Heavenly Trio

Q&A

Silence of EGW
Ellen White demonstrates the work of a true prophet of God. She passes the test of a prophet. But she is merely a messenger for God. Although we wish we had an answer to every question, God doesnt always provide an immediate and precise answer. Sometimes the Bible and Ellen Whites writings dont speak to the issues we face, but they do provide the principles on which we can base our understanding. Early in her life, Ellen White had a limited knowledge of the theological issues with which the church was struggling. She would only share what God revealed to her. God obviously has an answer to every question, but He chooses to reveal truth step by step. Sometimes He makes us wait, and we dont always know why. The silence of God does not mean that He condones what He sees, or even what He permits. Some examples are:

Polygamy has never been Gods plan, but there is not a specific prohibition on the issue. Slavery has never been Gods plan, but there is no specific prohibition.

God doesnt chase down and correct every error in understanding, but when there is a gross error in a prophets communication, God does intervene to correct the error. See Nathan the Prophet 2 Samuel 7:114 The silence of God on an issue does not make the doctrine wrong, nor does it make it right. Since Ellen White is Gods messenger, her silence is also Gods silence. We dont always know why God waited to reveal certain truths in the history of our church. But we must be careful not to make too much of this silence. Here are some issues about which Ellen White was silent. These are things she didnt write or say:

Correct the views of her husband and other pioneers who wrote decisively against the Trinity. Join in with the views of her husband and other pioneers who wrote against the Trinity. Reprimand the publishing house for publishing Samuel Spears paper on the Trinity, and including it in the Bible

Students Library. Correct Wilcox when he wrote out the list of doctrines in the Review and Herald, including a statement about the trinity. Write a clear and concise statement against the trinity doctrine. (many statements can be found which raise questions about this doctrine) Write a clear and concise statement for the trinity doctrine. (many statements can be found which together support this doctrine)

Two cases of silence are more telling, for she misses the trinity in two lists where it would be expected to be:

She listed the pillars or landmarks, and excluded the doctrine of the Godhead. She listed the errors of Rome, and excluded the doctrine of the Trinity.