Pic of Ellen White 1880s

*NOTE - The Biographical Sketch, Foreword, Word List and references at the end of each chapter were not written by Ellen White.

Biographical Sketch, Ellen Gould White 1827 - 1915

A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Ellen was a Methodist until the age of 17. She was disfellowshipped for talking about and believing in the soon coming of Christ in 1843. God gave her visions and a message to bear to the world, only after 2 other people had rejected that burden from God. She wrote many articles and books giving reproof and exhortation. After receiving light on the health message, she became a strong health advocate, calling for a diet similar to the original diet in the Garden of Eden, and abstinence or temperance in all things.

Mrs. White never called herself a "prophet", although she had no problem with those who called her that, but when asked, she referred to herself as a "messenger". In that reply, she showed that her work of health reform, calling for repentance from sin, and supporting a movement to "repair the breach", involved more than what a prophet is usually considered as doing - telling about future events from God's point of view. She produced several devotional classics with "Steps to Christ" being among her most popular. But she considered this book, "The Great Controversy Between Christ and His Angels, and Satan and His Angels" her most important.

Foreword

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Isaiah 8:20.

Here at the beginning of the 21st century, it seems like everybody has become a prophet. There are even prophetic web-rings on the internet. But some of them say things that seem a little strange. How can we know for sure they are truly who they say they are - receivers of the words of God? - by comparing what they say with the law and the testimony. Surely the same God who gave his words in times past to people and had them written down (which later became the several books in the Bible), would not contradict himself!

Jesus directly prophesied of this, knowing that the issue of prophecy would be a big test for those in the last days: "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." Matthew 24:11. For added emphasis, God gave these words to John: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1John 4:1. Of course Ellen White is no exception. Take this book and compare it to the Holy Scriptures; does it meet the test or not? Pray to our merciful Father in heaven, and he will send his Spirit to guide us into all truth (^-^).

It seems almost unbelieveable now, but until the last couple of years in the 20th century, nearly all who called themselves 'Christians' were dead-set against anyone who claimed to have revelations from God. They usually quoted Revelation 22:18-19 to prove their point: "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

But is this saying that after John died that there would be no more prophets from God? If so, why would Jesus have us beware of 'false' prophets? Why did the Holy Spirit thru John say to test the spirits? Wouldn't all this be so much easier if we knew just to ignore all those after John who claimed to have words from God? But that isn't God's plan. He gives new truth when needed, and makes his will known, and the true in heart will check to see that it is true, and then joyfully accept and follow it. Of course Satan will be allowed to work too. If he wasn't allowed to, he could accuse God of being unfair.

The Holy Spirit thru Paul asks some very important, and often overlooked, questions in 1Corinthians 12. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have the gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Then he declares that he will show unto us a "more excellent way", saying the gifts are of no benefit to us if we do not have Love. In chapter 14, he goes a step further by telling us to "Pursue love, and desire spiritual (gifts), but especially that you may prophesy." "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues." "Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1Thessalonians 5:19-21.

Ellen White was given the "Great Controversy" vision in the spring of 1858 at Lovett's Grove, Ohio, U.S.A. Most of it she had seen in vision 11 years earlier, but this time she was instructed to write it out even though Satan would make strong efforts to hinder her. Some portions, especially chapter 30, were published in the 1847 "Little Flock", 1851 "Christian Experiences and Views", and 1854 "Supplement" book(let)s. It is all inspired by the Holy Spirit, penned by a frail, but Godly woman and first published in 1858.

There are those who question why there are so many problems in our world with wars, crime, unholy sex, and yes, even with religious beliefs. The basis for answers to these questions can be found in understanding the great controversy between Christ and Satan which has been going on since before any of us humans ever existed.

May the Lord bestow his best gifts upon you, Reader, as you "prove all things" which are written in this book by the Word of God - The Bible.

Word List for Great Controversy book

Word
Meaning
First Appearance

Jesus Christ
One of the 3 beings who are God. He made everything in the world and universe. He was born as a human around 2,000 years ago, was killed when he was 33 years old, was resurrected, and is now working in heaven for our salvation. He will come back to this earth soon, and will be given rulership of all things in the universe forever and ever.
Title

Satan
The Devil. He is the father of all evil. He was created as the most beautiful, perfect being ever created, but he decided to rebel. He has ownership of this world now, but will eventually be destroyed by God.
Title

Lord
Jesus Christ.
Chapter 1

I saw, I was shown
When the author - Ellen White - saw this vision, an angel was by her telling her and showing her things. She wrote down what she actually saw with her own eyes.
Chapter 1

God
The Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. All 3 make up God.
Chapter 1

The Son of God
Jesus Christ.
Chapter 1

God's word
1. What God says.
2. The Bible.
Chapter (2), 4
Chapter 18

Redeem, Ransom
Humans originally belonged to God, but because our ancestors sinned, we all belong to Satan now. To make us his again, Jesus came to this earth as a man, died, was resurrected, went to heaven, and will come back.
Chapter 3

The angel
The angel that was actually sent to be with Ellen White when she saw this vision.
Chapter 3

Advent
Jesus officially coming to this earth. The first time was around 2,000 years ago, and the second time will be soon (^-^).
Chapter 4

The Lamb of God
Jesus Christ.
Chapter 4

John the Baptist
A prophet, the cousin of Jesus. He called for repentance and baptism.
Chapter 4

Baptism
Dipping the entire body underneath the surface of the water.
Chapter 4

Elijah
A prophet who was taken to heaven without dying.
Chapter 4

Sacrifice
An animal offering given to God. Jesus Christ - himself.
Chapter 5

His nation, God's people
1. In ancient times, the people of Israel and Judah.
2. Presently, all those who believe in Jesus.
Chapter 5
Chapter 17

God's book
1. The 'Book of Life' in heaven. The names of all those who will live forever are written there.
2. The Bible.
Chapter 6
Chapter 18

Michael
The head of all the angels in heaven.
Chapter 6

Rue
A tree that grows in the Middle East. The leaves are used for medicine.
Chapter 7

Brother, Sister
All those who believe in Jesus and follow his commands.
Chapter 7

Hosanna
Praise God!
Chapter 9

Sabbath
Day of rest that begins at sundown Friday and ends sundown Saturday. See Genesis 2:2-3.
Chapter 10

Message
Words that come from God. Also the movement to spread those words.
Chapter 10

Ascension
Rise to heaven. Does NOT mean death.
Chapter 11

Apostle
People who spread the gospel full-time etc. as a profession. Especially refers to Jesus' disciples, and Paul.
Chapter 12

The Son of Man
Jesus Christ.
Chapter 13

Gentiles
Those other than than the Jews.
Chapter 14

Paul
Before his conversion, he was known as 'Saul'. See Acts 13:9.
Chapter 15

1843, 1844
Jesus' second advent and the end of the world was believed to come to an end this year. In fact, the time prophecy of Daniel 8:14 DID end this year.
Chapter 23

Shepherd
1. Leaders in the churches. Pastors and Priests.
2. Jesus Christ.
Chapter 23

Saints
All those who really love God from the heart and follow what he says to do.
Chapter 24

Sanctuary
The name of the place in heaven where Jesus is working for our salvation now. It has a court, Holy Place (first apt.), and Most Holy Place (second apt.). The one Moses made was modelled after the one in heaven. It is also called 'Tabernacle' and 'Temple'.
Chapter 25

Atone
Jesus performs this work of making humans right with God thru the merits of his own blood.
Chapter 25

Zion
1. One name for the city now in heaven.
2. The name of the group of people who follow God.
Chapter 26

New Jerusalem
The name of the city now in heaven, home to God and the angels. This city will come down to this earth and be here forever.
Chapter 27

Cherub
High ranking order of angels.
Chapter 27

Mediation
Jesus stands between guilty sinners and an Almighty God the Father. Jesus performs this work for our salvation as a 'go-between'.
Chapter 27

Beast
Name for a large group of people who are against God. See Revelation 13.
Chapter 28

Jehovah
One name of God the Father.
Chapter 28

Canaan
Name of the land that was promised to the Israelites. Represents heaven. See Genesis 12:5.
Chapter 28

Day of Pentecost
One of the festivals God gave Israel. See Leviticus 23:15-16 & Acts chapter 2.
Chapter 29

Adventist
Name of those people who believe that Jesus is coming to earth again. Also, that group's name.
Chapter 29

Laodicea
The final church in the list of seven in Revelation chapters 2 & 3. This group thinks they are rich and in need of nothing spiritually, but are in fact poor and miserable.
Chapter 32

The Latter Rain
The Holy Spirit's pouring out in abundance to prepare people for Jesus just before he comes back to earth. See Joel 2:23 & Acts 3:19.
Chapter 32

Jubilee
The year of freedom. Every 49/50 years Israel returned everything back to its original owner. No agriculture was performed this year either. See Leviticus 25:10.
Chapter 37

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