Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash
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.
That’s where Steps to Christ comes in.
Steps to Christ is a book by Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In this little book, you’ll find a beautiful, rich description of how much Jesus loves us, how He wants a relationship with us, and how we can cultivate that relationship in our Christian journey.
Want to learn more? Well, in this article, you’ll learn:
- Background information about Steps to Christ
- What Steps to Christ is all about
- Why Steps to Christ is still a relevant book
- Where you can find the book
Let’s start by setting the stage for the writing of Steps to Christ and learning a few more details!
Steps to Christ background information
Steps to Christ was first published in 1892 by a popular Protestant publishing association, Fleming H. Revell, and it was written by Ellen White.
It was originally written when the Adventist Church asked Ellen White to write a book about the Christian experience that could be understood and useful to all people, Adventist or not.
Since then, it has been translated into over 150 languages!
And though Ellen White is known for many of her books and counsels, including The Desire of Ages, she is best known for this 13-chapter book about God’s love for man, the sinner’s need for Christ, and living a Christian life.
This book is small but mighty, so let’s dig a little deeper into what it’s all about.
What is Steps to Christ about?
Photo by Christopher Sardegna on Unsplash
On the whole, Steps to Christ is a book that’s all about developing a personal relationship with our Savior, Jesus. And though we can learn all we need to know about Jesus from God’s Word, books like Steps to Christ can give us new insight into the truths in the Bible.
Each chapter addresses a different part of the Christian journey, and each one is like a “step” toward Jesus:
- “God’s Love for Man”
- “The Sinner’s Need of Christ”
- “Repentance”
- “Confession”
- “Consecration”
- “Faith and Acceptance”
- “The Test of Discipleship”
- “Growing Up Into Christ”
- “The Work and the Life”
- “A Knowledge of God”
- “The Privilege of Prayer”
- “What to Do with Doubt”
- “Rejoicing in the Lord”
Throughout all of these chapters is the theme that God loves us and desires that we would be close to Him. Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s Word, and nature are all evidence of that.
And the more that we study God’s love, the more we desire to be like Him.
When we desire to be like Jesus, we recognize our need for Him. With Him, we can live more free and more joyful lives!
As you continue reading, you’ll find that this book not only talks about desiring to be like Jesus and dedicating our lives to Him, but it also talks about how to live like Jesus.
Jesus can transform our hearts and our lives if we will let Him. This book guides the reader through how one’s habits, goals, and character will be made new out of love for God and wanting to live according to His will.
And when we get to know God through His Word and prayer, the more we desire that other people would know Jesus, too!
But not every part of the Christian journey is easy. Oftentimes, you may feel doubtful. You may wonder what God’s plan is for your life, or you may go through hardship and wonder where God is in all of the pain.
Steps to Christ has a chapter all about “What to Do with Doubt.” Even when we don’t understand this life, we can ultimately trust God and turn to Him for peace.
In the end, this book is transformative. It walks you through every part of being Christ-like, providing examples from the Bible and giving comfort to those that read it.
Through it, we can learn to love Jesus more deeply and rejoice in Him daily.
Is Steps to Christ still relevant today?
Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash
Even though Steps to Christ was written over 100 years ago, its principles are timeless.
Each chapter addresses things that all humans desiring a relationship with Jesus experience, whether that’s learning to deal with doubt, learning how to have the assurance of salvation, or learning how to share the gospel with others.
While it’s a small text, this book should be read carefully and slowly. There is so much to learn from it, no matter where you might be in your journey.
Where can I find Steps to Christ?
Steps to Christ is in the public domain, which means you can read it for free online! However, you can also find it at most Adventist churches, any Adventist bookstore, and online for purchase.
If you let it, this book can help you cultivate a meaningful spiritual relationship. Really, it can make your life richer and more full of joy.
Choose an Online Bible Study
Want to keep learning? Find out more about Jesus, humanity, the plan of salvation, and how God loves you enough to sacrifice everything, just to give you a chance to choose Him.
Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start, that’s why we offer free, user-friendly, online Bible study options you can do anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace.
This online Bible school will take you through the major themes of Scripture, breaking down the Bible’s complex concepts into bite-sized pieces, which can lead you toward the answers of life’s more challenging questions.
Related Articles
More Answers
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 a book written by Ellen G. White, a co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Written in the late 1800s, the book is the last in a series and describes the connection between Bible prophecy and post-biblical history. It also discusses 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.
What is the Spirit of Prophecy?
The Spirit of Prophecy is a term found in the Bible and defined there as “the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 19:10, NKJV). It refers to the Holy Spirit, who gave messages (prophecies) from Jesus to His people. Usually, those messages can come through anyone who has received the spiritual gift of prophecy from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10).
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.