Ellen G. White: Receiving and Delivering Her Messages
Sabbath School
The Gift of Prophecy
Now Hear This!
Arthur White estimated that Ellen G. White received hundreds of visions and prophetic dreams during her lifetime. These experiences ranged from a few minutes to several hours, and some occurred publicly before large groups of people, including skeptics.
During her visions, Ellen White experienced unusual physical conditions, including unconsciousness, suspended breathing, rigid muscles, and open eyes. Her movements remained natural, and she often temporarily lost her sight after coming out of vision. These experiences were generally unexpected and beyond her control.
People responded to her prophetic messages in different ways. Some accepted her counsel, while others rejected it, often because of personal disagreements or unbelief rather than biblical or theological objections. Ellen White encouraged patience and brotherly love toward those who questioned her prophetic gift.
Ellen White believed the strongest evidence of her prophetic calling was the messages God had given her. She trusted that sincere seekers of truth would recognize their value and encouraged people to examine the evidence for themselves. She also believed God had provided sufficient evidence to help people place their faith on the side of truth.
