Who was Ellen G. White?

BibleAsk Team

Ellen G. White

Ellen G. White (Ellen Gould Harmon) was called in 1845 to be a messenger for God at the age of 17. In 1846, she married a minister, James White, and together they devoted their lives to God’s cause. They had four sons during their marriage. Ellen White traveled widely in the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The life of Ellen White ended July 16, 1915, at the age of 87 years.

The details of the call and labors of this woman are remarkable, yet she was a humble and God-fearing woman that uplifted Christ and the Word of God above all. She leaves us with such an impressive legacy, convincing that her work and teachings were directed by God.

Ministry

Ellen G. White insisted that her aim and work were to point the church and its members to the Bible—which was to be its creed—and to Jesus’ free gift of righteousness. Her aim was to stress the love of Jesus and His imminent return. She urged people to serve the Lord fervently and directed their attention to the Bible prophecies for the end time—especially Jesus’ three-point message for the world today (Revelation 14:6–14).

Ellen G. White was a woman of remarkable emphasis on the restoration of both mind and body. She emphasized education and health. This was emphasized by her promoting the establishment of schools, medical centers and publishing houses. Through her writings and public ministry, she has made a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world that continues in this century.

The insights of Ellen White in healthful living were many years ahead of her time and are widely accepted by the scientific and medical community today. Some of these teachings included the importance of abstaining from smoking and the benefits of a plant based diet. Her writings stand true to scientific testing and the buffer of time. Dr. Clive McCay, former professor of nutrition at Cornell University, said of her writings on health: “In spite of the fact that the works of Mrs. White were written long before the advent of modern scientific nutrition, no better overall guide is available today.”

Publications

Ellen G. White has written over a million words and published over 50 books. She is the most published female writer of non-fiction in history. The Library of Congress stated that the book The Desire of Ages is the best book that was ever written on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The book Steps to Christ by Ellen White is the second most translated book in the world only after the Holy Bible.

Today, more than 100 titles are available in English, including compilations from 50,000 pages of her manuscripts. With the sole exception of Agatha Christie, Ellen White is the most translated female writer in the history of literature and the most translated American author of either gender. Most importantly, one will find that all her writings are in complete agreement with the Word of God.

Ellen G. White’s books, read worldwide, give inspired guidance on faith, health, education, temperance, the Christian home, parenting, assisting the needy, stewardship, evangelism, Christian living, publishing, and more. All the work of Ellen G. White proved to draw people to God and uplift His Holy Bible.

Her work has even been distinguished by those in public spheres of influence. Paul Harvey, who is recognized as one of the most trusted people in American media, stated that Mrs. White should be honored above all writers for her inspired and educational writings which were translated into over 148 languages. When speaking of her, he stated, “Ellen White: You don’t know her? Get to know her!”

In His service,
BibleAsk Team

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