Christ is God – EGW
ELLEN G. WHITE: CHRIST IS GOD
By Terry Hill
Introduction
In the current Godhead controversy within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the writings of Ellen White play a significant role. This applies to both sides engaged in this dispute (the trinitarians and the non-trinitarians). Unfortunately, on the part of some, there appears to be a reluctance to quote everything she wrote on this particular topic. This of course gives an unbalanced view of what she wrote. The only way to obtain a balanced view is to take into account all that she wrote. This is the only fair and honest way to treat her writings. Those who refuse to do this are proving themselves to be dishonest in presenting what she wrote. For a number of years I have held the view that some hold to a somewhat ‘limited’ view of Christ. They are, I believe, failing to understand that He is truly God. Having said that, I am fully aware that because Christ is begotten of God, He cannot be God in personality (two persons cannot be the same person) but this does not mean He is not God. Regarding this, Ellen White wrote the following
“The Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father, is truly God in infinity, but not in personality.” (Ellen G. White, Ms 116, December 19th 1905, ‘An Entire Consecration’)
Very often, the latter part of this statement (Christ is not God “in personality”) is repeatedly emphasised but take note that Ellen White wrote that Christ “is truly God in infinity”. This is in keeping with the begotten concept – that Christ is God from God, true God from true God. In the 1886 Webster’s dictionary, the word “infinity’ is given this explanation
- Unlimited extent of time, space or quantity; boundlessness.
- Unlimited capacity, energy, or excellence; as, the infinity of God and his perfections; the infinity of his existence, his knowledge, his power, his goodness, and holiness.
- Endless or indefinite number; (Webster’s Dictionary, 1886 edition, page 689)
Infinity is endlessness. It is immeasurable (an unlimited extent). Ellen White said that Christ “is truly God in infinity”. This would mean that there never was a time when Christ was not God.
The Bible clearly tells us that Christ, in His pre-existence, is begotten of God therefore He is truly the Son of God (John 1:14, 18, 3:16, 3:18, 1 John 4:9). What though does this really mean? Does this make Him less than God?
Whilst neither the Bible nor Ellen White reveals the process of how Christ was begotten, both the former and the latter reveal that Christ is God. This article though (the one you are now reading), is not designed to show this from Scripture. This has already been done at the following link.
https://theprophetstillspeaks.co.uk/Godhead/Is_Christ_God.pdf
Ellen White’s statements concerning Christ being the Son of God can be found here
https://theprophetstillspeaks.co.uk/History/Development_of_SDA_Trinity_Theology_3.pdf
The article you are now reading shows what Ellen White wrote about Christ being God. It makes no effort to give an explanation of what she wrote, or why she wrote it. Her words therefore stand on their own merit. As they are read, the following statements are best borne in mind
“The revelation of Himself that God has given in His word is for our study. This we may seek to understand. But beyond this we are not to penetrate. The highest intellect may tax itself until it is wearied out in conjectures regarding the nature of God; but the effort will be fruitless. This problem has not been given us to solve. No human mind can comprehend God. Let not finite man attempt to interpret Him. Let none indulge in speculation regarding His nature. Here silence is eloquence. The Omniscient One is above discussion.” (Ellen G. White, 8th Volume Testimonies, page 279, ‘The essential knowledge’, 1904) ***
“Christ’s divinity is to be steadfastly maintained. When the Saviour asked his disciples the question, “Whom say ye that I am?” Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Said Christ, “Upon this rock,” not on Peter, but on the Son of God, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Great is the mystery of godliness. There are mysteries in the life of Christ that are to be believed, even though they can not be explained. The finite mind can not fathom the mystery of godliness.” (Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, 2nd March 1905, ‘A stirring exhortation’)
Here now are Ellen White’s statements with respect to Christ being God. As to what they mean when they are read collectively, the reader will need to draw his or her own conclusion. Be blessed as you read. Click the title below to read the document in pdf
