I am a seventh-day adventist. I have been interested lately in the prophetic role of EGW. I have had some concerns about some of writings and visions. Can you or someone else provide me with an understanding about her first vision in 1844 in which she says "Soon we heard the voice of God...which gave us the day and the hour of Jesus' coming. What is the context of this statement? Since I have been disturbed about this I would appreciate if you could answer me as soon as you have a chance. Thank you. ___________.
Dear ___________,
Thank you for contacting the Ellen G. White Estate. The context of the statement you have asked about is a glimpse into the future, after the close of probation and just before Jesus comes. Though you did not say why this disturbs you, I will guess that it has to do with Jesus' statement that no one knows the day or the hour of His coming. Does Mrs. White contradict Scripture here?
Though the White Estate has posted responses on its website to a number of questions people have raised (see the "Selected Issues" section, listed on the menu at the left of the home page), this question is not one of them. However, a group not connected with the White Estate undertood to offer a response to each of more than 50 supposed "contradictions" found in Mrs. White's writings. Here is what they have for the one you have asked about. Their format is to begin with the problem as stated by one of Mrs. White's critics, who asserts a contradiction, and then to offer their response below that:
49. WILL WE KNOW THE EXACT DAY AND HOUR OF CHRIST'S COMING?
EGW: YES "As God has shown me in holy vision ... we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming" (Early Writings, pp. 15, 34, 285).
BIBLE: NO "Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew 25:13).
BIBLE: NO "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36).
Jesus Himself didn't know the "day or the hour" when He was on the earth (Matt. 24:36), but He certainly does now. Ellen White in the above quote is simply stating that God will reveal this information to His "sealed" servants during the time of trouble to give them comfort that their deliverance is near. There are no Bible texts that say the redeemed will never know the day and the hour of the Second Coming after the close of probation.
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If you would like to take a look at this site for yourself, you can find the document I quoted from at www.Ellen-White.com/Contradictions.html.
I hope this is helpful to you. If there are still matters you would like to discuss, feel free to get back in touch with me. We have a wonderful message, and it stands up well under investigation. May God abundantly bless and guide you as you seek to follow Him.
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William Fagal, Director
Ellen G. White Estate Branch Office
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI 49104-1400 USA
Phone: 616 471-3209
FAX: 616 471-6166
Website: www.WhiteEstate.org or www.egwestate.andrews.edu
E-mail: egw@aubranch.egwestate.andrews.edu
