What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "1 Cor 14:2 (according to Adventist understanding): He who speaks in tongues does not address his words to people but to God; he does this in the Spirit, and no one understands what he says – the spoken words remain a mystery."
Answer
According to Adventist understanding, based on the writings of Ellen G. White, the gift of speaking in tongues is primarily seen in the context of building up the congregation and evangelism. While Adventist history acknowledges early experiences with this gift, it emphasizes that unintelligible sounds without meaning have often been rejected as false manifestations or mere emotionalism. The purpose of worship actions should always be to instruct others and promote the unity of the congregation.
The Principle of Edification in Speaking in Tongues
»‘There may indeed be many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without meaning. If I do not know the meaning of a voice, I will be a barbarian to the one who speaks, and the one who speaks will be a barbarian to me. Likewise you, as you eagerly strive for spiritual gifts, seek to shine in them so that you may contribute to the edification of the congregation.’ ... In all our religious services we should endeavor to behave in such a way that it builds up others, and as far as it is within our power, work for the perfection of the congregation. ‘Therefore, whoever speaks in an unknown tongue, pray that he may be able to interpret it. For when I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What then? I want to pray with the spirit, and also with the mind. ... For you may indeed give thanks, but the other will not be edified.’«
Warning against Incomprehensible Babble
»In connection with the experience of certain Sabbatarian believers in Portland, Maine, who practiced what they called the ‘gift of tongues,’ Ellen White described the utterances as ‘meaningless gibberish … unknown not only to man but also to the Lord and the whole heavens’ and as a false speaking in tongues. She wrote about particular Sabbatarians who seemed enchanted when they gave themselves over to ‘wild, excitable feelings and produced unintelligible sounds that they called the gift of tongues.’ ... In no case did she associate ecstatic speaking in tongues with the baptism of the Spirit, neither historically nor prophetically.«
Early Experiences and the Need for Testing
»As we look back from our present standpoint, there appears to be convincing evidence that some of these experiences were genuine. However, there is also evidence that some were fabricated or self‑induced during times of excitement. ... The records ... indicate that there are four documented instances of speaking in tongues in our early history. ... Notably, the second experience confirmed what later proved to be an unbiblical position, an error that was corrected over time through Bible study. In this case the experience ... proved unreliable and provided false guidance.«
3 - Arthur Lacey White, Charismatic Experiences In Early Seventh-day Adventist History (CEESDAH 5.1)
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
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