Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Sequeira confronts the frequent charge that Adventists are a cult because they treat Ellen White's writings as equal to Scripture. He shows that this charge is often deserved in practice, even though it contradicts both the fundamental belief and Ellen White's own repeated statements that the Bible alone is the standard of doctrine. He clarifies the proper function of the prophetic gift: to edify, exhort, and comfort believers, and to apply — not replace or independently establish — biblical truth, illustrating the difference between interpreting a text and spiritually applying it. He surveys three ways her writings are misused: as proof-texts for doctrine, as a required confirmation of biblical truth, or as the main content of preaching instead of Scripture. Strikingly, he documents Ellen White's own passionate advocacy of justification by faith and 'Christ our righteousness' following the 1888 General Conference, arguing that misreading her legalistic 'do's and don'ts' out of context, rather than her gospel emphasis, has driven many from the church.
Key points
- Ellen White's own counsel insists the Bible, and the Bible alone, is the standard of all doctrine — her writings are the lesser light leading to the greater light.
- The prophetic gift's biblical function is to edify, exhort, and comfort believers, not to establish doctrine independently of Scripture.
- Misuse occurs when her writings are used to prove doctrine, required to confirm Scripture, or substituted for Scripture in preaching.
- Ellen White strongly championed justification by faith and 'Christ our righteousness,' contrary to how her writings are often used legalistically.
Key texts
- 1 Corinthians 14:3
- Isaiah 8:20
- Joel 2:28-29
From the book
Chapter 15 · Belief 18 · Read this chapter
- “God’s Word is the unerring standard. The Testimonies are not to take the place of the Word....” (ch. 15)
- “We must never confuse the incredibly good news of the everlasting gospel with its application, or fruit, in the lives of believers.” (ch. 15)
- “The point that has been urged upon my mind for years is the imputed righteousness of Christ . I have wondered that this matter was not made the subject of discourses in our churches throughout the land, when the matter has been so constantly urged upon me, and I have made it the subject of nearly every discourse and talk that I have given to the people.” (ch. 15)
Put it into practice
- Test every doctrinal claim, including any from the Spirit of Prophecy, against Scripture alone.
- Read Ellen White's writings on Christ's righteousness alongside her counsel on Christian living, keeping the gospel central.
- Avoid using extra-biblical writings as required proof before accepting a truth already taught in Scripture.
- When teaching others, distinguish clearly between the gospel itself and its fruits in Christian behavior.
- Comprehension
1. What two objections have critics raised against the Adventist belief in the gift of prophecy, and which one does Sequeira say has largely been abandoned?
- Scripture
2. According to Ellen White's own statement in Evangelism, page 256, how should her writings function in relation to Scripture?
- Doctrinal Clarity
3. Explain the distinction Sequeira draws between interpreting and spiritualizing a biblical passage, using the prodigal son.
- Contrast
4. Contrast the proper function of the prophetic gift with the three ways it is commonly misused.
- Scripture
5. What did Ellen White say at the 1890 Battle Creek ministerial institute regarding her life's message?
- Doctrinal Clarity
6. How does Sequeira explain that failing to distinguish the gospel from its fruits produces 'confused legalism'?
- Comprehension
7. Why, according to Sequeira, have many Adventists turned away from Ellen White's writings?
- Application
8. Do you tend to use the Spirit of Prophecy (or any other authority) as a substitute for personal Bible study? How will you realign your priorities this week?