A Statement Regarding The Great Controversy

From
The Ellen G. White Estate

 

The classic book, The Great Controversy, by Ellen G. White, is one of the most important books to come from her inspired pen. She stated that the object of this book is to "unfold the scenes of the great controversy between truth and error; to reveal the wiles of Satan, and the means by which he may be successfully resisted; to present a satisfactory solution of the great problem of evil, shedding such a light upon the origin and the final disposition of sin, as to make fully manifest the justice and benevolence of God in all His dealings with His creatures; and to show the holy, unchanging nature of His law." -- Introduction, p. xii.

From the first edition in 1888, followed by the author's revision in 1911, this book has achieved a worldwide circulation in many languages. It has been used by God to bring countless thousands to a knowledge of His last warning message for the world. It is destined to play an even more important role in these last days as readers see the dramatic fulfillment of the prophetic projections outlined in the book. Many who read its pages will be led by the Spirit of God to give their hearts to Christ and join God's remnant people as they await the soon return of their blessed Lord.

With reference to the circulation of this book, Ellen White wrote, "The Great Controversy should be very widely circulated. It contains the story of the past, the present, and the future. In its outline of the closing scenes of this earth's history, it bears a powerful testimony in behalf of the truth. I am more anxious to see a wide circulation for this book than for any others I have written, for in The Great Controversy, the last message of warning to the world is given more distinctly than in any of my other books." -- Letter 281, 1905 (quoted in Colporteur Ministry, p. 127.)

She further stated, "The book, The Great Controversy, I appreciate above silver and gold, and I greatly desire that it shall come before the people. While writing the manuscript of The Great Controversy, I was often conscious of the presence of the angels of God. And many times the scenes about which I was writing were presented to me anew in visions of the night so that they were fresh and vivid in my mind." -- Letter 56, 1911 (quoted in Colporteur Ministry, p. 128).

The Board and Staff of the Ellen G. White Estate stand firmly in support of and belief in the Biblical truths contained in this book. They enthusiastically recommend the volume to our church members to read and to our literature evangelists to sell and circulate abroad like the leaves of autumn.

The Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
December 2002