Messenger of the Lord

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Chapter 18—Theological Crises

“[God has given me light] to correct specious errors and to specify what is truth.” 1 MOL 194.1

Throughout history since Cain and Abel, as Ellen White has wisely noted, Satan has done well in his attempt “to deceive and destroy the people by palming off upon them a counterfeit in place of the true work.” 2 Every reformatory movement has experienced this phenomenon. The apostle Paul had to contend with wily counterfeits in his day. 3 During the Protestant Reformation, counterfeit religious movements and theologies plagued Martin Luther, as they did John Wesley two centuries later. The very nature of counterfeits requires immediate response; if left unchecked, truth comes close to shipwreck until a clear voice arises to reveal the error. MOL 194.2

Such has been Ellen White’s role in the Seventh-day Adventist Church from the beginning of her ministry to this day through her published works. In reviewing the fanaticism and counterfeit views of the 1840s and 1850s, we are reminded that these same errors will be faced repeatedly until the close of time. 4 MOL 194.3