Seeming “difficult” statements on the Doctrine of the Godhead harmonized
By Restitution Ministries www.acts321.org
“Those to whom the message of truth is spoken seldom ask, “Is it true?” but, “By whom is it advocated?”” {E. G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 459}
“Yet, when a view of Scripture is presented, many do not ask, Is it true–in harmony with God’s word? but, By whom is it advocated? and unless it comes through the very channel that pleases them, they do not accept it.” {E. G. White, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, pp. 105, 106}
The author of this work wishes to remain anonymous desiring that inquiring minds will seek to ask the seldom asked question “is it truth?” rather than the more common question “by whom is it advocated?”
Theological works which do not have the “official stamp” of the Seventh-day Adventist church are often accused of quoting Ellen White “out of context.” For this reason we have chosen to place all references at the end of each quotation. We strongly recommend and encourage the reader to look up the references and consider the original source and context of every single quotation. (Due to space limitations many quotes are short, citing only the relevant words. The reader is strongly encouraged and admonished to read the quotes in their entire context before attempting the charge of ‘out of context.’ If the reader has no access to all the books quoted he can locate them online at : www.whiteestate.org )
Contents
(1) “the heavenly Trio”
(2) “there never was a time”
(3) “life, original, unborrowed, underived”
(4) “eternal heavenly dignitaries”
(5) “as much a person”
(6) “Holy Spirit is a person”
(7) “third person of the Godhead”
(8) “three highest powers”
(9) “gave themselves”
(10) “three holiest beings”
Appendix I
(Dr. Kellogg & the Trinity)
Appendix II
(How many divine beings?)
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5
The primary objective of this work is not necessarily to disprove the trinity doctrine as much as to interpret Ellen White’s statements on the Godhead so that nothing contradicts. This is by no means an exhaustive treatise on the statements that are here in question, neither is this an exhaustive collection of such statements.
It is usually the case with this topic that sooner rather than later someone will turn to the book Evangelism (specifically pages 613-617) and triumphantly present those passages as a solid defense of the doctrine of the trinity. Sadly many people forget the basic principles of understanding the Testimonies. This is how Sister White puts it,
“The testimonies themselves will be the key that will explain the messages given, as scripture is explained by scripture.” “Regarding the testimonies, nothing is ignored; nothing is cast aside; but time and place must be considered.” {E. G. White, Selected Messages Book 1, pp. 42, 57}
We shall use these rules to examine some passages in question.
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