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ANDREWS GSEM 534 - Major Themes in the Writings of Ellen G. White

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WhiteWhat Ellen White’s writings are all about.Themes in the writingsof Ellen WhiteFor this lecture I am indebted to George Knight’s book Meeting Ellen White in which he discusses these themes (pp. 109-127).While Ellen White was not a theologian, per se, her writings present many theological themes and ideas which expand on the biblical stories.A theme represents an idea or concept that helps us understand her writings, her theology and her burden for individuals and the church.Themes in the writingsof Ellen WhiteThemes in the writingsof Ellen WhiteThemes integrate various strands of Ellen White’s thinking into a unified network of concepts.They provide an interpretative framework for not only single documents or books, but for entire sectors of her writings (such as health, education, family living).Themes in the writingsof Ellen WhiteLove of GodGreat ControversyJesus, the Cross, and SalvationCentrality of the BibleSecond Coming of JesusThird Angel’s Message and Adventist MissionPractical Christianity and Character DevelopmentLove of GodPerhaps the central and most comprehensive theme of the writings of Ellen White is that of the love of God.This is a theme that she repeatedly mentions and discusses in her books.The phrase “God is love” appears asthe first three words ofPatriarchs and Prophetsandthe last three words ofThe Great Controversy.Love of GodLove of GodIn Ellen White’s writings,God’s love is the central point of the great struggle between good and evil.“God is love” is the phrase that provides the context for her telling of the great controversy story.The first chapter of Steps to Christ begins with the words:“Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love.”Love of GodLove of God“The world, though fallen, is not all sorrow and misery. In nature itself are messages of hope and comfort. There are flowers upon the thistles, and the thorns are covered with roses. ‘God is love’ is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass.” (Steps to Christ, pp. 9-10)Yet, Ellen White points out, that the things of nature in a world of sin “but imperfectly represent His love.”The supreme and clearest illustration of God’s love for us is God sending Jesus to save us from our sins (SC 10-13).Love of GodLove of GodIn the first chapter of the Desire of Ages she points out that Jesus “came to reveal the light of God’s love” (DA 19).Love of God“Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self- sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which "seeketh not her own" has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.” (DA 19-20)Love of GodOn the last page of the Desire of Ages, her conclusion is that through Christ “love has conquered” (DA 835).“The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.” (GC 678)Love of GodThe Great ControversyThe themes of the love of God and the Great Controversy are closely interconnected.Mrs. White emphasizes repeatedly that the focal point of the Great Controversy is Satan’s aim to misrepresent the loving character of God.The Great Controversy“Satan led men to conceive of God as a being whose chief attribute is stern justice,--one who is a severe judge, a harsh, exacting creditor. He pictured the Creator as a being who is watching with jealous eye to discern the errors and mistakes of men, that He may visit judgments upon them. It was to remove this dark shadow, by revealing to the world the infinite love of God, that Jesus came to live among men. The Son of God came from heaven to make manifest the Father.” (Steps to Christ, p. 11)The Great ControversySatan’s aim is also to misrepresent God’s law.In Ellen White’s thought the character of God and law of God are not two elements but one.The Great Controversy“Satan represents God’s law of love as a law of selfishness. He declares that it is impossible for us to obey its precepts.” (Desire of Ages, p. 24)“From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven it has been Satan’s purpose to overthrow the law of God.” (Great Controversy, p. 582)The Great ControversyIn the great controversy, God fights against this misrepresentation.“The history of the great conflict between good and evil, from the time it first began in heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the total eradication of sin, is also a demonstration of God's unchanging love.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33)The Great ControversyGod’s demonstration of his love in the ongoing conflict with Satan forms the focus of the Conflict of the Ages Series.This theme provides the theological framework that gives direction and context to the rest of her writings.The Great Controversy“The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.” (The Great Controversy, p. 678)Jesus, the Cross, and SalvationGod’s foremost demonstration of his love in the great controversy was his sending Jesus to redeem humanity.“It was


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