Parallel to Ellen White's emphasis of Christ, the living Word of God, was
her concern with God's Written Word--the Scriptures. In her first book (1851)
she wrote: "I recommend to you, dear reader, the Word of God as the rule of
your faith and practice" (Early Writings, p. 78). Ellen White
exalted the Bible throughout her ministry as the revealed will of God, providing
knowledge leading to a saving relationship with Jesus. "In His Word,"
she declared, "God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for
salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative,
infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the
revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience" (The Great
Controversy, p. vii). Ellen White saw her function as pointing people to the
Bible, "a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light" (Colporteur
Ministry, p. 125). She believed personal Bible study was of the utmost
importance for every Christian, and especially so in the closing days of earth's
history.
Thought for the Day
Heaven's work never ceases, and men should never rest from doing good. The Sabbath is not intended to be a period of useless inactivity. The law forbids secular labor on the rest day of the Lord; the toil that gains a livelihood must cease; no labor for worldly pleasure or profit is lawful upon that day; but as God ceased His labor of creating, and rested upon the Sabbath and blessed it, so man is to leave the occupations of his daily life, and devote those sacred hours to healthful rest, to worship, and to holy deeds. Desire of Ages, p. 207