We believe that Christ spoke to His church in the Old and New Testaments through His prophets. 2 Chronicles 20:20; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Hebrews 1:1-3.
The instruction given through the gift of prophecy originates in heaven and is the voice of God to His people. The Lord gave this gift to His church, to be observed and followed, and it comes to us under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
According to Revelation 12:17 and 19:10, the Lord promised this gift of prophecy to the last church, which keeps the commandments of God. In fulfillment of this prophecy, the Lord raised up the gift of prophecy among His people.
From 1844 on, God used Ellen G. White as His messenger, to declare His will to the church and the perishing world. Through her work, in the spoken and written word, countless people have found the way to peace with God.
All the characteristics which identify a prophet as called by God (faithfulness to God’s word, faith in Jesus as the Redeemer, acceptance of the Ten Command¬ments, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit) were found in the life and work of this messenger of God. She explained her position concerning the Bible in the following words:
“In His word, 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. ‘Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.’ 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, R.V.” -The Great Controversy, p. vii.
In the church of God there have been times when not only men but also faithful women were called to convey to God’s people messages and warnings of importance for life and salvation. For example: Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14-16), Anna (Luke 2:36), and the daughters of Philip (Acts 21:9).
Thus, the true church will highly value this gift and gratefully accept and follow the instruction the Lord has given.
Whenever a church disregards or despises this gift, it despises the way that God desires to safely lead and bless it. Proverbs 29:18; 2 Chronicles 20:20.