Biographical Sketch Mrs. White never called herself a "prophet", although she had no
problem with those who called her that, but when asked, she referred to herself
as a "messenger". In that reply, she showed that her work of health
reform, calling for repentance from sin, and supporting a movement to
"repair the breach", involved more than what a prophet is usually
considered as doing - telling about future events from God's point of view.
She produced several devotional classics with "Steps to Christ" being
among her most popular. But she considered this book, "The Great
Controversy Between Christ and His Angels, and Satan and His Angels" her
most important.
Ellen Gould White 1827 - 1915
A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Ellen was a Methodist until the age of 17.
She was disfellowshipped for talking about and believing in the soon coming of
Christ in 1843. God gave her visions and a message to bear to the world, only
after 2 other people had rejected that burden from God. She wrote many
articles and books giving reproof and exhortation. After receiving light on
the health message, she became a strong health advocate, calling for a diet
similar to the original diet in the Garden of Eden, and abstinence or
temperance in all things.
Jesus directly prophesied of this, knowing that the issue of prophecy would be a big test for those in the last days: "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." Matthew 24:11. For added emphasis, God gave these words to John: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1John 4:1. Of course Ellen White is no exception. Take this book and compare it to the Holy Scriptures; does it meet the test or not? Pray to our merciful Father in heaven, and he will send his Spirit to guide us into all truth (^-^).
It seems almost unbelieveable now, but until the last couple of years in the 20th century, nearly all who called themselves 'Christians' were dead-set against anyone who claimed to have revelations from God. They usually quoted Revelation 22:18-19 to prove their point: "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
But is this saying that after John died that there would be no more prophets from God? If so, why would Jesus have us beware of 'false' prophets? Why did the Holy Spirit thru John say to test the spirits? Wouldn't all this be so much easier if we knew just to ignore all those after John who claimed to have words from God? But that isn't God's plan. He gives new truth when needed, and makes his will known, and the true in heart will check to see that it is true, and then joyfully accept and follow it. Of course Satan will be allowed to work too. If he wasn't allowed to, he could accuse God of being unfair.
The Holy Spirit thru Paul asks some very important, and often overlooked, questions in 1Corinthians 12. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have the gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Then he declares that he will show unto us a "more excellent way", saying the gifts are of no benefit to us if we do not have Love. In chapter 14, he goes a step further by telling us to "Pursue love, and desire spiritual (gifts), but especially that you may prophesy." "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues." "Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1Thessalonians 5:19-21.
Ellen White was given the "Great Controversy" vision in the spring of 1858 at Lovett's Grove, Ohio, U.S.A. Most of it she had seen in vision 11 years earlier, but this time she was instructed to write it out even though Satan would make strong efforts to hinder her. Some portions, especially chapter 30, were published in the 1847 "Little Flock", 1851 "Christian Experiences and Views", and 1854 "Supplement" book(let)s. It is all inspired by the Holy Spirit, penned by a frail, but Godly woman and first published in 1858.
There are those who question why there are so many problems in our world with wars, crime, unholy sex, and yes, even with religious beliefs. The basis for answers to these questions can be found in understanding the great controversy between Christ and Satan which has been going on since before any of us humans ever existed.
May the Lord bestow his best gifts upon you, Reader, as you "prove all things" which are written in this book by the
Word of God - The Bible. Back to top
Word List First Appearance Jesus Christ One of the 3 beings who are God. He made everything in the world and universe.
He was born as a human around 2,000 years ago, was killed when he was 33 years
old, was resurrected, and is now working in heaven for our salvation. He will
come back to this earth soon, and will be given rulership of all things in the
universe forever and ever. Title Satan The Devil. He is the father of all evil. He was created as the most
beautiful, perfect being ever created, but he decided to rebel. He has
ownership of this world now, but will eventually be destroyed by God. Title Lord Jesus Christ. Chapter 1 I saw, I was shown When the author - Ellen White - saw this vision, an angel was by her telling
her and showing her things. She wrote down what she actually saw with her own
eyes. Chapter 1 God The Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. All 3 are God. Chapter 1 The Son of God Jesus Christ. Chapter 1 God's word 1. What God says. Chapter (2), 4 2. The Bible. Chapter 18 Redeem, Ransom Humans originally belonged to God, but because our ancestors sinned, we all
belong to Satan now. To make us his again, Jesus came to this earth as a man,
died, was resurrected, went to heaven, and will come back. Chapter 3 The angel The angel that was actually sent to be with Ellen White when she saw this
vision. Chapter 3 Advent Jesus officially coming to this earth. The first time was around 2,000 years
ago, and the second time will be soon (^-^). Chapter 4 The Lamb of God Jesus Christ. Chapter 4 John the Baptist A prophet, the cousin of Jesus. He called for repentance and baptism. Chapter 4 Baptism Dipping the entire body underneath the surface of the water. Chapter 4 Elijah A prophet who was taken to heaven without dying. Chapter 4 Sacrifice An animal offering given to God. Jesus Christ - himself. Chapter 5 His nation, God's people 1. In ancient times, the people of Israel and Judah. Chapter 5 2. Presently, all those who believe in Jesus. Chapter 17 God's book 1. The 'Book of Life' in heaven. The names of all those who will live forever
are written there. Chapter 6 2. The Bible. Chapter 18 Michael The head of all the angels in heaven. Chapter 6 Rue A tree that grows in the Middle East. The leaves are used for medicine. Chapter 7 Brother, Sister All those who believe in Jesus and follow his commands. Chapter 7 Hosanna Praise God! Chapter 9 Sabbath Day of rest that begins at sundown Friday and ends sundown Saturday. See
Genesis 2:2-3. Chapter 10 Message Words that come from God. Also the movement to spread those words. Chapter 10 Ascension Rise to heaven. Does NOT mean death. Chapter 11 Apostle People who spread the gospel full-time etc. as a profession. Especially refers
to Jesus' disciples, and Paul. Chapter 12 The Son of Man Jesus Christ. Chapter 13 Gentiles Those other than than the Jews. Chapter 14 Paul Before his conversion, he was known as 'Saul'. See Acts 13:9. Chapter 15 1843, 1844 Jesus' second advent and the end of the world was believed to come to an end
this year. In fact, the time prophecy of Daniel 8:14 DID end this year. Chapter 23 Shepherd 1. Leaders in the churches. Pastors and Priests. Chapter 23 2. Jesus Christ. Saints All those who really love God from the heart and follow what he says to do. Chapter 24 Sanctuary The name of the place in heaven where Jesus is working for our salvation now.
It has a court, Holy Place (first apt.), and Most Holy Place (second apt.).
The one Moses made was modelled after the one in heaven. It is also called
'Tabernacle' and 'Temple'. Chapter 25 Atone Jesus performs this work of making humans right with God thru the merits of his
own blood. Chapter 25 Zion 1. One name for the city now in heaven. Chapter 26 2. The name of the group of people who follow God. New Jerusalem The name of the city now in heaven, home to God and the angels. This city will
come down to this earth and be here forever. Chapter 27 Cherub High ranking order of angels. Chapter 27 Mediation Jesus stands between guilty sinners and an Almighty God the Father. Jesus
performs this work for our salvation as a 'go-between'. Chapter 27 Beast Name for a large group of people who are against God. See Revelation 13. Chapter 28 Jehovah One name of God the Father. Chapter 28 Canaan Name of the land that was promised to the Israelites. Represents heaven. See
Genesis 12:5. Chapter 28 Day of Pentecost One of the festivals God gave Israel. See Leviticus 23:15-16 & Acts chapter 2. Chapter 29 Adventist Name of those people who believe that Jesus is coming to earth again. Also,
that group's name. Chapter 29 Laodicea The final church in the list of seven in Revelation chapters 2 & 3. This group
thinks they are rich and in need of nothing spiritually, but are in fact poor
and miserable. Chapter 32 The Latter Rain The Holy Spirit's pouring out in abundance to prepare people for Jesus just
before he comes back to earth. See Joel 2:23 & Acts 3:19. Chapter 32 Jubilee The year of freedom. Every 50 years Israel returned everything back to its
original owner. No agriculture was performed this year either. See Leviticus
25:10. Chapter 37
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