Great Controversy Notes

Chapters 34 and 27

by Walter Rea

White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Chapter 34, Spiritualism, Pages 551-562

J. N. Andrews also wrote a tract in 1871 on Samuel and the Witch of Endor. In addition to Great Controversy, it was used in Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 680-686.

The Great Controversy, by Ellen G. White, Chapter 27, Modern Revivals, Pages 461-478 - 1911

This chapter does appear in the early "Spirit of Prophecy", Volume 4, where in it's twelve and on half pages it first used 50 Bible texts it still had some of the carry over of the "Closed Door" ideas in that it talks of the lack of the Spirit in any revival since 1844. It was the early pioneers belief that no Revival could be of the spirit of God after the 1844 movement if any of it's participants had rejected that message. They, along with Ellen and James White, believed that they only had the truth for their time, and all other revivals were not true ones. Much had been written in the early "Reviews" concerning this matter and no knowledgeable person could maintain that Adventists were encouraged to believe that others outside of their faith could possibly be receiving the spirit from God, through any other faith. Thus all wrote that modern revivals were false.

In this context note what Ellen wrote on page 296 of "Spirit of Prophecy", Volume 4 and how it was changed in "Great Controversy".

Many of the revivals which have occurred since 1844, in the churches that have rejected the Advent truth, are similar in character to those more extensive movements to be witnessed in the future. The excitement manifested is well adapted to mislead the unwary; yet none need be deceived. In the light of God's word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these religious movements. The history of God's dealings with his people in the past testifies that his Spirit is not poured out upon those who neglect or oppose the warnings sent them by his servants. And by the rule which Christ himself has given "Ye shall know them by their fruits," it is evident that these movements are not the work of the Spirit of God.

Now see how "inspiration" changes these first concepts, In "Great Controversy", page 464.

In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half century, the same influences have been at work, to a greater or less degree, that will be manifest in the more extensive movements of the future. There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God's word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God's blessing is not bestowed. And by the rule which Christ Himself has given, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7: 16), it is evident that these movements are not the work of the Spirit of God.

In the new view of things in "Great Controversy" 106 Bible texts are used in the 18 pages plus one full page of quotes from another author. Because all the texts quoted and the material used is not new and cannot be said to have come from visions, this chapter is not reproduced.


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