Ellen Gould White
What does Ellen White write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "How many criteria must a prophet fulfill?"
Answer
To distinguish a true prophet from a false one, the Bible names four primary objective criteria that must be met. These tests relate both to the agreement of the teachings with Scripture and to the moral character and the effects of the prophet’s ministry.
In addition to these four main criteria, there are further signs such as the timeliness, practical relevance, and certainty of the messages that can also be used for confirmation.
The Four Primary Biblical Tests
»When Ellen White asked for “clear evidence” to test those in our time who claim to have dreams and visions from the Lord, she undoubtedly had four primary objective tests of authenticity in mind that are given in Scripture: (1) conformity with earlier revelation, (2) the “fruits” of the prophet’s life, (3) the fulfillment of the prophet’s predictions, and (4) the prophet’s assessment of Jesus Christ.«
Necessity of Applying All Tests
»The Bible mentions four main tests for a prophet. It is essential that all four tests be applied to anyone who claims to possess the gift of prophecy. All requirements must be met. In addition to the main tests there are several subordinate tests or evidences that should be considered.«
Additional Types of Evidence
»I would like to present six types of evidence, in addition to the four tests we have already discussed. 1. The timeliness of the messages. 2. The practical nature of the messages. 3. The absolute certainty of the messages. 4. Recognition by contemporaries.«
The Test of Fruits and the Law
»The great test is God’s law, which is applied both to the prophecies and to the moral character of the prophets. … True prophets will not only speak according to this Word, but they must also live by it. … Prophecies that contradict the clear and positive explanations of the Word are to be rejected.«
The Fulfillment of Prophetic Predictions
»One of the divinely instituted tests of a true prophet of God is the precise fulfillment of his words. To ancient Israel God said through Moses, who himself was a mighty prophet: "If you say in your heart, ‘How shall we recognize a word that the Lord has not spoken?’ If a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord and the thing does not happen or does not occur, then that is the thing the Lord has not spoken.«
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.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
