Q4 2026 · Adult Bible Study Guide

The Gift of Prophecy

Sep 26 – Dec 25, 2026

Lesson 13

Blessings From the Prophetic Word

Saturday, Dec 19 – Friday, Dec 25

Saturday · December 19

Blessings From the Prophetic Word

Read for This Week’s Study

1 Cor. 2:2; John 1:1–5; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Tim. 4:1–5; Isa. 40:1–5; John 17:20–23; 1 Cor. 1:10–13.

Memory Text:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17, NKJV).

God never asks us to believe blindly. On the contrary, the evidence for His existence is powerful. Nature alone, even after 6,000 years of sin, testifies to the reality not just of a God of incredible creative power (look at photos from the James Webb Space Telescope) but also of a God of love.

And yet there’s more. Even after the “voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount,” Peter would still write that we “have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Pet. 1:18, 19). We might not, as did Peter, hear the voice of God, but we, too, have the “more sure word of prophecy.”

God has spoken to us through His prophets, both canonical (writings in the Bible) and noncanonical (writings not in the Bible). The evidence given us is more than abundant. The question remaining is: Are we open to receive it?

Sacred history shows that many were not open. May we, by God’s grace, not make the same mistake.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 26.

Supplemental EGW Notes

This message [Revelation 14:6, 7] is declared to be a part of “the everlasting gospel.” The work of preaching the gospel has not been committed to angels, but has been entrusted to men. Holy angels have been employed in directing this work, they have in charge the great movements for the salvation of men; but the actual proclamation of the gospel is performed by the servants of Christ upon the earth.
Faithful men, who were obedient to the promptings of God’s Spirit and the teachings of His word, were to proclaim this warning to the world. They were those who had taken heed to the “sure word of prophecy,” the “light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise.” 2 Peter 1:19. They had been seeking the knowledge of God more than all hid treasures, counting it “better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.” Proverbs 3:14. And the Lord revealed to them the great things of the kingdom. “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.” Psalm 25:14.
It was not the scholarly theologians who had an understanding of this truth, and engaged in its proclamation. Had these been faithful watchmen, diligently and prayerfully searching the Scriptures, they would have known the time of night; the prophecies would have opened to them the events about to take place. But they did not occupy this position, and the message was given by humbler men. Said Jesus: “Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” John 12:35. Those who turn away from the light which God has given, or who neglect to seek it when it is within their reach, are left in darkness. But the Saviour declares: “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12. Whoever is with singleness of purpose seeking to do God’s will, earnestly heeding the light already given, will receive greater light; to that soul some star of heavenly radiance will be sent to guide him into all truth.—Maranatha, p. 17.

Everyone will meet with trials. . . . If you look to Jesus, if you believe in Him as your personal Saviour, you will be brought through every trial, and enduring these trials with patience, you will become stronger to endure the next test, the next trial.
It is only the narrowness of our vision that prevents us from discerning God’s loving-kindness in the discipline to which He subjects His church, as well as in the great blessings which He provides. In all times of distress and confusion, God is a sure refuge to His people. In the shadow of His protection they may safely keep His way. In the affliction designed to purify them, the power of the gospel is to be their consolation. In His sure word they have a fortress.—Our High Calling, p. 317.

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 · December 20

Prophecy Exalts Christ

Prophecy is God’s means of communicating with His people and connecting them to God. No wonder, then, that Satan (the dragon) was enraged at the woman (God’s church) and went to make war with the remnant of her seed (see Rev. 12:17).

What are the distinguishing marks of this remnant of the woman’s seed? They keep the commandments and possess the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 19:10 tells us that this testimony is “the spirit of prophecy.”

Read 1 Corinthians 2:2 and Galatians 6:14. How does Paul see the purpose of his life and ministry—the great motivation for which he lived?

Besides their own experiences, the apostles accepted Jesus upon the testimony of prophets and righteous men, whose words stretched over a period of many centuries. The Christian world has a full and complete chain of evidence running through both the Old and the New Testaments: in the former, which points to a Savior to come, and in the latter, which reveals Jesus as fulfilling the conditions of the Savior. All this is sufficient to establish the faith of those willing to believe. “The design of God was to leave the race a fair opportunity to develop faith in the power of God and of his Son and in the work of the Holy Spirit.”—Ellen G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p. 182.

In many ways, the issue of saving faith is not intellectual; it’s moral. It’s a heart thing, not a head thing. When people close their hearts, their minds, unfortunately, will follow.

Read John 1:1–5. What do these verses tell us about who Jesus is?

If Jesus, the Word of God, pre-existed, was made flesh, and dwelled among us, then it follows that Jesus was integral to the words or messages given by God to His prophets. Even prophets who bore messages that did not explicitly refer to Jesus nevertheless were inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Consider how vast the cosmos is, and to think that the One who created it, Jesus, is also the One who died for us! What great hope does that offer you?

Supplemental EGW Notes

As Christ was speaking these words, the glory of God was shining from His countenance, and all present felt a sacred awe as they listened with rapt attention to His words. Their hearts were more decidedly drawn to Him; and as they were drawn to Christ in greater love, they were drawn to one another. They felt that heaven was very near, and that the words to which they listened were a message to them from their heavenly Father.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,” Christ continued, “He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also.” The Saviour was deeply anxious for His disciples to understand for what purpose His divinity was united to humanity. He came to the world to display the glory of God, that man might be uplifted by its restoring power. God was manifested in Him that He might be manifested in them. Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.
“And greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” By this Christ did not mean that the disciples’ work would be of a more exalted character than His, but that it would have greater extent. He did not refer merely to miracle working, but to all that would take place under the working of the Holy Spirit.
After the Lord’s ascension, the disciples realized the fulfillment of His promise. The scenes of the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ were a living reality to them. They saw that the prophecies had been literally fulfilled. They searched the Scriptures, and accepted their teaching with a faith and assurance unknown before. They knew that the divine Teacher was all that He had claimed to be. As they told their experience, and exalted the love of God, men’s hearts were melted and subdued, and multitudes believed on Jesus.—The Desire of Ages, pp. 664, 667.

The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to exalt the Lord alone, and guided the pens of the sacred historians, that the record of the words and works of Christ might be given to the world. Today this Spirit is constantly at work, seeking to draw the attention of men to the great sacrifice made upon the cross of Calvary, to unfold to the world the love of God to man, and to open to the convicted soul the promises of the Scriptures.
It is the Spirit that causes to shine into darkened minds the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness; that makes men’s hearts burn within them with an awakened realization of the truths of eternity; that presents before the mind the great standard of righteousness, and convinces of sin, that inspires faith in Him who alone can save from sin; that works to transform character by withdrawing the affections of men from those things that are temporal and perishable, and fixing them upon the eternal inheritance. The Spirit re-creates, refines, and sanctifies human beings, fitting them to become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King.—Reflecting Christ, p. 133.

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 · December 21

Prophecy Affirms the Bible

The Bible is ultimately the product of the Holy Spirit, through the gift of prophecy. Second Peter 1:21 reveals the process God used: “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (NKJV).

Read 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. How does this passage emphasize both the authority and inspiration of Scripture?

Without the Bible, human beings would be left without a way to navigate the pitfalls of a sinful world, and that would be a recipe for destruction. Today the Bible is everywhere and available in multiple formats, but this was not always the case. For instance, during the time of Jesus, only Old Testament scrolls were available to be read, and only priests or rabbis could do so. Common people often had no direct access to Scripture. A word from God was precious in those days.

Read Luke 24:27. After His resurrection, what did Jesus use to help two despondent disciples understand His unique purpose?

Jesus, the greatest Prophet ever—the One who alone is the Word (John 1:1–3)—exalted Scripture (John 7:38). Among the most precious blessings of the gift of prophecy is that it affirms the Bible.

“Those who have been impressed by the Holy Scriptures as the voice of God, and desire to follow its teachings, are to be daily learning, daily receiving spiritual fervor and power, which have been provided for every true believer in the gift of the Holy Spirit.”—Ellen G. White, in Signs of the Times, March 8, 1910. The authentic gift of prophecy always exalts Scripture. It always points men and women back to the Word of God as their only rule of faith and practice.

Why did Jesus first point the two disciples on the road to Emmaus to the Scriptures before revealing to them who He was? What should that tell us about how foundational the Word must be to us?

Supplemental EGW Notes

“No man knoweth the day nor the hour” was the argument most often brought forward by rejecters of the advent faith. The scripture is: “Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matthew 24:36. A clear and harmonious explanation of this text was given by those who were looking for the Lord, and the wrong use made of it by their opponents was clearly shown. The words were spoken by Christ in that memorable conversation with His disciples upon Olivet after He had for the last time departed from the temple. The disciples had asked the question: “What shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Jesus gave them signs, and said: “When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Verses 3, 33. One saying of the Saviour must not be made to destroy another. Though no man knoweth the day nor the hour of His coming, we are instructed and required to know when it is near. We are further taught that to disregard His warning, and refuse or neglect to know when His advent is near, will be as fatal for us as it was for those who lived in the days of Noah not to know when the flood was coming. And the parable in the same chapter, contrasting the faithful and the unfaithful servant, and giving the doom of him who said in his heart, “My Lord delayeth His coming,” shows in what light Christ will regard and reward those whom He finds watching, and teaching His coming, and those denying it. “Watch therefore,” He says. “Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing.” Verses 42, 46. “If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” Revelation 3:3.
Paul speaks of a class to whom the Lord’s appearing will come unawares. “The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, . . . and they shall not escape.” But he adds, to those who have given heed to the Saviour’s warning: “Ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2–5.
Thus it was shown that Scripture gives no warrant for men to remain in ignorance concerning the nearness of Christ’s coming. But those who desired only an excuse to reject the truth closed their ears to this explanation, and the words “No man knoweth the day nor the hour” continued to be echoed by the bold scoffer and even by the professed minister of Christ. As the people were roused, and began to inquire the way of salvation, religious teachers stepped in between them and the truth, seeking to quiet their fears by falsely interpreting the word of God. Unfaithful watchmen united in the work of the great deceiver, crying, Peace, peace, when God had not spoken peace. Like the Pharisees in Christ’s day, many refused to enter the kingdom of heaven themselves, and those who were entering in they hindered. The blood of these souls will be required at their hand.
The most humble and devoted in the churches were usually the first to receive the message. Those who studied the Bible for themselves could not but see the unscriptural character of the popular views of prophecy; and wherever the people were not controlled by the influence of the clergy, wherever they would search the word of God for themselves, the advent doctrine needed only to be compared with the Scriptures to establish its divine authority.—The Great Controversy, pp. 370–372.

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 22

Prophecy Is God’s Truth Detector

Some scholars estimate that there are more than forty-five thousand Christian denominations in the world today. How could a faith that started with Jesus Christ have mushroomed into so many different systems of belief? The answer lies in the many different interpretations of Scripture developed over time. Obviously, they can’t all be correct because, after all, in so many cases, what one church teaches contradicts what others do.

From the start (see Gen. 2:16, 17; Gen. 3:1–5), confusion was one of Satan’s greatest ways of leading human beings away from God’s truth. As he did with Adam and Eve, Satan mixes just enough truth with error in order to pull men and women under his control. Satan has misled God’s people down through time (2 Chron. 36:14–16). He even attempted to mislead Jesus (Matt. 4:1–11), but Jesus met Satan’s entreaties with a clear “ ‘It is written’ ” (Matt. 4:4, NKJV).

Read 2 Timothy 4:1–5. What important advice does Paul give Timothy concerning God’s Word? Why was he so adamant that Timothy be spiritually prepared for what was to come?

With a prophetic eye, Paul foresaw a time that men and women would neither love God’s Word nor obey it. Instead, they would go in search of spiritual teachers to tickle their fancies with cunningly devised fables. To such, God sends strong delusions so that they should believe the very lies for which they search. “And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thess. 2:11, 12, NKJV).

But to those who were open, Jesus promised that they would “know the truth” (John 8:32). The prophetic gift is God’s means of separating truth from error, light from darkness.

In one sense, we can know the truth easily enough amid all these different denominations. If you are not going to give up the biblical seventh-day Sabbath, you have pretty much wiped out 99.5 percent of your options, as the vast majority of churches do not keep the fourth commandment.

If you are not going to believe that the dead either go immediately into heaven to be with Jesus or are burning now in hell and will for eternity, as well—then what?

You have eliminated most, if not all, of the .5 percent left.

To where else but the Seventh-day Adventist Church can you go?

Supplemental EGW Notes

The apostle was well qualified to speak of the purposes of God concerning the human race; for during the earthly ministry of Christ he had seen and heard much that pertained to the kingdom of God. “We have not followed cunningly devised fables,” he reminded the believers, “when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”
Yet convincing as was this evidence of the certainty of the believers’ hope, there was another still more convincing in the witness of prophecy, through which the faith of all must be confirmed and securely anchored. “We have also,” Peter declared, “a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
While exalting the “sure word of prophecy” as a safe guide in times of peril, the apostle solemnly warned the church against the torch of false prophecy, which would be uplifted by “false teachers,” who would privily bring in “damnable heresies, even denying the Lord” (2 Peter 2:1). These false teachers, arising in the church and accounted true by many of their brethren in the faith, the apostle compared to “wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.” “The latter end is worse with them,” he declared, “than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” . . .
Not all, however, would be ensnared by the enemy’s devices. As the end of all things earthly should approach, there would be faithful ones able to discern the signs of the times. While a large number of professing believers would deny their faith by their works, there would be a remnant who would endure to the end. . . . “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”—Reflecting Christ, p. 221.

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 23

Prophecy Comforts God’s People

Read Matthew 11:28, 29. What does Jesus tell us to do? What does He promise all who come to Him?

God has always been concerned about the well-being of human beings. Before creating Adam and Eve, God prepared a perfect dwelling for them that would both excite and delight them (Genesis 1). God provided everything needed for their comfort. After the holy pair fell, God came in search of them (Gen. 3:9), prophesied the coming of a Savior (Gen. 3:15), and fashioned clothing to cover their nakedness (Gen. 3:21). God is invested in the well-being of His creatures.

Perhaps no blessing of the gift of prophecy is more overlooked than its function as a source of comfort and renewal for God’s people down through time.

Read Isaiah 40:1–5. What message does God give His prophet for His hurting people? How can we apply that principle to us today?

God wanted Judah to know that, although He had to punish them, He would not utterly cast them off. He does not simply give Isaiah a message of encouragement for His broken people. He instructed Isaiah exactly how to deliver the message. The message needed to be delivered with great tenderness, love, and care. God was so concerned about this message of comfort reaching the hearts of His people that He left nothing to chance. Such messages of comfort were repeated throughout the book of Isaiah (Isa. 12:1, Isa. 49:13, Isa. 51:3, etc.).

The apostle Paul warned that those who live godly in Christ Jesus would experience fierce persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). In the difficult times ahead, we will need words of comfort and hope. The gift of prophecy is the means that God will use to soothe and strengthen His people before Jesus returns to take them home.

In what area of your life do you need to hear a word of comfort and hope? What does God empower us to do after He comforts us? (2 Cor. 1:3, 4).

Supplemental EGW Notes

The end is near, and we must be prepared for what we will have to meet. Our lives must be hid with Christ in God. We need the education of the Holy Spirit.
It is our privilege to be cheerful. At times I have been tempted to feel a depression of soul, as I see how blind and mistaken many of our brethren are. It makes my heart ache to think of the men who are unsettled, and who have lost their bearings. May the Lord work to remove the cloud of uncertainty, that truth and righteousness may prevail. It seems scarcely possible that the power of deception can be so strong. I pity these men, but the impression they have made on other minds is so strong that it makes me tremble. A stormy future is before us, but we have with us One who is mighty to prevail.
At times as I see a cloud in the sky, I involuntarily exclaim, “Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly.” Such times as this will reveal character. I long to see the deceptive power of the enemy broken. But we will not let our faith fail. The only real comfort I find is to look beyond this conflict, and see the final triumph, the glory of God reflecting brightness on the overcomers. Prophecy points out the sure result of the conflict, and by faith we may see it. I long to realize the experiences opened before me in the visions the Lord has given to me.
The restraining power of the Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the earth. Our work must be done quickly. We must put forth every effort in our power to save souls from death. Soon the Lord God of heaven will set up His kingdom, which shall never be destroyed. Now is the time for us to develop a pure, heavenly character. The work will increase more and more in earnestness and intensity until the end. We need an increase of faith. We must watch unto prayer.
For weeks I have been as a cart beneath sheaves, not because I have the least question regarding the work God has given me to do, nor because of any desire to shun the responsibilities He has placed upon me; but my heart aches for those who are walking in the blindness of error, who have lost their discernment, and who cannot distinguish truth from error.—This Day With God, p. 198.

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 24

Prophecy Unites the Body in Christ

Read John 17:20–23 and 1 Corinthians 1:10–13. What core appeal is at the heart of these two passages of Scripture?

As Jesus approached the cross, His heart was moved by one overriding desire. He wanted all of His followers to be one, as He and the Father are one in love, purpose, and action. The unity for which Jesus prayed was not some bland uniformity. Jesus prayed a powerful prophecy that will be fulfilled before His return—a rich tapestry of human beings with different backgrounds, ethnicities, and perspectives would all unite in Him and in the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul built on this theme when he pleaded with the Corinthian believers to have the same mind, speak the same truth, and harbor no divisions (1 Cor. 1:10). But why is this prophetic unity so important?

Jesus prayed “ ‘that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me’ ” (John 17:21, NKJV).

God desires that all men and women be saved, but before they can be saved, they must believe in Jesus and believe that God sent Him to save the world. When a diverse group of people claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior, loving and serving each other selflessly, then the world will believe that Jesus was who He claimed to be. The unity Jesus craved is both purposeful and powerful. Unfortunately, even from the start, forces threatened that unity. See, for example, Acts 6:1. And Christianity has been radically divided since!

This unity is the work of the Holy Spirit through the gifts that He dispenses. Ephesians 4:11–15 tells us that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to equip believers and edify the body of Christ, “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13, NKJV). The gift of prophecy, one of the signature gifts of the Spirit, is essential to unify God’s people, especially as they near the second coming of Jesus, so that they might believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved (Acts 16:31).

At a time when the Seventh-day Adventist Church is perhaps the most diverse Protestant religious body in the world, how can we exhibit the kind of unity that helps people believe in Jesus? What forces threaten that unity?

Supplemental EGW Notes

The prophecies which the great I AM has given in His word, uniting link after link in the chain of events, from eternity in the past to eternity in the future, tell us where we are today in the procession of the ages, and what may be expected in the time to come. All that prophecy has foretold as coming to pass, until the present time, has been traced on the pages of history, and we may be assured that all which is yet to come will be fulfilled in its order.
Today the signs of the times declare that we are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Everything in our world is in agitation. Before our eyes is fulfilling the Saviour’s prophecy of the events to precede His coming: “Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. . . . Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.”
The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place—that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis.
The Bible, and the Bible only, gives a correct view of these things. Here are revealed the great final scenes in the history of our world, . . . the sound of their approach causing the earth to tremble and men’s hearts to fail them for fear.
Today men and nations are being tested by the plummet in the hand of Him who makes no mistake. All are by their own choice deciding their destiny, and God is overruling all for the accomplishment of His purposes.
Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God and striving to conform their lives to its precepts.—Maranatha, p. 68.

Christ says of His people: “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). It is not a small matter that the counsels and plans of God have been so clearly opened to us. It is a wonderful privilege to be able to understand the will of God as revealed in the sure word of prophecy. This places on us a heavy responsibility. God expects us to impart to others the knowledge that He has given us. It is His purpose that divine and human instrumentalities shall unite in the proclamation of the warning message.
So far as his opportunities extend, everyone who has received the light of truth is under the same responsibility as was the prophet of Israel to whom came the word: “Son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word of my mouth, and warn them from me” (Ezekiel 33:7).—Lift Him Up, p. 357.

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 25

Further Thought

Some years ago, the Kellogg company featured a catchy advertising slogan for its breakfast cereals. In an effort to win back customers who had migrated to other brands, it encouraged them to “taste them again for the very first time.” Might this saying also work for Seventh-day Adventists who have spent much time learning about the Bible and Ellen G. White and less time “tasting” her writings? Attending seminars about Ellen G. White will give you an idea about her life and ministry, but unless you “taste” for yourself, you will not be truly able to evaluate and experience the spiritual blessing of her prophetic messages. Only those who read her, especially in context, can fully appreciate what God has given us.

As we have noted throughout this quarter, Ellen G. White anchors us to Bible truth and connects us to God. There are certain blessings of reading her prophetic messages.

A survey done by Roger Dudley and Des Cummings Jr. reveals some fascinating facts. Those who regularly read Ellen G. White’s writings have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Jesus than those who don’t read her; they have a stronger assurance of salvation, more regular family worship, and a desire to witness to others. “Seldom does a research study find the evidence so heavily weighted toward one conclusion,” the two researchers wrote. “In the church growth survey, on every single item that deals with personal attitudes or practices, the member who regularly studies Ellen G. White’s books tends to rank higher than does the member who reads them only occasionally or never. . . . Certainly the implication is that the regular reading of Ellen White’s material does make a positive difference in Christian life and witness.”—Dudley and Cummings, “Who Reads Ellen White?” Ministry, October 1982, p. 12.

During this quarter, we have learned that God communicates through His prophets. Their messages connect us to God and bring a holy and sanctifying influence into all aspects of human life, especially relating to the promise of salvation found in Jesus: “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps. 34:8). They call us to holy action, life transformation, personal evangelism, and a life of service to others. This is essential preparation to fulfill our part in the last proclamation to the world as we look for the coming of Jesus.

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