Prophet Or Non-Prophet?

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

 

Four basic subjects will be considered here in this chapter: 1. Biblical signs of a true prophet. 2. Changes in prophetic doctrine. 3. Prophecies concerning Christ. 4. Ellen White’s use of texts.

Biblical proof of a True Prophet

In the little book by J. N. Loughborough entitled, Prophetic Gift in the Gospel Church, he enumerates the biblical tests of a true prophet. He was a contemporary of Ellen White and witnessed her being in vision. As I have reviewed his book I have found that some texts he refers to have become obscured in some bible versions.

There are several physical manifestations found in Daniel chapter 10. The first is a loss of strength when the vision begins. The second is no breath. The prophet does not breath while in vision.

Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Daniel 10:8 KJV

For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. Daniel 10:17 KJV

The ‘no strength in me’ was also a sign of a true prophet going into vision. But in the NIV this is diminished to ‘I am helpless’. It is true that he was feeling unworthy but the totally without strength condition is what is here addressed. The CEV says, ‘I became weak and pale’. Weak is not the same as no strength. I am a physically weak person compared to a man but I have some strength.

In verse 17 the subject of being without breath is mentioned. This is another sign of a true prophet. In the NIV this is changed to, ‘I can hardly breath’. No breath is found in a true prophet, it is not a case of just being short of breath. They simply do not breath during vision. The CEV says, ‘when I am almost too weak to get my breath’. The ‘Clear Word’ says, ‘I can’t breath to talk.’. That isn’t correct. Plenty of people heard Ellen White speak while in vision, but she didn’t breath. She would often quote scriptures while in vision but without breath. The true prophet can talk but without breath.

Another aspect is while in vision their eyes are open. This is revealed in the experience of Balaam who was a true prophet at one time.

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: Numbers 24:3 & 4 KJV

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: Numbers 24:15 & 16 KJV

To understand the significance of one change made here it is good to know a little about the new age movement and some of the eastern religions like the Hindu religion. You may have seen people from India with a dot on their forehead. In their religion they have a belief that they have a spiritual eye, it is called the third eye. When they reach a level of spiritual attainment they are said to have their third eye opened. When that happens they paint that dot on their face to signify that they have the third eye. This same concept has become common in the new age movement.

Now look at the NIV in verses 3 & 15, ‘the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly’. There is a difference between being in a true vision from God with both of your eyes physically open and your ‘spiritual eye’ seeing clearly. The RSV reads the same way in those two verses then puts this, ‘having his eyes uncovered.’ in verses 4 & 16. Then they add a footnote on the ‘uncovered’. On the bottom of the page it reads, ‘Or closed or perfect’. So his eyes were either uncovered, closed or perfect. Just choose which ever idea suits you.

The NASB says, ‘The oracle of him who hears the words of God,...having his eyes uncovered.’ Is all this confusing to you? Is God the author of confusion?

If, instead of trying to make sense of it, you take the KJV as it reads and look at what a true prophet does while in vision, you will see that while in vision they have their eyes open as God is revealing things to them that others cannot see.

Another aspect of a true prophet is that the Holy Spirit spoke through them, physically. In vision God would use the human to speak audibly. Three texts are given by Loughborough:

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21 KJV

The spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.

2 Samuel 23:2 KJV

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. Acts 1:16 KJV

I would like you to notice one very important thing about 2 Peter 1:21. The men were holy men. God does not give prophecy and visions through rebellious, vile people that have no thought of the things of God. The true prophets are godly. They love the Lord and are in harmony with His will. He cannot use wicked people living in willful sin. ‘Holy men of God spake...’. The NIV, NASB, RSV & CEV all omit the word ‘holy’. They simply say that ‘men spoke’. Is it good to omit the fact that Gods prophets are holy? I think it delights Satan and makes provision for his false prophets to be believed.

Revelation 22:6 also mentions that the prophets were holy:

And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. KJV

Again this concept of holy men being God’s prophets is changed. The NIV, RSV and NASB say, ‘The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets,...’. The NEB says, ‘The Lord God who inspires the prophets has sent...’. There is no mention of the prophets being holy. Don’t you think Satan loves that?!

Oh, and what about this important text that many of us have memorized:

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 KJV

You may be wondering what happens to it. Well, the NASB says, ‘they have no dawn.’, the NIV says, ‘they have no light of dawn’. Whatever that means! The RSV says, ‘To the teaching and to the testimony! Surely for this word which they speak there is no dawn.’ The NEB says, ‘They will surely say some such thing as this; but what they say is futile.’ And the CEV says, ‘...what it should do." None of those who talk like that will live to see the light of day!’ The NAB says, ‘then this document will furnish its instruction. That kind of thing they will surely say.’ I can only ask, "What are they talking about?" Those are a long way from the KJV.

Each one of them takes the text further and further from what the KJV says. If we accept them how do we prove a true prophet from a false one?

So collectively, what are we left with? A man, perhaps Charles Manson, feeling weak and out of breath with his eyes either open, closed, uncovered or perfect, maybe with a dot in the middle of his forehead being a prophet of God. But he might not see the light of day. I don’t know about you but I don’t like that prospect.

The Holy Ghost is the author of the Scriptures and of the Spirit of Prophecy. These are not to be twisted and turned to mean what man may want them to mean, to carry out man's ideas and sentiments, to carry forward man's schemes at all hazards.--Letter 92, 1900. 3 Selected Messages p. 30

A correct understanding of the texts here addressed will keep us from looking to the false prophets that will in these last days fill the churches with falsehood. These texts are foundational to prove that Ellen White and anyone is a true or false prophet. Without these building blocks our house is built on sand.

There are right now ‘visionaries’ in the Roman Catholic Church that see things. They stand gazing up and see things that others don’t. Many of them had no thoughts of religion prior to these ‘visions’. They, by their own admission, were not holy. They have breath during their ‘visions’. They are not touched by the one seen in ‘vision’ and given superhuman strength. Many of them do become weak and have their eyes open but they don’t manifest all the characteristics of a true prophet. To understand all of these texts is important. If a friend of yours was ‘seeing visions’, would you know from the Bible whether those visions were from God? Have you studied these things out?

Changes in Prophetic Doctrine

We as Adventists have always held that prophecy is an important aspect of our religion. Without prophecy we would not be Adventists. The name means that we are looking for the advent of our Lord. To rely on the Bible truth of Christ’s return one needs true prophecy. This church was built on prophecy as it is found in the Bible. Without it we would not have a purpose. And without true prophecy we would be drifting. If it was of little importance why would God have written so much about it? So much of the Bible is prophecy. We need prophecy to survive the final events of this world’s history. Even many of the stories in the Old Testament are prophecies, and they are written for our instruction. If we allow these prophecies to be changed we might be left without the instruction God put there for us. Read what is found in Selected Messages:

Never are we absent from the mind of God. God is our joy and our salvation. Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for ours, so that their prophesying is in force for us. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come" (1 Cor. 10:11). "Not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into" (1 Peter 1:12). 3 Selected Messages p. 338

Read what Ellen White wrote about truth and error in Manuscript Releases:

Heresies are now arising among the people of God, and they will continue to arise. As we near the end of time, falsehood will be so mingled with truth, that only those who have the guidance of the Holy Spirit will be able to distinguish truth from error. We need to make every effort to keep the way of the Lord. We must in no case turn from His guidance to put our trust in man. The Lord's angels are appointed to keep strict watch over those who put their faith in the Lord, and these angels are to be our special help in every time of need. Every day we are to come to the Lord with full assurance of faith, and to look to Him for wisdom. The ministers who teach the truth for this time are to strengthen their hearts by studying the word of God. "It is the spirit that quickeneth," Christ said, "the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life" (John 6:63). Those who are guided by the word of the Lord will discern with certainty between falsehood and truth, between sin and righteousness. Manuscript Releases vol. 7 page 359

Are there changes in the prophecies that would affect the doctrines of our church? Let’s look at them and see.

One of the most basic prophecies is Daniel 8:14, "And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." This prophecy points to the beginning of the investigative judgment. It tells us when the end of the earth is drawing near. The cleansing of the sanctuary here mentioned was illustrated by the cleansing of the sanctuary of the Old Testament. It represented Christ’s work in the heavenly sanctuary. One of the key words in this text is the word ‘cleansed’. It represents a specific act. If one were to change that one word we would not understand the connection to the Jewish practice that illustrates it. God’s prophet explains it so beautifully:

At the termination of the 2300 days, in 1844, no sanctuary had existed on earth for many centuries; therefore the sanctuary in Heaven must be the one brought to view in the declaration, "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." But how could a sanctuary in Heaven need cleansing? Turning again to the Scriptures, the students of prophecy learned that the cleansing was not a removal of physical impurities, for it was to be accomplished with blood, and therefore must be a cleansing from sin. Thus says the apostle: "It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the Heavens should be purified with these [the blood of animals]; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these [even the precious blood of Christ]."[1 HEB. 9:23.] To obtain a further knowledge of the cleansing to which the prophecy points, it was necessary to understand the ministration of the heavenly sanctuary. This could be learned only from the ministration of the earthly sanctuary; for Paul declares that the priests who officiated there served "unto the example and shadow of heavenly things."[2 HEB. 8:5.] Spirit of Prophecy Vol. 4 p. 262

Now look at some of the other versions. The NASB says, ‘for 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the holy place will be properly restored.’ The NIV says, ‘2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.’ The RSV says, ‘the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.’ The CEV says, ‘...evenings and mornings before the temple is dedicated and in use again.’. The NEB says, ‘...evenings and mornings; then the Holy Place shall emerge victorious.’ Where else in the Bible do you see ‘evening and morning’ mentioned? In Genesis in reference to the literal days of creation. Is it possible that Satan would like for us to believe that here in Daniel the days mentioned are to be considered literal too? I think so. What reason might he have for doing this. The chain of truth teaches us that a prophetic day represents one year. See Ezekiel 4:6 and Numbers 14:34.

The earthly sanctuary was a representation of the heavenly. By changing the word ‘cleansed’ we lose the connection between the symbol and the thing symbolized. Tell me, did anyone see a holy place ‘restored’ in 1844? Was there a sanctuary that was ‘reconsecrated’ or ‘dedicated and in use’ in 1844? Did any ‘Holy Place emerge victorious’ in 1844? I can’t find any evidence for any of that. Nor can I find any evidence for it if you take their literal days change.

What might be Satan’s purpose here? Look at this quote:

While Christ is cleansing the sanctuary, the worshipers on earth should carefully review their life, and compare their character with the standard of righteousness. As they see their defects, they should seek the aid of the Spirit of God to enable them to have moral strength to resist the temptations of Satan, and to reach the perfection of the standard. They may be victors over the very temptations which seemed too strong for humanity to bear; for the divine power will be combined with their human effort, and Satan cannot overcome them. Reflecting Christ p. 296

Satan does not want us to be overcomers! He wants us to be lost! He is as a roaring lion.

The change of the word, cleansed to ‘properly restored’, ‘reconsecrated’, ‘restored to its rightful state’ or ‘temple is dedicated and in use again’ goes along with what many of the worlds false prophets are preaching, that the temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt and the animal sacrifices will again be practiced. I don’t know what they are using as their beginning of this 23,000 days but it is a common belief among many religions that this will happen. The book of Hebrews gives a clear interpretation of the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary ‘not made by hands’ that this prophecy is pointing to.

The day for a year interpretation in the Bible is even more obscured with the change found in Daniel 9:24. The understanding that a week is seven days or years and that the seventy weeks should be interpreted in a similar manner to the 2,300 days is lost when you don’t call these weeks but instead call them ‘sevens’. Sure, you come out with the same number but what does that figure represent? I could print out a page with seventy sevens on it and what would I have? What would it point to? Could you prove anything with that? I don’t see how you could! By calling it ‘sevens’ instead of weeks it no longer represents time. This is a time prophecy. Read what God’s prophet, Ellen White wrote on this subject:

The angel had been sent to Daniel for the express purpose of explaining to him the point which he had failed to understand in the vision of the eighth chapter, the statement relative to time--"unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." After bidding Daniel "understand the matter, and consider the vision," the very first words of the angel are: "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy Holy City." The word here translated "determined" literally signifies "cut off." Seventy weeks, representing 490 years, are declared by the angel to be cut off, as specially pertaining to the Jews. But from what were they cut off? As the 2300 days was the only period of time mentioned in chapter 8, it must be the period from which the seventy weeks were cut off; the seventy weeks must therefore be a part of the 2300 days, and the two periods must begin together. The seventy weeks were declared by the angel to date from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem. If the date of this commandment could be found, then the starting point for the great period of the 2300 days would be ascertained. Great Controversy p. 326

These prophecies being connected as they should would make sense to use the term ‘weeks’ in reference to the ‘seventy’ rather than call them ‘sevens’. Why change it? What good purpose could one have for changing it? I can’t think of one. Is the term ‘weeks’ too difficult? Do we need an easier term for that? Is it an archaic term that is no longer in use?

Will Christ have anything as a result of His death on the cross? Did He redeem anyone? The KJV in Daniel 9:26 states of Christ’s death on the cross that "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off but not for Himself;". In other words His death is for us. According to the NIV, RSV, NASB and the CEV they all say that He ‘will have nothing’. Would you like to believe that Christ gave up all heaven for nothing? Are there no souls saved? I don’t think so. Praise God He will have His redeemed! The NEB says, ‘one who is anointed shall be removed with no one to take his part;’ Throughout earth’s history there have been people who have been anointed, sick people, priests, kings and others have been anointed. Some of them have been removed from their position. Many have died or in some other way been ‘removed’. I’m sure that many of them didn’t have a person to ‘take their part’. But where is Christ in this text? Where is our Messiah? This pointed to the Messiah! With the firm anchor of this text removed where is your foundation for the texts surrounding it.

Please read the chapters in The Great Controversy on this subject entitled, An American Reformer and What Is The Sanctuary?.

You may say that an understanding of this prophecy is not important to us now. It is all history. But look at this paragraph from the chapter in Early Writings entitled, End Of The 2300 Days:

I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil, and sit down. Then Jesus rose up from the throne, and the most of those who were bowed down arose with Him. I did not see one ray of light pass from Jesus to the careless multitude after He arose, and they were left in perfect darkness. Those who arose when Jesus did, kept their eyes fixed on Him as He left the throne and led them out a little way. Then He raised His right arm, and we heard His lovely voice saying, "Wait here; I am going to My Father to receive the kingdom; keep your garments spotless, and in a little while I will return from the wedding and receive you to Myself." Then a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to the holiest, where the Father sat. There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the Father. On the hem of His garment was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. Those who rose up with Jesus would send up their faith to Him in the holiest, and pray, "My Father, give us Thy Spirit." Then Jesus would breathe upon them the Holy Ghost. In that breath was light, power, and much love, joy, and peace.

I turned to look at the company who were still bowed before the throne; they did not know that Jesus had left it. Satan appeared to be by the throne, trying to carry on the work of God. I saw them look up to the throne, and pray, "Father, give us Thy Spirit." Satan would then breathe upon them an unholy influence; in it there was light and much power, but no sweet love, joy, and peace. Satan's object was to keep them deceived and to draw back and deceive God's children. Early Writings p. 55-56

Are you praying to that throne? Do you know where Jesus is? Have you followed Him? We need to follow Him where ever He goes.

What is missing in the NIV in Revelation 2:13?

I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. Revelation 2:13 KJV

I know where you live--where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city--where Satan lives. NIV

What is missing in the NIV in Revelation 5:14?

And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. KJV

The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped. NIV

And what is different here in Revelation 6:17:

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? KJV

For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand? NIV

Or here in Revelation 8:13:

And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! KJV

As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying... NIV, RSV, NEB & Clear Word

How about the prophecies concerning the beast:

Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. Revelation 13:18 KJV

The NIV says, ‘it is man’s number’, the RSV says, ‘it is a human number,...’ (As opposed to an animal number or an angelic number?). The NEB says, ‘The number represents a man’s name...’ Do you see the difference? Martin Luther, the Waldensees and many Protestants through out history recognized it as the pope’s title not his name that added up to 666. It is a title that he still claims.

What is different here in Revelation 13:1:

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. KJV

And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea....NIV

He took his stand on the sea-shore. NEB

What had its existence ‘from the foundation of the world’ in Revelation 13:8? KJV says that it is the Lamb that was slain.

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. KJV

But the NEB says, ‘...roll of the living, written there since the world was made.’ The NASB, RSV, NAB and CEV do the same thing. Is that predestination?

Little by little things are changing in the bibles. Each time a new NIV comes out it has changes that weren’t in the previous version. Yours may read different from mine since I have one of the older ones. What I have here shared with you are just a part of the things I have found.

Prophecies Concerning Christ’s First Advent

In Psalms we have a prophecy concerning Christ’s crucifixion:

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. Psalms 22:16 KJV

The NEB says, ‘...they have hacked off my hands and my feet.’

The virgin birth prophesied in Isaiah in the KJV reads:

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

The NEB says, ‘a young woman is with child...’ Now tell me how many young women do you know have fulfilled that prophecy?

Christ was prophesied in Numbers:

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. Numbers 24:17 KJV

Here is what NEB does with this text, ‘I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come forth out of Jacob, a comet arise from Israel.’ Was Moses star gazing?

Throughout the New Testament there are references made by the writers that point the reader to how Christ’s life was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. One of them is Mark 15:28, it reads:

And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. KJV

But the NIV, NEB, CEV, RSV and NAB have omitted that text.

It would appear to me that Christ didn’t read the Old Testament manuscripts from which the NEB is taken. In John 13:18 He says, ‘I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.’ The NEB reads, ‘...who ate at my table, exults over my misfortune.’.

The reference in John 19:28 where we read this, ‘After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.’ refers to Psalms 69:21. But if you take some versions you could come to the conclusion that Christ committed suicide or died of poisoning. For several of the versions say that poison was put in His food instead of gall. This is in NEB, Clear Word, CEV and RSV. Ellen White wrote this about the gall:

In another prophecy the Saviour declared, "Reproach hath broken My heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave Me also gall for My meat; and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink." Ps. 69:20, 21. To those who suffered death by the cross, it was permitted to give a stupefying potion, to deaden the sense of pain. This was offered to Jesus; but when He had tasted it, He refused it. He would receive nothing that could becloud His mind. His faith must keep fast hold upon God. This was His only strength. To becloud His senses would give Satan an advantage. Desire of Ages p. 746

Ellen White’s Use of Texts

All the texts mentioned in this chapter on prophecy that Ellen White quoted she quoted in agreement with the interpretation of the KJV. Many examples I have already shown you. Look at her use of Numbers 24:17:

Before returning to his people, Balaam uttered a most beautiful and sublime prophecy of the world's Redeemer, and the final destruction of the enemies of God: "I shall see him, but not now. I shall behold him, but not nigh. There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and shall destroy the children of Sheth." He was permitted to look down through the ages to the first advent of Christ, and then forward to his second appearing, in power and glory. He would see the King above all kings, but not at present. He would behold his majesty and glory, but at a great distance. He would be among the number of the wicked dead, who should come forth in the second resurrection, to hear the awful doom, "Depart from me, ye cursed." He would behold the redeemed ones in the city of God, while he himself would be shut out with the wicked. Signs of the Times 12-16-80

 

Daniel in verse 8 said that his ‘comeliness was turned into corruption’. Here is how Ellen White interpreted that phrase:

We need to be refined, cleansed from all earthliness, till we reflect the image of our Saviour, and become "partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." Then we shall delight to do the will of God, and Christ can own us before the Father and before the holy angels as those who abide in him, and he will not be ashamed to call us brethren. But we shall not boast of our holiness. As we have clearer views of Christ's spotless and infinite purity, we shall feel as did Daniel, when he beheld the glory of the Lord, and said, "My comeliness was turned in me into corruption." We cannot say, "I am sinless," till this vile body is changed and fashioned like unto His glorious body. But if we constantly seek to follow Jesus, the blessed hope is ours of standing before the throne of God without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; complete in Christ, robed in his righteousness and perfection. Signs of the Times 03-23-88

The NASB says, ‘for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor’. The RSV says, ‘my radiant appearance was fearfully changed’. The NIV says, ‘my face turned deathly pale’. Somehow, to me that doesn’t match with Ellen Whites use of the text.

Over and over as I have studied this subject I have seen complete agreement between Ellen White’s writings and the KJV on the texts I have brought out in this book. When she has quoted from other translations the texts do not change in thought or meaning from that of the KJV. Some say that she used the RSV but the one now in print is not the same book she so rarely used.

One omission found in the NIV, CEV, Living Bible, Clear Word and RSV was written about in Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessings, Matthew 6:13. Read this portion from that book:

"Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory." Matthew 6:13

The last like the first sentence of the Lord's Prayer, points to our Father as above all power and authority and every name that is named. The Saviour beheld the years that stretched out before His disciples, not, as they had dreamed, lying in the sunshine of worldly prosperity and honor, but dark with the tempests of human hatred and satanic wrath. Amid national strife and ruin, the steps of the disciples would be beset with perils, and often their hearts would be oppressed by fear. They were to see Jerusalem a desolation, the temple swept away, its worship forever ended, and Israel scattered to all lands, like wrecks on a desert shore. Jesus said, "Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars." "Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matthew 24:6-8. Yet Christ's followers were not to fear that their hope was lost or that God had forsaken the earth. The power and the glory belong unto Him whose great purposes would still move on unthwarted toward their consummation. In the prayer that breathes their daily wants, the disciples of Christ were directed to look above all the power and dominion of evil, unto the Lord their God, whose kingdom ruleth over all and who is their Father and everlasting Friend. Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing p. 120

This is just the first paragraph of two pages on just this one verse that some bibles leave out.

Now look at this text:

(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) Luke 23:17 KJV

Ellen White refers to it in Desire of Ages but the Living Bible, RSV, NIV and CEV omit it from their versions. Read this quote:

Pilate's face grew pale. He was confused by his own conflicting emotions. But while he had been delaying to act, the priests and rulers were still further inflaming the minds of the people. Pilate was forced to action. He now bethought himself of a custom which might serve to secure Christ's release. It was customary at this feast to release some one prisoner whom the people might choose. This custom was of pagan invention; there was not a shadow of justice in it, but it was greatly prized by the Jews. The Roman authorities at this time held a prisoner named Barabbas, who was under sentence of death. This man had claimed to be the Messiah. He claimed authority to establish a different order of things, to set the world right. Under satanic delusion he claimed that whatever he could obtain by theft and robbery was his own. He had done wonderful things through satanic agencies, he had gained a following among the people, and had excited sedition against the Roman government. Under cover of religious enthusiasm he was a hardened and desperate villain, bent on rebellion and cruelty. By giving the people a choice between this man and the innocent Saviour, Pilate thought to arouse them to a sense of justice. He hoped to gain their sympathy for Jesus in opposition to the priests and rulers. So, turning to the crowd, he said with great earnestness, "Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?" Desire of Ages p. 733

It doesn’t sound to me as though she doubted its validity. Another text left out of some bibles is this one:

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation." Matthew 23:14

But Ellen White quoted it and wrote about the subject of the text, look:

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation." The Pharisees had great influence with the people, and of this they took advantage to serve their own interests. They gained the confidence of pious widows, and then represented it as a duty for them to devote their property to religious purposes. Having secured control of their money, the wily schemers used it for their own benefit. To cover their dishonesty, they offered long prayers in public, and made a great show of piety. This hypocrisy Christ declared would bring them the greater damnation. The same rebuke falls upon many in our day who make a high profession of piety. Their lives are stained by selfishness and avarice, yet they throw over it all a garment of seeming purity, and thus for a time deceive their fellow men. But they cannot deceive God. He reads every purpose of the heart, and will judge every man according to his deeds. Desire of Ages p. 614

Hebrews 2:16 that even the NKJV changes is used by Ellen White the way the KJV translates it. Here is the text:

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Hebrews 2:16 KJV

Now look at one of the many references she made to this text:

Christ might have come to earth clothed with the glory of his Father. But he did not do this. He did not even take the form of an angel. "Verily," the apostle says, "he took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham." Divinity took humanity, that humanity might touch humanity. With his human arm Christ encircled the race, while with his divine arm he grasped the throne of the infinite God. The world that was separated by sin from the continent of heaven, he drew back into favor with God. Youth's Instructor 02-22-00

 

I could fill pages on the subject of how Ellen White used texts that are missing or changed, and the fact that her use of them agree with the KJV. If you doubt what I’m saying check it out for yourself.