What is the Spirit of Prophecy?
“I have Adventist friends and hear a few of them ‘quoting from the Spirit of Prophecy.’ What does that mean? Why is it important today? Why is the name Ellen White associated with the Spirit of Prophecy?”
Let’s take a journey back in time to a spectacular scene: the Apostle John is exiled to an island because of his faith in Jesus Christ. While on the island, he sees images that cannot be described with earthy language. Horrendous beast with several heads, heavenly talking creatures covered in eyes, and most incredible; visions of the Son of God.
Through these visions, John sees how the history of the world will play out down to the Second Coming of Christ. During one of the visions, he’s so overwhelmed by the glory that he falls down to worship the angel who is explaining the visions to him.
“And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus, Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10, NKJV).
And this is where we begin to explore the words of the angel.
Quick Facts:
- Bible prophets like Daniel, Joel, and Ezekiel had the Spirit of Prophecy
- Over 8,000 predictions and prophecies are made in the Bible
- Prophecies made by Ellen White have come true
- The collection of work written by Ellen White is referred to as the Spirit of Prophecy
What is the Spirit of Prophecy?
The “testimony of Jesus” is defined as the “spirit of prophecy,” meaning that Jesus is using prophecy to communicate with His church. Because of sin, God cannot directly communicate His will to us face to face. In His love, He has found various ways to convey His messages. He uses the written Word, nature, and inspired people. Throughout the Bible, before bringing judgment on a place, God chose someone (a prophet) to speak for Him. When a prophet speaks, he or she is ‘prophesying.’ A prophecy is a message given by God through a prophet to an individual or a group of people. This message can either predict something that is going to happen, gives clarity about a situation, or reveals the will of God. The prophet gave people instructions (prophesied) on how to turn back to God and outlined the consequences they would suffer if they rejected His love.
There are true prophets (those who communicate messages received by God) and false prophets (those who speak their own opinions as divine or receive messages from evil spirits).
But God didn’t choose everyone to be prophets. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul the Apostle provides a list of gifts or special abilities that the Holy Spirit gives to different people. Some have the gift of healing or faith, while others have the gift of prophecy (the ability to prophesy), also known as the Spirit of Prophecy (vs 10). Let’s examine a few aspects of the Spirit of Prophecy.
It’s relevant to your everyday life and helps prepare for the Second Coming.
Imagine there was a person who lived in your neighborhood who could give you the best biblical advice about any situation you were facing. Whether you need advice on what to cook for Thanksgiving dinner, what to wear to your friend’s wedding, how to budget for the year, or who you should marry, that “wise, old man down the street” knew exactly what to say. Better yet, every advice he gave would be based on the Bible alone. No charge. No strings attached. He would only require that you double check his counsel with God’s holy Word. Would you visit the “wise old man”? How often would you go see him?
More than likely, because his advice relates to your everyday life and it’s based on God’s Word, you’d probably go to him often (if you wanted wise counsel that is). The Spirit of Prophecy works similar to this little analogy. Our Heavenly Father wants us to live in such a way that glorifies Him and brings joy and peace to our lives. This is why He commands;
“Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you” (Proverbs 4:6, CSB).
Many people may disregard the importance of the Spirit of Prophecy because they believe that it only has to do with predicting what’s going to happen in the end times and associate the term with lots of “doom and gloom.” However, the testimony of Jesus Christ, which is the Spirit of Prophecy, is the Gospel made practical. It’s about breaking down the Gospel and applying it to making dinner, decorating your college dorm room, dating, sexual intimacy with your spouse, rearing children, shopping for shoes, working out, walking your dog, and worship. It also covers matters relating to eternity such as salvation, what happens when we die, and how to prepare for the end of times.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV).
In order to fulfill the command to do everything for the glory of God, He provides counsel to show us how to do everything for Him. Prophets like Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel gave God’s people instructions on how they should live. When their counsel was followed, the result was blessings from God. If the people ignored the Spirit of Prophecy and chose to follow their own inclinations, they suffered the results of their decisions.
In the 1800’s, the church was still in the dark in relation to many subjects such as the relationship between diet and overall health or the purpose of education. God chose someone to convey messages that were relevant to that time and can also be applied to our lives today. When you follow the Spirit of Prophecy, whether it’s given through prophets in the Bible or through the writings of Ellen White, you will experience the Gospel on a practical level. Everyday life is a way to prepare for the Second Coming. When we put God’s Word into practice every day, we’re improving our quality of life here on earth and also getting ready for Jesus to come.
It’s a Gift
When the holidays come around, a lot of people are excited at the possibility of receiving a gift from someone special. I imagine you wouldn’t be very thrilled to find out that you got the exact same gift as everyone else – it wouldn’t seem personal. God, through His Spirit, gives us all different gifts.
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:4, 8-10, NKJV).
These gifts are given so that the church of God might be built up (Ephesians 4:12). There are three lists that describe various gifts that God gives His people (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 1 Peter 4:11). Having one of these gifts doesn’t mean that an individual is infallible or on the same level as the Bible. An individual with a gift from the Holy Spirit is not more important or holier than another. Ellen White had the gift of prophecy while someone else may have the gift of teaching or the gift of leadership. All these individuals should work together to edify the entire body of Christ. When you receive a gift, you show appreciation to the giver. Because we cannot walk directly into God’s throne room and thank Him for His gifts, we show appreciation by sharing that gift and using it to draw others closer to Him.
It was manifested in the life of Ellen White
Based on the criteria of a true prophet outlined in the Bible, Seventh-day Adventists believe that Christianity Today published a piece exploring how self-proclaimed prophets and apostles amass millions of followers and lead megachurches around the globe. Jesus warned His disciples that “many false prophets will appear and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11, NKJV). We then can conclude that true prophets will also appear. If God was no longer going to speak through prophets, He would’ve made it very clear that we should not listen to anyone who claims to be a prophet. What’s important is the ability to discern the true from the false.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, NKJV).
“And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’ When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him” (Deuteronomy 18:21-22, NKJV).
Even though she saw visions and received inspired messages from God about health, education, and religion, Ellen White herself never claimed the title of a prophet. But it is not strange to conclude that she was. In the preceding point, we examined the various gifts of the Spirit. One who has the gift of teaching is called a teacher and the one with the gift of leadership is called a leader. The same principle applies to a person endowed with the gift of prophecy—he or she is a prophet.
There are two major factors that have led the Adventist church to regard the writings of Mrs. White as inspired: Her work lines up with the Bible and her predictions have come true.
Professor Walter Veith Ph.D. gives a list of ways we can identify a true prophet:
- A true prophet will be in complete harmony with God’s word (Read Isaiah 8:20)
- A true prophet’s predictions must come to pass (Read Deuteronomy 18:22)
- The message of a true prophet must edify the church (Read Ephesians 4:11, 12)
- They will exalt Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior (Read 1 John 4:2)
- They will speak with authority (Read Matthew 7:28, 29)
- A true prophet will bear good fruit (Read Matthew 7:16)
- There will be physical signs when a true prophet is in vision (Read Daniel 10:9)
Ellen White met these criteria. Her writings are not equal to the Bible. Instead, they point to God’s Word as the standard for living. Through the Spirit of Prophecy, God gave counsel on spirituality, education, social life, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, health, and business. Especially prominent is the advice to follow the Bible alone. Every reader has the responsibility to test a prophet instead of simply relying on what the masses may say. God promises to give wisdom and guidance to those who seek Him.
It’s a way to identify God’s Church
New Testament writers do not suggest that the gift of prophecy was to end with the apostolic church. Ephesians 4:11-13 says it was to continue “till we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (NKJV). All of the other special gifts mentioned are still needed in the church. Men and women are still qualified by the Holy Spirit to fill these offices and the Spirit of Prophecy is not an exception.
Jesus knew that thousands of churches would claim to be the true church. To help us distinguish the true from the false, He outlined a criteria (similar to identifying marks of a prophet). One of the ways we know that a group of people is following God’s divine will is if they do not despise prophecies (1 Thessalonians 5:20) but embrace it.
Seventh-day Adventists thus interpret the passage and believe that the “remnant church” will be distinguished by the manifestation of the gift of prophecy in their midst. The “testimony of Jesus Christ,” is the witness of Jesus among them through the medium of the prophetic gift.1
In Conclusion
The Spirit of Prophecy is a beautiful gift and not something to be afraid of. We can appreciate each other for the gifts that God has given to us. There is so much to learn about the Spirit of Prophecy but we do even better when we apply the counsel in our lives. Ellen White, who we believe was given this gift by God, did a great job by not only verbally conveying what God had shown to her, but she wrote down the counsels so that we could have them today. Her writings, which many Adventists refer to as the Spirit of Prophecy, does not in any way replace the Bible nor is it on par with God’s infallible Word. Like a telescope helping us to see the grandeur of the night sky, her work helps us to see the beauty in the Scriptures with greater detail.
In the end, what matters most is not the ability to possess or understand the Spirit of Prophecy but to love God. A time will come when we will be able to understand fully and will no longer need another person to explain God’s words to us. In this case, prophecies will fail but God’s love and our love for Him will remain.
“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away” (1 Corinthians 13:8, ESV).
[1] Francis D. Nichol (Ed), The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, (1980), p.812. [↵]
Questions about Adventists? Ask here!
Find answers to your questions about Seventh-day Adventists
More Answers
Was Ellen G. White Really a Prophet?
If you look at what Scripture provides as tests for a true prophet, Ellen White meets all the criteria.
What is the Spirit of Prophecy (Books 1–4) by Ellen G. White?
Applying biblical prophecy to history, recent events, and especially the future, can be a daunting task. Even a little scary for some. But even so, we can’t help but want to know more. We want to be prepared—to feel like we know how to weather the storm.
Ellen G. White’s Counsel on Christian Education
Ellen White, a co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, saw that the U.S. educational system during her time was lacking. And as part of her life of ministry, she sought out practical ways to be better stewards of our minds, bodies, and the lives we’re given.
What Does Ellen White Say About Prayer?
Have you ever had a burden you just had to tell someone, but you were afraid of being judged if you did? Ellen G. White, an important figure in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and a prolific writer, described prayer as talking to God in a personal way—He’s the friend we can tell everything to.
Were All Ellen White’s Visions About the Future?
While the visions God gave Ellen White were often about the distant future or last-day events, she had many others that addressed different topics. They may not be discussed as much as her visions about the Second Coming or the End Times, but they tackled some timely topics for her day.
What Did Ellen White Say About End-Time Prophecy?
We can read in Scripture about the series of events and signs that lead up to the second coming of Jesus Christ. And it sounds pretty intense, to say the least. The symbolic nature of the language of prophecy also can make things tricky to understand at first.
Were All Ellen White’s Books Inspired?
As the most translated female author in the world, Ellen White wrote numerous books, articles, pamphlets, and more. These writings focused on developing Christian character, emphasizing Bible truth, practical tips for living well and staying healthy, and discussing effective methods of delivering the gospel message to the world.
How Ellen White Influenced the Adventist Health Message
Seventh-day Adventists are known for their emphasis on healthy living. And Ellen G. White was a significant influence in the development of this priority and practice among Adventists.
What Did Ellen White Teach About Vegetarianism?
One thing you might have heard about Seventh-day Adventists is their emphasis on a vegetarian lifestyle. If you’re wondering why that is, it goes back to our church’s humble beginnings:
Steps to Christ: A Guide to a Relationship with Jesus
Whether you’re just starting your journey with Jesus Christ, are coming back after some time away, or have had a relationship with Jesus for years, using a book—in addition to the Bible—to guide or supplement that relationship can be helpful, comforting, and joyful.
Ellen White and Adventist Healthcare—Ahead of Their Time
Medical care in the mid-1800s was primitive, to say the least. Basic concepts we take for granted—such as proper handwashing or recognizing the dangers of bloodletting—were nonexistent. And doctors often had little more than nine months of training!
How Ellen White’s Teachings Can Improve Your Health
Healthcare in the nineteenth century was said to leave “more disease than it took away” with its use of bloodletting and “medicines” like mercury and arsenic. As people questioned these methods, new approaches popped up. But which ones were reliable?
Do Adventists Worship Ellen White?
Ellen White was a co-founder and leader in the Seventh-day Adventist Church from its beginning. Adventists believe that she had the prophetic gift (Ephesians 4:14; 1 Corinthians 12:28) and passes the biblical tests of a prophet.
Can I Be an Adventist If I Don’t Believe in Ellen White?
Ellen White is an important part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: she played a significant role in its founding, provided biblical support for several key doctrines, and continues to inspire church members today with her insightful counsel.
Ellen White and the Sabbath
The Sabbath is an important topic in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It shouldn’t surprise you, then, that Ellen G. White, a co-founder of the church, studied the Bible’s teachings on the Sabbath and wrote large amounts about it.
Ellen White and the Great Controversy
The Great Controversy is one of Ellen G. White’s most valued books by Seventh-day Adventists. It connects Bible prophecy with post-biblical history and discusses the factors that will characterize last-day events.
Ellen G. White Life Sketch
Who is Ellen G. White and Why is She Important to Adventists?Ellen G. White was one of the key co-founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. And though she lived most of her life in the Nineteenth century, she’s still making a revolutionary impact on millions of...
Ellen White’s Visions and Prophecies
The New Testament upholds prophecy as a spiritual gift that will continue to the end of time (Ephesians 4:11–14). Seventh-day Adventists believe that Ellen G. White (1827–1915), a humble woman of God and an earnest student of the Bible, demonstrated this gift of the Holy Spirit through visions and prophecies that she received.
How Did Ellen G. White Help Found the Adventist Church?
Ellen G. White, a humble woman from Gorham, Maine, was a co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and a key leader in it from its very beginning. Following the Holy Spirit’s guidance at a young age, she dedicated herself to studying Scripture and became involved in the Advent Movement.
Who was Ellen G. White?
Ellen White undoubtedly had an impact, not only on the Adventist church but on Christian history. While learning more about her life would fortify a Christian’s faith in God, it is the study and emulation of the pure and perfect life of Christ that will bring salvation.
Didn’t find your answer? Ask us!
We understand your concern of having questions but not knowing who to ask—we’ve felt it ourselves. When you’re ready to learn more about Adventists, send us a question! We know a thing or two about Adventists.