The fact that prophets were called "holy men of God" (2 Peter
1:21) neither means they were sinless nor prevents us from recognizing their
weaknesses as human beings. Any attempt to make the Biblical prophets "perfect"
will be confronted by the Bible record itself. Think of King David. Though he
was a prophet, he committed gross sins. When his relationship with God was
broken by sin, God sent another prophet to correct His servant (2 Sam. 12:1-13).
After David's repentance the way of communication was once again open, and he
was inspired to write the beautiful psalm of confession (Ps. 51).
We should not build our confidence in the Biblical prophets on the basis of
the prophets' perfect record. Neither should we do so with a modern prophet--the
authority of the prophetic word is not based upon a perfect life or perfect
behavior. Ellen White never claimed perfection or infallibility. "In regard
to infallibility, I never claimed it; God alone is infallible. His Word is true,
and in Him is no variableness, or shadow of turning." [9]
From her diaries and personal letters, we know that sometimes she was
discouraged; sometimes she had disagreements with her husband; many times she
had to ask forgiveness; she made mistakes.
[9] Selected Messages,
book 1, p. 37.