided over theseNT words. But <strong>Ellen</strong> has not got caught on oneside or the other in these awfuldebates. Why?
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> <strong>Ellen</strong> sees the Big Picture—not justpart of the truth: Jesus not only cameto earth to vindicate the character ofGod—that He is not the kind of Godthat Satan <strong>and</strong> men have made Himout to be. He did more . . .
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Because Jesus was also the Son ofMan, He revealed the kind ofmen <strong>and</strong> women that they werecreated to be: Ellipse #1: Jesus as Saviour <strong>and</strong>as Example
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> <strong>Ellen</strong> rests the Big pictures on her use ofthe theological ellipse. We all know whatan ellipse—something shaped by afootball, not a baseball. An ellipse doesnot have a center but two focuses –<strong>and</strong> touse only one focus is to destroy theellipse. It becomes only two circleswarring with each other. This is thehidden secret of all theological divisions.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> We can build truth only on theellipse of truth. About everytheological truth I can think ofmust be said within the ellipseof truth.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Ellipse #2: Saviour <strong>and</strong> all-powerfulMediator “The archdeceiver hates thegreat truths that bring to view anatoning sacrifice <strong>and</strong> an all-powerfulmediator. . . .Those who would sharethe benefits of the Saviour's mediationshould permit nothing to interfere withtheir duty to perfect holiness in the fearof God.” GC 488
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Ellipse #3: Redeemer <strong>and</strong>Intercessor. “The intercession ofChrist in man's behalf in thesanctuary above is as essential to theplan of salvation as was His deathupon the cross.By His death Hebegan that work which after Hisresurrection He ascended tocomplete in heaven. . . .
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Through defects in the character,Satan works to gain control of thewhole mind, . . . Therefore he isconstantly seeking to deceive thefollowers of Christ with his fatalsophistry that it is impossible forthem to overcome. . . .
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> “But Jesus pleads in their behalf Hiswounded h<strong>and</strong>s, . . . "My grace issufficient for thee." 2 Corinthians12:9. . . Let none, then, regard theirdefects as incurable. God will givefaith <strong>and</strong> grace to overcome them.”GC 489.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Ellipse #4: Sacrifice of Jesus <strong>and</strong> HolySpirit “The Spirit was to be given as aregenerating agent, <strong>and</strong> without this thesacrifice of Christ would have been of noavail. . . .Sin could be resisted <strong>and</strong>overcome only through the mightyagency of the Third Person of theGodhead, who would come with nomodified energy, but in the fullness ofdivine power. . . .
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> “It is the Spirit that makes effectual whathas been wrought out by the world'sRedeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heartis made pure. Through the Spirit thebeliever becomes a partaker of thedivine nature. Christ has given His Spiritas a divine power to overcome allhereditary <strong>and</strong> cultivated tendencies toevil, <strong>and</strong> to impress His own characterupon His church.” DA 671.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>yone who will break from the slavery<strong>and</strong> service of Satan, <strong>and</strong> will st<strong>and</strong> underthe blood-stained banner of PrinceImmanuel will be kept by Christ'sintercessions. Christ, as our Mediator, at theright h<strong>and</strong> of the Father, ever keeps us inview, for it is as necessary that He shouldkeep us by His intercessions as that Heshould redeem us with His blood. If He letsgo His hold of us for one moment, Satanst<strong>and</strong>s ready to destroy.” OHC 50.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Ellipse #5: Righteousness byFaith—Imputed <strong>and</strong> Imparted.“Our only ground of hope is inthe righteousness of Christimputed to us, <strong>and</strong> in thatwrought by His Spirit working in<strong>and</strong> through us.” SC 63.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Ellipse #6: God’s part <strong>and</strong> man’s in thesalvation process. “God works <strong>and</strong>cooperates with the gifts He hasimparted to man, <strong>and</strong> man, by being apartaker of the divine nature <strong>and</strong> doingthe work of Christ, may be an overcomer<strong>and</strong> win eternal life. The Lord does notpropose to do the work He has given manpowers to do. . . .
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> “Man's part must be done. He must be alaborer together with God, yoking upwith Christ, learning His meekness, Hislowliness. God is the all-controllingpower. He bestows the gifts; manreceives them <strong>and</strong> acts with the power ofthe grace of Christ as a living agent. . . .Divine power <strong>and</strong> the human agencycombined will be a complete success, forChrist's righteousness accomplisheseverything.” FW 26, 27.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Ellipse #7. Faith <strong>and</strong> works.“Abraham's faith was made manifestby his works. "Was not Abraham ourfather justified by works, when hehad offered Isaac his son upon thealtar? Seest thou how faith wroughtwith his works, <strong>and</strong> by works wasfaith made perfect?" James 2:21, 22.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Many more examples exist wherein<strong>Ellen</strong> has been the corrector oftheological errors that have beencoming down through thecenturies. These corrections insimple English contain herremarkable contribution <strong>and</strong>relevancy to her church in 2008.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> <strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong> is exactly what Godknew was needed in these lastdays, if ever the world was to begiven a fair chance to hear Hislast appeal in this end-times.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Whoever chooses to dismiss <strong>Ellen</strong><strong>and</strong> resort to doctrinal positions ofthose who live with a limited gospel,in our church or in any church, willcome up personally wanting. Wheneverything shakes out, the profoundrelevancy <strong>and</strong> authority of <strong>Ellen</strong><strong>White</strong> will st<strong>and</strong> as tall <strong>and</strong> asrugged as Mount <strong>Ever</strong>est.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> When so many people talk aboutrelevance these days, we can see thatit is a tricky word. Too many thinkof relevance in terms of personaldesirability or whether it isconvenient or whether their groupfinds it conforming to their beliefs.Such is the prevailing post-modernmood of sheer relativity.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> The problem with this modernmood, even infecting our church, isthat its appeal for relevance trumpsauthority. Dangerous spot to be in,personally.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> How does one properly growchildren with that bankrupt viewof relevance? In other words,what are other parents doing?<strong>Ever</strong>y child should be given hisroom to make his/her owndecisions, etc.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> How does one respond to the appealof the Three Angel’s in Revelation14 who describe God’s loyal <strong>and</strong>willing followers as those who keepthe comm<strong>and</strong>ments of God <strong>and</strong> havethe faith of Jesus. Here authoritytrumps relevance: authorityprecedes relevance.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> Another example of the ellipse oftruth: Authority <strong>and</strong> Relevance aremelded together as a glass ofwater!
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> If you want a glass of water, youdon’t ask for a glass of Hydrogenor a glass of Oxygen. If you arethirsty, you want H 2 O—forwater, you can’t have onewithout the other. It is as simpleas the ellipse of truth.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> If relevance is sought merely in aconsensus of men <strong>and</strong> womenwho share common feelings, thenGod help that group, no matterhow many doctoral degrees theymay have. The authority of truthwill be smothered!
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> God (authority) has anchoredHis Spirit of prophecy for thelast days (relevance). He knewhow much we would need a LastdayMessenger that could betrusted!
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> <strong>Ellen</strong>’s personal life, <strong>and</strong> her lifework in speaking <strong>and</strong> writing,has stood the test of integrity—any way we look at her.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> And the security <strong>and</strong> strengththat our movement experiencedduring her 70 years of leadershipdid not vanish when she died.
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> In 1907 she wrote: “Whether ornot my life is spared, mywritings will constantly speak,<strong>and</strong> their work shall go forwardas long as time shall last. . . .
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> My writings are kept on file inthe office, <strong>and</strong> even though Ishould not live, these words thathave been given to me by the Lordwill still have life <strong>and</strong> will speakto the people.” –Letter 371, 1907,in Selected Messages, Bk 1, 55
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong>
<strong>Ellen</strong> <strong>White</strong>, <strong>More</strong> <strong>Relevant</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Needed</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>Than</strong> <strong>Ever</strong> I will let her have the last word. As one who found her in my earlyteens, as one who led me through theBible to Jesus <strong>and</strong> who continuallyenriches my heart <strong>and</strong> my mind <strong>and</strong>who satisfies every theologicalquestion that comes down the road,no authority I know can possibly bemore relevant.