Ellen G. White’s Writings
Sabbath School
The Gift of Prophecy
The Prophetic Writings
Ellen G. White’s experience had many similarities to the Bible writers we have studied. She believed God had given her a special calling to write the messages revealed to her. Even when poor health made writing difficult, she felt compelled to share what God had shown her.
Like the biblical writers, Ellen White also used literary assistants. Her secretaries helped organize, edit, and clarify her writings so her thoughts could be expressed more clearly. They were not ghostwriters or coauthors; their work was based on material she had already written or spoken. She also quoted and adapted material from other authors when their words helped communicate the truths she wanted to share.
Ellen White was also honest about her human limitations. She never claimed to be infallible, stating, “God alone is infallible.” She recognized that some statements in her writings might be difficult to understand and that, like everyone else, she continued to grow and mature. She also explained that not everything she wrote was given under the special inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Some writings contained ordinary thoughts, personal correspondence, and information shared with others.
The important lesson is that being called by God does not remove human limitations. We can appreciate Ellen White's contributions while recognizing that she was human and not perfect. God alone is infallible, and the Bible must remain our ultimate authority for determining truth.
