Q4 2026 · Adult Bible Study Guide

The Gift of Prophecy

Sep 26 – Dec 25, 2026

Lesson 10

Prophetic Authority and Relevance

Saturday, Nov 28 – Friday, Dec 4

Saturday · November 28

Prophetic Authority and Relevance

Read for This Week’s Study

Exod. 4:10–16, Luke 8:22–25, John 3:1–10, Acts 16:25–34, 1 Cor. 5:1–5, Luke 7:28.

Memory Text:
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV).

On November 9, 1989, Günter Schabowski’s statement on live TV in Communist East Germany set in motion the fall of the Berlin Wall. Speaking as East Germany’s press spokesperson, Schabowski botched a statement during the televised press conference. Instead of announcing that East Germans may be allowed to visit Western Europe after the lengthy and difficult process of obtaining the proper visas, he simply said that East Germans would be permitted to visit Western Europe. When a reporter asked when the policy change would take effect, Schabowski said, “As far as I know, this enters into force . . . immediately, without delay.” Within minutes people began pouring toward border checkpoints, demanding to be let through, as the government had announced.

People have often been delegated authority to speak for a company or even a country. But what about those who speak for God? This week we will examine what authority biblical prophets possess, and what, if any, authority is held by prophets who never wrote a book of the Bible, such as Nathan the prophet, John the Baptist, and, yes, even Ellen G. White.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 5.

Supplemental EGW Notes

In the commission to His disciples, Christ not only outlined their work, but gave them their message. Teach the people, He said, “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” The disciples were to teach what Christ had taught. That which He had spoken, not only in person, but through all the prophets and teachers of the Old Testament, is here included. Human teaching is shut out. There is no place for tradition, for man’s theories and conclusions, or for church legislation. No laws ordained by ecclesiastical authority are included in the commission. None of these are Christ’s servants to teach. “The law and the prophets,” with the record of His own words and deeds, are the treasure committed to the disciples to be given to the world. Christ’s name is their watchword, their badge of distinction, their bond of union, the authority for their course of action, and the source of their success. Nothing that does not bear His superscription is to be recognized in His kingdom.
The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living force to change the life. God desires that the receivers of His grace shall be witnesses to its power. Those whose course has been most offensive to Him He freely accepts; when they repent, He imparts to them His divine Spirit, places them in the highest positions of trust, and sends them forth into the camp of the disloyal to proclaim His boundless mercy. He would have His servants bear testimony to the fact that through His grace men may possess Christlikeness of character, and may rejoice in the assurance of His great love. He would have us bear testimony to the fact that He cannot be satisfied until the human race are reclaimed and reinstated in their holy privileges as His sons and daughters.
In Christ is the tenderness of the shepherd, the affection of the parent, and the matchless grace of the compassionate Saviour. His blessings He presents in the most alluring terms. He is not content merely to announce these blessings; He presents them in the most attractive way, to excite a desire to possess them. So His servants are to present the riches of the glory of the unspeakable Gift. The wonderful love of Christ will melt and subdue hearts, when the mere reiteration of doctrines would accomplish nothing. . . . Christ is sitting for His portrait in every disciple. Every one God has predestinated to be “conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). In every one Christ’s long-suffering love, His holiness, meekness, mercy, and truth are to be manifested to the world.—Lift Him Up, p. 220.

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

Sunday · November 29

Mediating God’s Authority

Before giving a person permission to speak for you, would you not be sure to choose someone you trusted? It would be important that he or she knew your position and faithfully expressed it.

Read Exodus 2:11–15 and Exodus 3:1–3, 10–13. How did Moses’ time as a shepherd prepare him to be a spokesperson for God?

Moses had spent the first 40 years of his life getting the best education that Egypt had to offer, but this would not prepare him to become God’s messenger. He had to spend the next 40 years in the wilderness as a shepherd, without the distractions of the world. In many ways he had to undo much of what he had learned as a prince. Before he could cooperate in freeing Israel, Moses had to get to know the God on whose behalf he would be speaking.

Read Exodus 4:10–16. What can we learn from this discussion between God and Moses about how prophets are called and how they work?

Moses was asked to play the role of God, with Aaron assuming the role of Moses’ mouthpiece (Exod. 4:16; see also Exod. 7:1). As He did with Moses and Aaron, God helps His prophets find the best way to deliver the message that He gives them.

Moses knew that he had previously failed. He remembered his last encounter with fellow Israelites, when his authority had been questioned (Exod. 2:14). God understood Moses’ apprehension. He dealt patiently with his fears. All grounds for excuse had been removed, but, even then, Moses resisted the call. His fears had crossed over into unbelief. By his reluctance, he was questioning God’s ability to use him. It was then that God issued an unqualified command to get the reluctant prophet moving (Exod. 3:14–17).

You may not be a prophet, but what has God called you to do for Him during your lifetime? What is the best way to prepare yourself for this calling?

Supplemental EGW Notes

Jesus was the light of the world. He came forth from God with a message of hope and salvation to the fallen children of Adam. If men and women would but receive Him as their personal Savior, He promised to restore to them the image of God, and to redeem all that had been lost through sin. He presented to human beings the truth, without one thread of interwoven error. When He taught, His words came with authority; for He spoke with positive knowledge of the truth.
The teaching of mortals is wholly different from the teaching of Christ. There is a constant tendency on the part of humans to present their own theories and opinions as matter worthy of attention, even when they have no foundation in truth. They are very tenacious for their erroneous ideas and idle opinions. They will hold firmly to the traditions of humanity, and defend them as vigorously as if they were the veritable truth. Jesus declared that everyone that was of the truth would hear His voice.
How much more power would attend the preaching of the Word today if ministers dwelt less upon human theories and arguments and far more upon the lessons of Christ and upon practical godliness. He who had stood in the counsel of God, who had dwelt in His presence, was well acquainted with the origin and elements of truth, and understood its relation and importance to humanity. He presented to the world the plan of salvation, and unfolded truth of the highest order, even the words of eternal life.
Patriarchs, prophets, and apostles spoke as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and they plainly stated that they spoke not by their own power, nor in their own name. They desired that no credit might be ascribed to them, that no one might regard them as the originators of anything whereof they might glory. They were jealous for the honor of God, to whom all praise belongs. They declared that their ability and the messages they brought were given them as delegates of the power of God. God was their authority and sufficiency. . . .
Christ is the Author of all truth. Every brilliant conception, every thought of wisdom, every capacity and talent of human beings, is the gift of Christ. He borrowed no new ideas from humanity; for He originated all.—To Be Like Jesus, p. 224.

The divine command given to Moses found him self-distrustful, slow of speech, and timid. He was overwhelmed with a sense of his incapacity to be a mouthpiece for God to Israel. But having once accepted the work, he entered upon it with his whole heart, putting all his trust in the Lord. . . . God blessed his ready obedience, and he became eloquent, hopeful, self-possessed, and well fitted for the greatest work ever given to man. This is an example of what God does to strengthen the character of those who trust Him fully and give themselves unreservedly to His commands.
A man will gain power and efficiency as he accepts the responsibilities that God places upon him, and with his whole soul seeks to qualify himself to bear them aright. However humble his position or limited his ability, that man will attain true greatness who, trusting to divine strength, seeks to perform his work with fidelity.—Conflict and Courage, p. 87.

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

Monday · November 30

The Authority of Jesus

What was the basis of Jesus’ authority? What was the evidence of this authority? See Matt. 21:23–27 and John 17:2.

While Jesus was teaching, the priests came to Him and demanded to know who had given Him the authority to do this ministry. After all, Jesus had not graduated from any of the local schools, nor had He received training in the traditional schools of the rabbis. Rather than answering their questions, Jesus pointed the way to the answer, asking His interrogators about the unmistakable authority exhibited by John the Baptist. By refusing to answer, they not only rejected the power of God that crowned the ministry of John but also the authority of Jesus who, like John, was also sent by God.

What do the following verses also tell us about Jesus’ authority? Matt. 7:28, 29; Mark 1:21–27; Luke 8:22–25; Luke 9:1; John 5:25–27; and John 7:38.

All authority belongs to Jesus as humanity’s Creator (John 1:3) and Savior (Rom. 3:24). He is the Word of God. The divine authority possessed by Jesus during His earthly life and ministry could not be imitated or self-generated by anyone. Jesus’ teaching astonished listeners because He taught as One having authority (Matt. 7:29).

All the Gospels record Jesus’ otherworldly prophetic authority. Jesus forgave sins (Mark 2:10, 11), drove out demons (Mark 3:15), and knew what people were thinking (John 2:24, 25). He raised the dead and offered eternal life (John 10:28). While on earth as our Redeemer, Jesus exercised authority given to Him by God the Father (John 17:2), and He depended on and cooperated with the Father (John 5:19) at all times, often referring back to the Scriptures, which, He claimed, testified about Him. Jesus also possessed absolute authority and could delegate that authority to His disciples (Mark 6:7). As the Word of God, His testimony also came to the prophets through whom He spoke (Rev. 19:10).

Even with all the evidence Jesus gave, some people still rejected Him. How can we be careful not to fall into the same trap of unbelief, given all the reasons we have to believe?

Supplemental EGW Notes

In the scribes, Pharisees, and rulers, Jesus found not the bottles for His new wine. He was obliged to turn from them to humble men, whose hearts were not filled with envy, covetousness, and self-righteousness. The lowly fishermen obeyed the call of the divine Teacher, while the scribes and Pharisees refused to become converted.
The disciples that Jesus called were uneducated, and were far from being perfect in character when Jesus united them with Himself; but they were willing to learn from the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. They were truly converted men, and became the new bottles into which Jesus could pour the new wine of His kingdom. But though they were converted to Christ, yet, because of their limited earthly comprehension—the result of the teaching they had had from the Jews—they were unable fully to understand the spiritual nature of the truth He could impart. The burden of His instruction was the necessity of His followers having pure and holy hearts, for holiness alone would fit them to become subjects of His heavenly kingdom.
The divine Sower scattered grains of precious seed, which we cannot see until a skillful laborer, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, gathers them together and presents them to us as a complete system of truth, unfolding the depths of divine love. For all ages Jesus, the author of truth, through prophets and people, had presented truth upon truth to the Jews, from the pillar of cloud and fire. But the truth He had given had become mingled with error, and it was necessary to separate from the companionship of heresy and evil. It was necessary to readjust it in the framework of the gospel, in order that it might shine forth in its original luster and illuminate the moral darkness of the world. Wherever He found a gem of truth that had been lost from its setting, or had been marred with error, He reset it, and stamped upon it the signature of Jehovah. He proved Himself to be the word and the wisdom of God.
The commonplace matters of time and earth had engrossed the minds of the people at the time of Christ, just as Satan had designed that they should. Sin had expelled from the heart the love of God, and instead of the love of God there was found in the heart the love of the world, the love of sinful indulgence of evil passions. Christ alone could adjust the claims between heaven and earth. Man’s vision had become blinded, because he did not keep in view the spiritual and eternal world. . . . In the person and work of Christ the holiness of God is revealed; for Christ came to reveal the Father.—Lift Him Up, p. 259.

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

Tuesday · December 1

Biblical Authority

The Bible is the product of prophetic, inspired revelation from God. It answers life’s big questions and is God’s unique means of revealing Himself to the human race. Through Scripture, we learn the meaning of human existence, the character and will of God, and God’s purpose for our lives. The Bible is the gold standard of truth, the authority by which we must make life choices. It is the foundation of the Christian’s worldview and the basis of all revealed truth. It is the Christian’s rule of faith and practice.

We can either accept or reject God’s Word, and we need not go to the extreme of burning our Bibles, as King Jehoiakim did (see Jer. 36:22–27) in rejecting it. Ignoring it, even while professing to believe in it, can be just as problematic. When we discover and accept God’s Word, we can, like King Josiah, be transformed and lead others to God (see 2 Kings 22:10–13).

Today, people often approach Scripture by looking for its faults or ridiculing it. Some see the Bible as out of step with contemporary mores (it usually is, and ought to be, too). Many deride it because it contradicts “scientific” or cultural trends.

In Christianity, the Bible is often used only to support a particular theological position rather than as a means for personal spiritual growth and reformation. Others interpret the Bible in such a way that it is denied any historical or practical authority over their daily lives.

One of the easiest, and perhaps most common, ways of rejecting biblical authority is to ignore the Bible and not take the time to read and then apply Scripture to our lives.

What effect did the spoken Word of God have in the following situations? See Jer. 38:1–4, John 3:1–10, and Acts 16:25–34.

In ancient times, writing material was scarce and expensive. Furthermore, many people could not read, so the spoken Word of God through His prophets was essential.

Under the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, whether spoken or written, can penetrate the heart to reveal sin and bring reformation and restoration. The Word calls us to repentance and obedience (Acts 5:29; see also Heb. 4:12). And that’s often the reason many people who should know better reject it. They don’t like its claims on their lives.

Supplemental EGW Notes

Those who are placed in positions of trust must have the authority of action, but they are never to use this authority as a power to refuse help to the needy and helpless. It is never to be exercised to discourage or depress one struggling soul. Let those to whom have been given positions of influence ever remember that God desires them to carry out the mind of Christ. . . .
True godliness is measured by the work done. Profession is nothing; position is nothing; a character like the character of Christ is the evidence we are to bear that God has sent His Son into the world. Those who profess to be Christians, yet do not act as Christ would were He in their place, greatly injure the cause of God. They misrepresent their Saviour, and are standing under false colors.
The true disciple, in whose heart Christ abides, shows forth to the world Christ’s love for humanity. He is God’s helping hand. The glow of spiritual health thrills his whole being as he receives from the Saviour grace to give to others. . . .
Pure and undefiled religion is not a sentiment, but a doing of works of love and mercy. This religion is necessary to health and happiness. It enters the polluted soul-temple, and with a scourge drives out the sinful intruder. Taking the throne, it consecrates all by its presence, illuminating the heart with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. It opens the windows of the soul heavenward, letting in the sunshine of God’s love. With it comes serenity and composure. Physical, mental, and moral strength increase, because the atmosphere of heaven, as a living, active agency, fills the soul. . . .
When Christians do not reveal Christ, of what value are they? Are they not like savorless salt, “good for nothing”? But when they reveal in their lives the saving properties of the truth, poor, sin-hardened souls are not left to perish in corruption. Good works are seen; for the living principles of righteousness cannot be hidden. The gospel acted is like salt which contains all its savor. It is powerful in the saving of souls.—This Day With God, p. 25.

I beseech of you to look away from yourself unto Christ, and live. Put your trust in the One who loves human agencies. Let your dependence be wholly on Christ. He is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. Believe, believe that Christ will pardon all your transgressions and forgive all your sins. Humble yourself as a little child, and Christ will receive you and bless you and strengthen you. Do not think unbelief or talk unbelief, but take God at His word, and leave yourself in His hands, to be taught and led of Him. . . .
Comfort your heart, . . . by believing that the Lord wants you to be saved, and that you are His child. Do not think that your mind must be in a certain state of feeling or else you are not accepted of God. Your faith must rely not on feeling, but on the promises of God. Walk by faith in a “Thus saith the Lord.” Rest your case with the Lord, and believe in His Word. Believe, oh, believe the Word of the Lord, and walk by faith, not by sight. Consecrate yourself anew to God. Be loyal and true to a “Thus saith the Lord,” and stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ doth make you free.—The Upward Look, p. 37.

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

Wednesday · December 2

Organizational Authority

Hosea 12:13 makes clear that “by a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved” (NKJV). Protecting and guiding God’s people was a formative and essential part of the work of the biblical prophets.

If we read such texts as Judges 4:4–8, 2 Chronicles 20:14–17, Exodus 12:1–3, and Deuteronomy 1:9–16, we can see that prophets were crucial in revealing God’s leadership strategy for His people. In times of war and crisis, prophets were the means by which God offered direction, encouragement, and hope to His people and their leaders, as He did through Jehaziel and Deborah. Prophets also gave guidance concerning festivals and worship (Exod. 12:1–3). At other times, God spoke to prophets concerning the governance of the nation. In short, no area of Israelite life was beyond the direction and guidance of God through His chosen messengers.

What are some of the specific areas in which the prophetic gift assisted the organization and leadership of the early Christian church? Acts 6:1-7, 1 Cor. 5:1–5, 1 Cor. 7:10–16, Titus 1:5.

Imagine beginning a new organization without an operational manual and no visible leader. Such an organization is sure to experience serious challenges. In a certain sense, this was the situation in the early Christian church. Jesus had ascended and was no longer with His disciples. They had a clear directive from Him: “ ‘Go into all the world and preach’ ” (Mark 16:15, NKJV). Although the Twelve Apostles had been chosen, there was no clear organizational structure to help them get started.

The early church faced many challenges, such as church organization, structure for mission, and the need to identify and condemn heresy and immorality among them. In a real sense, the prophetic gift operating in the early church played a critical role in its preservation and protection (Acts 13:1, 2). It is hard, in fact, to envision how the early church could have even gotten started without the aid of the prophetic gift in helping organize it and move it forward for mission.

Some people seem skeptical about “organized religion.” Whatever the challenges, what are the advantages of being part of an organized church structure? What can you give, and get, from being part of something much larger than yourself?

Supplemental EGW Notes

The principle for which the disciples stood so fearlessly when, in answer to the command not to speak any more in the name of Jesus, they declared, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye,” is the same that the adherents of the gospel struggled to maintain in the days of the Reformation. When in 1529 the German princes assembled at the Diet of Spires, there was presented the emperor’s decree restricting religious liberty, and prohibiting all further dissemination of the reformed doctrines. It seemed that the hope of the world was about to be crushed out. Would the princes accept the decree? Should the light of the gospel be shut out from the multitudes still in darkness? Mighty issues for the world were at stake. Those who had accepted the reformed faith met together, and their unanimous decision was, “Let us reject this decree. In matters of conscience the majority has no power.”—Merle d’Aubigne, History of the Reformation, b. 13, ch. 5.
This principle we in our day are firmly to maintain. The banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the founders of the gospel church and by God’s witnesses during the centuries that have passed since then, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our hands. The responsibility for this great gift rests with those whom God has blessed with a knowledge of His word. We are to receive this word as supreme authority. We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God’s word must be recognized as above all human legislation. A “Thus saith the Lord” is not to be set aside for a “Thus saith the church” or a “Thus saith the state.” The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates.
We are not required to defy authorities. Our words, whether spoken or written, should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as uttering that which would make us appear antagonistic to law and order. We are not to say or do anything that would unnecessarily close up our way. We are to go forward in Christ’s name, advocating the truths committed to us. If we are forbidden by men to do this work, then we may say, as did the apostles, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 68, 69.

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

Thursday · December 3

Canonical and Noncanonical Prophets

Read 1 Chronicles 29:29 and 2 Chronicles 9:29. What do you notice about some of the prophets mentioned in these two passages?

There were many prophets such as Nathan, Gad, Ahijah, and Iddo who were recognized prophets but whose books did not become part of the Bible.

Read 1 Kings 11:29–39 and Luke 7:28. What do these texts teach about the authority of noncanonical prophets?

Although we do not know why God permitted some prophets’ messages to be included in the Bible while others were left out, we do know that the noncanonical prophets who were not included in Scripture were equally inspired by God. The Bible teaches that spiritual gifts, including the gift of prophecy, will continue until the end of time. The Bible predicts that there will be postbiblical, noncanonical prophets “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith” (Eph. 4:12, 13, NKJV), and they will exist “ ‘before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord’ ” (Joel 2:31, NKJV).

After David committed adultery and murder, God sent the prophet Nathan to confront him (2 Sam. 12:7–14). Although Nathan had not written a biblical book, David did not question Nathan’s authority, and that’s because the authority of the prophets’ writings is based on their inspiration, and not on whether or not they were included in the biblical canon. Nevertheless, all true noncanonical prophets, particularly prophets after the time of the Bible—and especially a modern prophet such as Ellen G. White—saw themselves as subject to biblical authority. Their messages had to be tested by the Bible and do not replace the Bible as a source for faith and doctrine.

Ellen G. White wrote, “The Lord desires you to study your Bibles. He has not given any additional light to take the place of His Word. This light is to bring confused minds to His Word, which, if eaten and digested, is as the lifeblood of the soul.”—Selected Messages, book 3, p. 29. How well do we as a church heed these words of hers?

Supplemental EGW Notes

The Israelites, having again separated themselves from God by idolatry, were grievously oppressed by these enemies. The property and even the lives of the people were in constant danger. Hence the villages and lonely dwellings were deserted, and the people congregated in the walled cities. The high roads were unoccupied, and the people went from place to place by unfrequented byways. At the places for drawing water, many were robbed and even murdered, and to add to their distress, the Israelites were unarmed. Among forty thousand men, not a sword or a spear could be found. . . .
Deborah celebrated the triumph of Israel in a most sublime and impassioned song. She ascribed to God all the glory of their deliverance, and bade the people praise Him for His wonderful works.—Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 259.

We may learn valuable lessons from the experience of the prophet Elisha. Elisha was chosen by the Lord as Elijah’s helper, and through test and trial he proved himself true to his trust. He was willing to be and do anything the Lord directed. He did not seek to shun the humblest service, but was as faithful in the performance of smaller duties as of larger responsibilities. He was always willing to serve in any position to which the Lord pointed him, however disagreeable it might be to his natural inclinations. And at every step he learned lessons of humility and service. . . .
“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” He did not ask for worldly honor, for a high place among the great men of the earth. That for which he craved was a double portion of the Spirit given to the one God was about to honor with translation. He knew that nothing but a double portion of the Spirit that had rested on Elijah could fit him to fill the place Elijah had filled, because Elijah had the experience and wisdom of age, which cannot by any method be imparted to the young. . . .
When the Lord in His providence sees fit to remove from His work those to whom He has given wisdom, He helps and strengthens their successors, if they will look to Him for aid and will walk in His ways. They may be even wiser than their predecessors; for they may profit by their experience and learn wisdom from their mistakes.—Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 265.

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

Friday · December 4

Further Thought

The prophets speak to us with authority and relevance because God has chosen them as His messengers. There are canonical prophets (those whose writings became part of the Bible), non-canonical prophets (those who did not write a book included in the Bible), and postbiblical, noncanonical prophets (those prophets who appear after New Testament times). All were equally inspired, and their messages bore the stamp of divine authority.

Ellen G. White belongs to the postbiblical, noncanonical group of prophets. Yet, Seventh-day Adventists do not consider her writings an addition to the Bible, nor equal to it. Her writings are, however, relevant and speak with authority, a point stated by Ellen G. White herself: “ ‘In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me. I do not write one article in the paper expressing merely my own ideas. They are what God has opened before me in vision—the precious rays of light shining from the throne.’ ”—Selected Messages, book 1, p. 29.

Consistent with the Bible, Ellen G. White points out the reality of sin and our need of Jesus, the only hope of eternal life, which is given by grace to all who by faith claim it for themselves, another powerful theme in her messages.

Through her messages (or rather, God’s messages through her) we see the battle between good and evil, starting with the fall of Lucifer in heaven and going right through to the end of time, when sin and evil, along with Satan and his fallen angels, will be forever eradicated. Ellen G. White’s writings provide insight into biblical principles within the end-time context. She speaks, for example, of the danger of merging church with state and the importance of religious liberty; she warns about the decay of morality; she uplifts God’s law and its significance; and though our understanding of, for example, the “mark of the beast” is certainly not based on her writings, her words do give us wonderful insights on final events.

She also emphasizes the practical application of Christian living. Her messages about spirituality, health, education, family relations, parenting, moral life, and more have helped many change their lifestyle and thus experience better lives on a number of levels.

Ellen G. White’s writings are not in the Bible, but God has used her to guide believers who are living in the final days of earth’s history. Her writings still speak with prophetic authority and relevance.

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