Ellen G. White (1827–1915) was one of the co-founders of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church and is regarded by many within the movement as a prophetess. Born in Maine, USA, White experienced a series of visions and claimed to have received divine revelations that guided the development of SDA doctrines and practices. Her extensive writings, which include books, articles, and letters, have had a profound influence on Seventh-day Adventist theology, and many adherents view her works as having an authoritative, inspired role in addition to the Bible.
Why Ellen G. White Should Be Regarded as a False Teacher and Avoided
1. Claiming to Be a Prophet and Elevating Her Writings to the Level of Scripture
Ellen G. White claimed to have received over 2,000 visions and prophetic revelations from God, and her followers often regard her writings as having authority equal to or even surpassing that of the Bible. Many Seventh-day Adventists believe that her books contain inspired guidance that is necessary for understanding the Scriptures and living the Christian life.
However, the Bible teaches that God’s revelation in Scripture is complete and sufficient for all matters of faith and practice. Paul wrote, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The apostle John warned against adding to God’s Word, saying, "If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book" (Revelation 22:18). By claiming prophetic authority and elevating her writings to the level of Scripture, Ellen G. White led people away from the sufficiency and finality of God’s revealed Word, encouraging them to rely on her teachings instead of the Bible alone.
2. Teaching a Works-Based, Legalistic Approach to Salvation
One of the central teachings of Ellen G. White and the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the emphasis on keeping the Old Testament Sabbath (Saturday) as a requirement for Christians and a sign of true obedience to God. White taught that those who worship on Sunday would ultimately receive the "mark of the beast," while those who keep the Saturday Sabbath would demonstrate their allegiance to God. This focus on Sabbath-keeping, dietary laws, and other aspects of the Mosaic Law reflects a works-based, legalistic approach to salvation.
The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. Paul wrote, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). He also emphasized that Christ has fulfilled the law on our behalf, and believers are no longer bound by the Old Testament ceremonial laws, including the Sabbath (Colossians 2:16-17). By promoting a works-based approach to salvation, Ellen G. White and the SDA movement distort the true Gospel and place an unnecessary burden on believers, leading them away from the freedom found in Christ.
3. Promoting the Investigative Judgment Doctrine
Ellen G. White introduced and developed the doctrine of the "Investigative Judgment," a unique teaching of the SDA Church that claims Christ entered the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 to begin a process of investigating the lives of believers to determine who is worthy of eternal life. This teaching suggests that Christ’s atoning work on the cross was not complete and that believers must prove their faithfulness through obedience to secure their salvation.
The Bible teaches that Christ’s work on the cross was a finished, all-sufficient sacrifice for sin. Jesus declared, "It is finished" (John 19:30), signifying that His atoning work was complete. Hebrews 10:14 states, "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." The concept of an "Investigative Judgment" contradicts the biblical teaching that believers are justified by faith in Christ’s finished work, not by their own efforts or merits. By promoting this doctrine, Ellen G. White undermined the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and led many into uncertainty about their salvation.
4. Contradicting Scripture in Her Prophecies and Teachings
Ellen G. White made numerous prophecies and statements that have been proven false or contradictory to Scripture. For example, she predicted that certain events would occur within specific timeframes, such as the imminent return of Christ or the destruction of certain cities, none of which came to pass. According to the biblical standard for prophets, any prophecy that does not come true is evidence that the prophet is not speaking from God (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).
Moreover, some of her teachings directly contradict biblical doctrines, such as her view on the nature of Christ's atonement, which undermines the finality and sufficiency of His sacrifice. The Bible teaches that Christ offered Himself "once for all" (Hebrews 9:28) and that there is no need for additional works or sacrifices. By contradicting Scripture and making false prophecies, Ellen G. White demonstrated that she was not a true prophet, and her teachings should be rejected.
5. Leading People Away from the True Gospel
The core of Ellen G. White’s teachings often focused on legalism, dietary restrictions, strict Sabbath observance, and adherence to extra-biblical doctrines, leading many to believe that their salvation depends on their ability to adhere to these rules. This message ultimately leads people away from the true Gospel of grace and the sufficiency of Christ's finished work on the cross.
Paul warned against turning to "a different gospel," saying, "If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8-9). The true Gospel is about repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and the gift of salvation by God’s grace, not about adhering to a set of man-made rules or regulations (Romans 3:28). By leading people into a form of works-based righteousness, Ellen G. White’s teachings deviate from the true Gospel and place an unnecessary burden on believers.
Conclusion from Scripture
The Bible consistently warns against false teachers who lead others astray with teachings that distort the Gospel, add to God’s Word, or place unnecessary burdens on believers. Paul wrote, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8). Ellen G. White’s emphasis on legalism, her claim to prophetic authority, her promotion of the Investigative Judgment doctrine, and her contradictions of Scripture align with teachings that deviate from the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus warned against false prophets, saying, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). True teachers of God’s Word will always point people to Christ, call them to repentance, and uphold the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. In contrast, Ellen G. White’s teachings often directed people toward legalism, works-based righteousness, and extra-biblical doctrines, leading them away from the true freedom found in Christ.
For these reasons, based on the authority of Scripture, Ellen G. White should be regarded as a false teacher, and her teachings should be avoided. Christians are called to "test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to remain grounded in the truth of God’s Word, which is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12).
The true Gospel is about repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and the transforming power of God’s grace. It calls believers to live lives of holiness, obedience, and submission to Christ’s Lordship, not to pursue legalism, extra-biblical revelations, or works-based righteousness. Therefore, believers should reject Ellen G. White’s teachings and remain faithful to the unchanging truth of God’s Word, which offers the way to eternal life, true spiritual freedom, and growth in Christ.