What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "The Development of Antitrinitarianism within the Advent Movement"
Answer
In the early Advent movement there was no unified doctrine concerning the deity, as some pioneers came from religious backgrounds in which the preexistence or deity of Christ was questioned. However, the movement refused to make specific theories about the Trinity a test of faith, while simultaneously emphasizing the biblical teaching of Christ's eternity and self‑existence. Through the spirit of prophecy, gradual clarity about the three “highest powers of heaven” was conveyed, in order to overcome errors such as Arianism or spiritualism.
The Development of the Understanding of the Deity
»Among the so‑called Adventists of the first day of 1844 there were some who denied the preexistence of Christ, and others who questioned his deity. Religious thought in America at that time contained many controversies regarding the doctrine of Christ and the Trinity. Seventh‑day Adventists have always taught the preexistence and divinity of Christ. As a congregation we were never Arians, nor did we teach that Christ was not God and equal to the Father from eternity. Yet, although we as a people have always stood for the biblical doctrine of the deity, there were among our preachers in the early days some who had not yet reached the full light concerning the deity. This is evident in their writings. We have never made a man's favorite theory regarding the truth of the Trinity a test of faith or fellowship, even though the servant of the Lord from the beginning taught that Christ is \"the majesty of heaven, equal to God\" and self‑existent from eternity.«
Ellen White's Position on the Trinity
»I have not found a single instance in which Ellen White used the term Trinity. Nevertheless, she was clear about the subject of the “three highest powers in heaven – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” She grew up in the Methodist Church with a creed whose very first principle declares: There is only one living and true God, eternal, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness... And in the unity of this deity there are three persons, of one being, one power, and eternity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.«
The Personality of Father and Son
»The seventeenth chapter of John clearly speaks of the personality of God and Christ and of their relationship to each other. “Father, the hour has come,” said Christ, “glorify your Son, that also your Son may glorify you.” Here is personality and individuality. ... God and Christ are one in purpose, in mind, in character, but not in person. Thus God and Christ are one.«
Danger of New Theories and Deviations
»Those who today claim to have light, and who contradict the teachings of God's appointed messengers who worked under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, those who formulate new theories that remove the pillars of our faith, do not do the will of God. They introduce fallacies of their own invention, which, if accepted, will tear the congregation away from the anchoring of truth. ... We are to reinforce this faith rather than tear down the foundation on which it rests.«
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.
