Sabbath School

Adult Sabbath School Bible study guide.

How do we read Ellen G. White? Here are a few guidelines to correctly understand and apply to Ellen G. White’s writings.

First, begin with a prayerful, positive attitude and an open mind, rather than a spirit of doubt. Our mindset is a lens that colors all we hear, read, and see. We need the Holy Spirit to guide our thinking. As Ellen G. White herself noted: “If you search the Scriptures to vindicate your own opinions, you will never reach the truth. Search in order to learn what the Lord says.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 112. The same is true regarding her writings.

Second, consider the context of what you read. People have often based their understanding of Ellen G. White’s writings on an isolated statement or paragraph fragment removed from its original historical or literary context. Ellen G. White wrote that “time and place must be considered.”—Selected Messages, book 1, p. 57. This unfortunate practice of ignoring context has caused, and still continues to cause, no end of trouble for some church members.

Third, focus on principles. What is the main point (or points) that Ellen G. White is emphasizing in a particular passage? For example, in 1894, Ellen White wrote to church members in Battle Creek, Michigan, condemning the purchase of bicycles (see Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, pp. 50–53). The principle that Ellen White was seeking to encourage was proper stewardship of God-given resources, such as money (back then, bicycles were very expensive).

Fourth, study everything Ellen G. White wrote on a particular topic. Examine obscure statements in the context of her general teaching on a subject. During her lifetime, Ellen G. White lamented the misuse of her writings: “Much that purports to be a message from Sister White, serves the purpose of misrepresenting Sister White, making her testify in favor of things that are not in accordance with her mind or judgment.”—Selected Messages, book 1, p. 44.

Finally, make sure that Ellen G. White said it. There are numerous statements falsely attributed to Ellen G. White. The safest way to be sure that what we read is from Ellen White is to look for a reference to its source. Once we have verified where it is found, we can examine it using the correct principles.

We have been given a wonderful gift in the prophetic writings of Ellen G. White. It’s so important that we properly read those writings, which can be—and are—such a blessing to millions. It is tragic when they are misused and misapplied.

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Supplemental EGW Notes

Ye Shall Receive Power, “Meditating on God’s Word,” April 16, p. 115. To Be Like Jesus, “To Feed the Soul, Commune Constantly With Jesus,” November 24, p. 342.\

The above quotations are taken from Ellen G. White Notes for the Sabbath School Lessons, published by Pacific Press Publishing Association. Used by permission.