Gilbert Jorgensen’s Weblog

[Editor’s note: All 15 Proofs as well as William Miller’s 1843 chart (that Ellen White said was just as God wanted it) are also available in my Library at DefendingTheGospel.com.]

In part 1 we identified that the foundation for Adventism is laid in Ellen White’s comprehensive endorsement of William Miller’s methods and message. If Miller was right, so was Ellen G. White.

In part 2 we carefully examined what Ellen White said about William Miller and saw that her endorsement of William Miller was comprehensive. We found that Ellen White unequivocally stated that Miller was guided by God in his methods, his conclusions, and his message.

Part 3 began an examination of William Miller’s 15 proofs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) that Ellen White said constituted a “a perfect chain of truth” (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 129).

Part 18 asked a number of important questions.

Much of the material covered in this series is explained in much greater detail in Cultic Doctrine by Dale Ratzlaff. Dale has done a masterful job with the facts clearly laid out before the reader to evaluate. I consider this book to be invaluable in understanding how the 1844 Sanctuary doctrine and the 1857 Investigative Judgment doctrine came to be in the first place. No matter what your theological perspective, this book presents the historical backdrop in a gripping, easy-to-read, narrative. This is one of those books that you will be unable to put down until you complete it. If you don’t have it, you should order it today.

As we have readily seen, the Adventist Church in its unconditional endorsement of Ellen White has a huge dilema. You need to get Dale’s book to learn how they try to work their way out of this mess.

Here is Dale’s chapter 5 summary.

Again we are forced to either accept the authority of Ellen White’s statements and reject all logic and reason, or we must recognize that her statements are totally erroneous. She appears to be arguing for error. She places those who were right in rejecting the erroneous date-setting messages as being in the camp of Satan. She clearly indicates that this erroneous date-setting message was a “message born from heaven.” She dubs the churches who rejected the false message of date setting, “Babylon” — a term for confusion, and a symbol for the camp of Satan. One wonders which side had the confusion? We must clearly see what is taking place. Ellen White is speaking as a “messenger of God,” with the “truth of God,” and “the authority of God” — and attributing to God the errors of the date-setting message of the Millerites who were wrong.

Chapter Summary

Ellen White said Miller was right in his 1843 message when he was wrong.

1. Ellen White said Miller was right in his 1843 message when he was wrong.
2. Ellen White said those who rejected Miller’s erroneous 1843 message were working on the side of Satan and were rejected by God.
3. Ellen White said Miller’s 1843 chart was just as God wanted it and it should never be changed, although it was wrong.
4. Ellen White said God held his hand over the mistake in Miller’s 1843 chart, thus making God a partner in their deception.
5. Ellen White said that as soon as God removed his hand which covered the mistake in Miller’s 1843 chart, the Millerites discovered their error, thus corroborating the fact that she makes God at least partially responsible for their error.
6. Ellen White said that all the prophecies—probably Miller’s 15 proofs—which pointed to the 1843 date, then correctly pointed to the 1844 date.
7. Ellen White said that when Christians repeated to the Millerites the words of Jesus in Mark 13:32, “no man knoweth the day and the hour,” they were manifesting the spirit of Satan.
8. Ellen White said the 1844 message was a “saving message” and “a message from heaven.”
9. Pastors who rejected Miller’s erroneous message were said to have “the blood of souls” upon them.
10. Churches who rejected Miller’s false 1844 message were dubbed “Babylon,” and were understood to be apostate, “fallen” churches.
11. The bottom line: What Ellen White said was right, was wrong. What she said was wrong, was right.

I would like to once again thank Dale Ratzlaff for allowing me to explore portions of his excellent and thought-provoking book Cultic Doctrine with you. Now you know where the 1843/1844/1851/1857 Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment doctrines originated. I have just begun to share with you “the rest of the story.” Dale’s 20-chapter book, with its exhaustive references for each chapter, is a real eye opener that you will definitely want to have as a part of your early Adventist study library!

I am so thankful for that we have God’s Holy Word, the Bible, to guide us into all truth. I am reminded of John 8:32 (KJV)

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 Next time we will begin looking at William Miller’s 1843 chart, that Ellen White said God showed her  was just as God wanted it and it should never be changed, although it was wrong. It shows how William Miller calculated the dates for the proofs we just covered. Informed Adventists desperately try to divorce themselves from William Miller’s 15 "Proofs" by claiming that most certainly something else had to be the "perfect chain of truth" that God showed William Miller. The facts speak for themselves. The 15 Proofs and the supporting 1843 chart go together. The chart speaks to the 15 Proofs.

Very few Adventists have any idea how the Seventh-day Adventist church began. This is a part of SDA history that they won’t teach you!

[Editor’s note: All 15 Proofs as well as William Miller’s 1843 chart (that Ellen White said was just as God wanted it) are also available in my Library at DefendingTheGospel.com.]

In part 1 we identified that the foundation for Adventism is laid in Ellen White’s comprehensive endorsement of William Miller’s methods and message. If Miller was right, so was Ellen G. White.

In part 2 we carefully examined what Ellen White said about William Miller and saw that her endorsement of William Miller was comprehensive. We found that Ellen White unequivocally stated that Miller was guided by God in his methods, his conclusions, and his message.

Part 3 began an examination of William Miller’s 15 proofs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) that Ellen White said constituted a “a perfect chain of truth” (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 129).

Much of the material covered in this series is explained in much greater detail in Cultic Doctrine by Dale Ratzlaff. Dale has done a masterful job with the facts clearly laid out before the reader to evaluate. I consider this book to be invaluable in understanding how the 1844 Sanctuary doctrine and the 1857 Investigative Judgment doctrine came to be in the first place. No matter what your theological perspective, this book presents the historical backdrop in a gripping, easy-to-read, narrative. This is one of those books that you will be unable to put down until you complete it. If you don’t have it, you should order it today.

As Dale points out in chapter 4, “William Miller: His Methods and Message”

Did he really discover “a perfect chain of truth,” as Ellen White stated? The stakes are high for Adventists. If Miller was wrong, then Ellen White was equally wrong.

Dale concludes chapter 4 of his book with the following thoughts for your consideration

We must now begin to wrestle with the tension between what Ellen White said about Miller, and the facts.

• Was Miller in fact guided by angels in his search of the prophecies?
• Was Miller really chosen by God and entrusted with a special message from God?
• Was Miller’s mind truly guided by God and connected to the source of wisdom?
• Did God actually guide Miller to his conclusions?
• Were Miller’s conclusions truly “great light” from heaven?
• Did God really open up Miller’s understanding of the prophecies which had ever been dark to God’s people?
• Did God guide Miller in his discovery of how one text of Scripture opened up the meaning of another, and thus endorse his proof-text method?
• Did God reveal to Miller a “perfect chain of truth”?
• Should Miller be associated with the “greats” of Bible history such as Elisha, John the Baptist, and Noah?
• Could one honestly describe Miller’s message as “the everlasting gospel,” “the mysteries of the Kingdom of God,” “this saving message,” and a “heavenly message”?
• Was Miller truly correct in his multiple periods ending in 1843 and his “many proofs”?
• Can we say for certain that Miller was not a fanatic?
• Was Miller’s chart, which listed his multiple proofs, exactly as God wanted it?
• Does God still want it that way? Ellen White said, “It should never be changed.”

We are only at the beginning of Dale Ratzlaff’s excellent book Cultic Doctrine, but those who have accepted Ellen White as a true prophet must begin to wrestle with the facts. Was Miller right or wrong? Was Ellen White right or wrong? The stakes are high and the facts speak for themselves.

Dale notes

Had Ellen White given her support of Miller before 1844 one could almost excuse her if she had not claimed to speak for God. However, what she wrote about Miller and his being led by God in his methods and conclusions was written after 1844.

It is very doubtful if any trained, evangelical scholar would support Miller’s methods, or any of Miller’s conclusions today. But herein lies the beginning of a theological and historical saga that rivals fiction.

And yet Ellen White said God chose William Miller, guided his mind, his methods of Bible study, his conclusions, his charts, his mission, and more.

Remember that Ellen White wrote in Early Writings, p. 74

I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not be altered; that the figures were as He wanted them. Early Writings, p. 74

She also wrote

I also saw that God was in the proclamation of the time in 1843. It was His design to arouse the people and bring them to a testing point, where they should decide for or against truth. Early Writings, p. 232

And

Ministers who would not accept this saving message themselves hindered those who would have received it. Early Writings, p. 235

Also

Angels were watching with the deepest interest the result of the heavenly message, and when the churches turned from and rejected it, they in sadness consulted with Jesus. Early Writings, p. 235

How do we evaluate these facts? Next time we will consider what we have learned about the origin of Adventism’s 1844 doctrine.

[Editor’s note: All 15 Proofs as well as William Miller’s 1843 chart (that Ellen White said was just as God wanted it) are also available in my Library at DefendingTheGospel.com.]

In part 1 we identified that the foundation for Adventism is laid in Ellen White’s comprehensive endorsement of William Miller’s methods and message. If Miller was right, so was Ellen G. White.

In part 2 we carefully examined what Ellen White said about William Miller and saw that her endorsement of William Miller was comprehensive. We found that Ellen White unequivocally stated that Miller was guided by God in his methods, his conclusions, and his message.

Part 3 began an examination of William Miller’s 15 proofs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) that Ellen White said constituted a “a perfect chain of truth” (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 129).

Much of the material covered in this series is explained in much greater detail in Cultic Doctrine by Dale Ratzlaff. Dale has done a masterful job with the facts clearly laid out before the reader to evaluate. I consider this book to be invaluable in understanding how the 1844 Sanctuary doctrine and the 1857 Investigative Judgment doctrine came to be in the first place. No matter what your theological perspective, this book presents the historical backdrop in a gripping, easy-to-read, narrative. This is one of those books that you will be unable to put down until you complete it. If you don’t have it, you should order it today.

As Dale points out in chapter 4, “William Miller: His Methods and Message”

Did he really discover “a perfect chain of truth,” as Ellen White stated? The stakes are high for Adventists. If Miller was wrong, then Ellen White was equally wrong.

Let’s examine the last proof, #15 of William Miller’s “Time Proved Fifteen Different Ways”

FIFTEEN: It can be proved by the numbers in Rev. 13:18: “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six.” connected with Daniel 7:12, as before quoted.

This text shows the number of years that Rome would exist under the blasphemous head of Paganism, after it was connected with the people of God by league; beginning B.C. 158, add 666 years, will bring us to A.D. 508, when the daily was taken away. Then add Daniel 12:12, the 1335 to 508, makes the year 1843. When the beast and his image will be tormented in the presence of the holy angels, and the Lamb. See Rev. 14:9-12: “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image will be tormented in the presence of the holy angels, and the Lamb. See Rev. 14:9-12: “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever: and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the command¬ments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

As Dale Ratzlaff notes in Cultic Doctrine

The number of the mark of the beast is not a time prophecy. Rather, it is a description of a coming evil power, or person, which makes war against God’s people. To portray the number of the beast—a wicked power—as a prophecy of the second coming of Christ—a righteous and holy event—is completely unwarranted.

Dale observes

We have now looked at Miller’s fifteen “proofs” and have seen his methods and resulting conclusions. That Miller was in error in his conclusions cannot be denied: Christ did not come in 1843, nor did he come in 1844 when “the error” of one year was discovered in his calculations.

And yet Ellen White said God chose William Miller, guided his mind, his methods of Bible study, his conclusions, his charts, his mission, and more.

Next time we will reflect on Ellen White, William Miller and the facts.

[Editor’s note: All 15 Proofs as well as William Miller’s 1843 chart (that Ellen White said was just as God wanted it) are also available in my Library at DefendingTheGospel.com.]

In part 1 we identified that the foundation for Adventism is laid in Ellen White’s comprehensive endorsement of William Miller’s methods and message. If Miller was right, so was Ellen G. White.

In part 2 we carefully examined what Ellen White said about William Miller and saw that her endorsement of William Miller was comprehensive. We found that Ellen White unequivocally stated that Miller was guided by God in his methods, his conclusions, and his message.

Part 3 began an examination of William Miller’s 15 proofs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) that Ellen White said constituted a “a perfect chain of truth” (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 129).

Much of the material covered in this series is explained in much greater detail in Cultic Doctrine by Dale Ratzlaff. Dale has done a masterful job with the facts clearly laid out before the reader to evaluate. I consider this book to be invaluable in understanding how the 1844 Sanctuary doctrine and the 1857 Investigative Judgment doctrine came to be in the first place. No matter what your theological perspective, this book presents the historical backdrop in a gripping, easy-to-read, narrative. This is one of those books that you will be unable to put down until you complete it. If you don’t have it, you should order it today.

As Dale points out in chapter 4, “William Miller: His Methods and Message”

Did he really discover “a perfect chain of truth,” as Ellen White stated? The stakes are high for Adventists. If Miller was wrong, then Ellen White was equally wrong.

Let’s examine proof #14 of William Miller’s “Time Proved Fifteen Different Ways”

FOURTEEN: It is proved by Rev. 13:5: “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.” This time began at the same time as the preceding, when power was given to the Pope by Justinian, A.D. 538, and lasted until the Pope was carried into captivity, and his power abolished, in the year 1798.

See 10th verse: “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword, must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” This beast is the same as the little horn in Daniel 7th, and synchronizes with Daniel’s “abomination that maketh desolate,” or “that astonisheth,” (See marginal reading.)

Compare Daniel 11:31, and 12:11, with Rev. 13:3-8; and of course his power is abolished with the end of his “setting up,” and the 1290 years. Then Daniel 12:12, — “Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days,” — carries us to the year 1843.

As Dale Ratzlaff notes in Cultic Doctrine

Again, this is just another period of time seen by Miller to equal the 1260 days-years of papal domination. Remember that nothing significant even happened in 538.

Ellen White said God chose William Miller, guided his mind, his methods of Bible study, his conclusions, his charts, his mission, and more.

Next time we will begin examining William Miller’s proof #15. This is his last proof in what Ellen White called a “perfect chain of truth“.

Things are not going well at all for Ellen White. We have examined 14 of 15 proofs, and have only 1 proof left. Out of the first 14 we have not found a single proof to be valid, and yet the Seventh-day Adventist church would have us to trust them when they say in Fundamental Belief #18

This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen. G. White . As the Lord’s messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth

With a success rate like this, she is a “gift” we can do without! It is time to base our beliefs on the Bible.

[Editor’s note: All 15 Proofs as well as William Miller’s 1843 chart (that Ellen White said was just as God wanted it) are also available in my Library at DefendingTheGospel.com.]

In part 1 we identified that the foundation for Adventism is laid in Ellen White’s comprehensive endorsement of William Miller’s methods and message. If Miller was right, so was Ellen G. White.

In part 2 we carefully examined what Ellen White said about William Miller and saw that her endorsement of William Miller was comprehensive. We found that Ellen White unequivocally stated that Miller was guided by God in his methods, his conclusions, and his message.

Part 3 began an examination of William Miller’s 15 proofs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) that Ellen White said constituted a “a perfect chain of truth” (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 129).

Much of the material covered in this series is explained in much greater detail in Cultic Doctrine by Dale Ratzlaff. Dale has done a masterful job with the facts clearly laid out before the reader to evaluate. I consider this book to be invaluable in understanding how the 1844 Sanctuary doctrine and the 1857 Investigative Judgment doctrine came to be in the first place. No matter what your theological perspective, this book presents the historical backdrop in a gripping, easy-to-read, narrative. This is one of those books that you will be unable to put down until you complete it. If you don’t have it, you should order it today.

As Dale points out in chapter 4, “William Miller: His Methods and Message”

Did he really discover “a perfect chain of truth,” as Ellen White stated? The stakes are high for Adventists. If Miller was wrong, then Ellen White was equally wrong.

Let’s examine proof #13 of William Miller’s “Time Proved Fifteen Different Ways”

THIRTEEN: It can be proved by Rev. 12:6, 14: “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.”

It is evident that the church is not now in the wilderness, for if so, she must have been there in the apostles’ days, for she enjoys more liberty now among the nations, than in any previous time since the gospel was preached; and it is very evident, for ages past, the true church has been an outlaw among the kingdoms which arose out of the Roman Empire. The church was driven into the wilderness, where they were given into the power of the Pope, — Daniel 7:25: And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into this and until a time and times and the dividing of time,” — in the year A.D. 538; and was in the wilderness 1260 years, until 1798, when free toleration was granted in the kingdoms in the Papal territory.

This also harmonizes with the witnesses and the trumpet. Compare Rev. 11:15, “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever,” with Rev. 12:10, “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down which accused them before our God day and night.

As Dale Ratzlaff notes in Cultic Doctrine

This is nothing but a repeat of other “proofs” already addressed.

Ellen White said God chose William Miller, guided his mind, his methods of Bible study, his conclusions, his charts, his mission, and more.

Next time we will begin examining William Miller’s proof #14.

Things are not going well at all for Ellen White. We have examined 13 of 15 proofs, and have only 2 proofs left. Out of the first 13 we have not found a single one to be valid.

[Editor’s note: All 15 Proofs as well as William Miller’s 1843 chart (that Ellen White said was just as God wanted it) are also available in my Library at DefendingTheGospel.com.]

In part 1 we identified that the foundation for Adventism is laid in Ellen White’s comprehensive endorsement of William Miller’s methods and message. If Miller was right, so was Ellen G. White.

In part 2 we carefully examined what Ellen White said about William Miller and saw that her endorsement of William Miller was comprehensive. We found that Ellen White unequivocally stated that Miller was guided by God in his methods, his conclusions, and his message.

Part 3 began an examination of William Miller’s 15 proofs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) that Ellen White said constituted a “a perfect chain of truth” (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 129).

Much of the material covered in this series is explained in much greater detail in Cultic Doctrine by Dale Ratzlaff. Dale has done a masterful job with the facts clearly laid out before the reader to evaluate. I consider this book to be invaluable in understanding how the 1844 Sanctuary doctrine and the 1857 Investigative Judgment doctrine came to be in the first place. No matter what your theological perspective, this book presents the historical backdrop in a gripping, easy-to-read, narrative. This is one of those books that you will be unable to put down until you complete it. If you don’t have it, you should order it today.

As Dale points out in chapter 4, “William Miller: His Methods and Message”

Did he really discover “a perfect chain of truth,” as Ellen White stated? The stakes are high for Adventists. If Miller was wrong, then Ellen White was equally wrong.

Let’s examine proof #12 of William Miller’s “Time Proved Fifteen Different Ways”

TWELVE: It can be proved by the two witnesses being clothed in sackcloth 1260 years. See Rev. 11:3: “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and three-score days, clothed in sackcloth.” This time began with Papacy, 538, and ended in 1798, during which time the Bible was suppressed from the laity, in all the countries where papacy had power, until the laws of the papal hierarchy were abolished and free toleration was granted to the papal states in 1798. Then the remainder harmonizes with the trumpets: see Rev. 11:14,15: “The second wo is past; and behold, the third wo cometh quickly. And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever.” And terminates with A.D. 1843.

As Dale Ratzlaff notes in Cultic Doctrine

This seems to be only another “proof” leading to one of  Miller’s key dates: 1798. He does not show how he jumped from 1798 to 1843. Perhaps he just takes this for granted.

Ellen White said God chose William Miller, guided his mind, his methods of Bible study, his conclusions, his charts, his mission, and more.

Next time we will begin examining William Miller’s proof #13.

Things are not going well at all for Ellen White. We have examined 12 of 15 proofs, and have only 3 proofs left. Out of the first 12 we have not found a single one to be valid.

I am reminded of the verse in Galatians 1:6-9 (NIV)

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

[Editor’s note: All 15 Proofs as well as William Miller’s 1843 chart (that Ellen White said was just as God wanted it) are also available in my Library at DefendingTheGospel.com.]

In part 1 we identified that the foundation for Adventism is laid in Ellen White’s comprehensive endorsement of William Miller’s methods and message. If Miller was right, so was Ellen G. White.

In part 2 we carefully examined what Ellen White said about William Miller and saw that her endorsement of William Miller was comprehensive. We found that Ellen White unequivocally stated that Miller was guided by God in his methods, his conclusions, and his message.

Part 3 began an examination of William Miller’s 15 proofs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) that Ellen White said constituted a “a perfect chain of truth” (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 129).

Much of the material covered in this series is explained in much greater detail in Cultic Doctrine by Dale Ratzlaff. Dale has done a masterful job with the facts clearly laid out before the reader to evaluate. I consider this book to be invaluable in understanding how the 1844 Sanctuary doctrine and the 1857 Investigative Judgment doctrine came to be in the first place. No matter what your theological perspective, this book presents the historical backdrop in a gripping, easy-to-read, narrative. This is one of those books that you will be unable to put down until you complete it. If you don’t have it, you should order it today.

As Dale points out in chapter 4, “William Miller: His Methods and Message”

Did he really discover “a perfect chain of truth,” as Ellen White stated? The stakes are high for Adventists. If Miller was wrong, then Ellen White was equally wrong.

Let’s examine proof #11 of William Miller’s “Time Proved Fifteen Different Ways”

ELEVEN: The trumpets are also a revelation of time. See Rev. 9:5: “And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.” These five months began when the Turks made incursions into the Greek territories, according to Gibbon, in the year 1299, on the 27th day of July. 5 months is 150 years, 5 x 30 = 150. This trumpet ended in 1449. And the sixth trumpet began to sound, and was to sound 391 years and 15 days, as in Rev. 9:15: “And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year for to slay the third part of men; and ended 1840 on the 11th of August. Then the seventh trumpet begins, and ends with the fulness of times. Rev. 10:5, 7: “And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth, lifted up his hand to heaven, and swear by him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: but in the days of the voice of the seventh an-gel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” And synchronizes with Daniel 12:7. See section 7, where it is shown to end in the year 1843.

As Dale Ratzlaff notes in Cultic Doctrine

What evidence does Miller have for starting this “prophecy of the second coming” in 1299? There is no mention of the second coming here. The “hour, day, month, and year” part of this passage says nothing about the duration of time. Rather it speaks about a precise point in time. Miller completely misses the point. This is another broken link in the “perfect chain of truth” which Ellen White said God gave to Miller.

Ellen White said God chose William Miller, guided his mind, his methods of Bible study, his conclusions, his charts, his mission, and more.

Next time we will begin examining William Miller’s proof #12.

Things are not going well at all for Ellen White. We have examined 11 of 15 proofs and have not found a single one to be valid.

Isn’t it quite revealing that Seventh-day Adventists will "trumpet" loud and long about the 4th commandment (to the exclusion of the other nine), but when we examine William Miller’s 15 Proofs that underpin the Seventh-day Adventist endorsement of his 1843 chart, they suddenly go "stone silent"! That in itself is quite remarkable.

[Editor’s note: All 15 Proofs as well as William Miller’s 1843 chart (that Ellen White said was just as God wanted it) are also available in my Library at DefendingTheGospel.com.]

In part 1 we identified that the foundation for Adventism is laid in Ellen White’s comprehensive endorsement of William Miller’s methods and message. If Miller was right, so was Ellen G. White.

In part 2 we carefully examined what Ellen White said about William Miller and saw that her endorsement of William Miller was comprehensive. We found that Ellen White unequivocally stated that Miller was guided by God in his methods, his conclusions, and his message.

Part 3 began an examination of William Miller’s 15 proofs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) that Ellen White said constituted a “a perfect chain of truth” (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 129).

Much of the material covered in this series is explained in much greater detail in Cultic Doctrine by Dale Ratzlaff. Dale has done a masterful job with the facts clearly laid out before the reader to evaluate. I consider this book to be invaluable in understanding how the 1844 Sanctuary doctrine and the 1857 Investigative Judgment doctrine came to be in the first place. No matter what your theological perspective, this book presents the historical backdrop in a gripping, easy-to-read, narrative. This is one of those books that you will be unable to put down until you complete it. If you don’t have it, you should order it today.

As Dale points out in chapter 4, “William Miller: His Methods and Message”

Did he really discover “a perfect chain of truth,” as Ellen White stated? The stakes are high for Adventists. If Miller was wrong, then Ellen White was equally wrong.

Let’s examine proof #10 of William Miller’s “Time Proved Fifteen Different Ways”

TEN: It can also be proved by the words of Christ, Lk. 13:32: “And he said unto them, Go ye and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.” These two days, in which Christ casts out devils and does cures, are the same as Hosea’s two days, at the end of which, the devil will be chained, and cast out of the earth into the pit, and shut up. This will take 2000 years of Roman power. Rev. 12:9: “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out with him.” And then the people of God will be perfected. Rev. 20:9: “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: of such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

This time began with the “great dragon,” Rev. 12:3: “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.”

This government will draw after him one third part of the time, which wicked men have power in the earth, viz. 6000 years; and the 7000th, the year of Christ will take possession and reign with his saints, in perfect bliss.

This dragon power began its power over the saints when the league was made with him, B.C. 158, — and will end in 1842. Then the third day will begin 1843.

As Dale Ratzlaff notes in Cultic Doctrine

This is another classic example of wild proof-texting. The unwarranted assumptions here are almost too numerous to mention. Who said the “two days” spoken by Christ are the same as the “two days” mentioned by Hosea? How does one know when a day is to equal a year or one thousand years? What evidence is there that these days spoken of by Jesus started in 158 B.C., long before Christ was born? Miller speaks of the devil drawing one third part of the time. Most interpret this to be one third of the angels. Upon what basis does Miller get a measure of time? Surely this type of reckless proof-texting and allegorizing of Scripture cannot be the result of God guiding the mind of Miller. Surely, as Ellen White contends, God cannot be credited—or blamed—for this type of interpretation. Is this an example of God moving upon His servant with clearness in the power of the Holy Spirit? I think not. This is not the way to study the Bible, nor are Miller’s conclusions truth.

Ellen White said God chose William Miller, guided his mind, his methods of Bible study, his conclusions, his charts, his mission, and more.

Next time we will begin examining William Miller’s proof #11. I’ll bet you didn’t know that you can also use 1299 as a starting date for a prophecy identifying the date of the second coming? Stay tuned! It gets even more interesting.

Things are not going well at all for Ellen White. We have examined 10 of 15 proofs, and have not found a single one to be valid.

And as a sixth generation Seventh-day Adventist, the church taught me, and still maintains today in Fundamental Belief #18, that

18. The Gift of Prophecy:
One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen. G. White. As the Lord’s messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.)

This is double-speak. It is also intellectual dishonesty. On the one hand she is an “authoritative source of truth”, and on the other hand “the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested”.

And what does the Bible teach us we should do when they disagree?

If you are not familiar with the General Conference 1919 Bible Conference minutes that discuss the problems with Ellen White’s “inspiration” I urge you to take the time to become familiar with them. At the conclusion President A. G Daniels recommended that the minutes be locked up for 50 years. The leadership is fully aware of the problems with Ellen White’s writings.

A. G. Daniells: I hardly know where to begin or what to say. I think I must repeat this, that our difficulty lies in two points, especially. One is on infallibility and the other is on verbal inspiration. I think Brother James White foresaw difficulties along this line away back at the beginning. He knew that he took Sister White’s testimonies and helped to write them out and make them clear and grammatical and plain. He knew that he was doing that right along. And he knew that the secretaries they employed took them and put them into grammatical condition, transposed sentences, completed sentences, and used words that Sister White did not herself write in her original copy. He saw that, and yet he saw some brethren who did not know this, and who had great confidence in the Testimonies, just believing and teaching that these words were given to Sister White as well as the thought. And he tried to correct that idea. You will find those statements in the Review and Herald, like the one Brother Wilcox read the other day. If that explanation had been accepted and passed on down, we would have been free from a great many perplexities that we have now.

And

A. G. Daniells: No, I couldn’t; but I do not believe that; and I can enter upon an explanation of health reform that I think is consistent, and that she endeavored to bring in in later years when she saw people making a bad use of that. I have eaten pounds of butter at her table myself, and dozens of eggs. I could not explain that in her own family if I believed that she believed those were the Lord’s own words to the world. But there are people who believe that and do not eat eggs or butter. I do not know that they use salt. I know plenty of people in the early days did not use salt, and it was in our church. I am sure that many children suffered from it.

There is no use of our claiming anything more on the verbal inspiration of the Testimonies, because she never claimed it, and James White never claimed it, and W. C. White never claimed it; and all the persons who helped to prepare those Testimonies knew they were not verbally inspired. I will say no more along that line.

D. A. Parsons: She not only did not claim it, but she denied it..

If you have not read these General Conference 1919 Bible Conference minutes you owe it to your self to read them in context and draw your own conclusions. Instead of openly acknowledging this, the current Seventh-day Adventist leadership has dug in its heels and insisted on maintaining “her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth”.

I have many Seventh-day Adventist friends that I dearly love. I am deeply saddened by such a gross betrayal of the trust that we have all placed in the leadership.

Chaplain David DePinho explains this well in his testimony.

Please do not misunderstand, my reluctance and remorse in leaving Adventism are not because I do not stand by the integrity and Biblical correctness of my decision. I do, very much so. But the reason I make mention of this remorse is because I know many of the people I respect within Adventism will reason that I left because I fell away from the Lord to one degree or another. After all, since Adventists believe the SDA church represents the best presentation of Biblical truth on earth, they must reason that I left the “truth”.

So Adventism has done a great deal of good in my life. My professors, for the most part, taught me biblical Christianity. So you might be asking, “What’s the problem? You liked the leadership and truly found Christ?” I would answer that that is correct. I did. But in life, and in the area of religion, it is possible to find Christ in spite of our contortions of the Word of God. Jesus remarked to the religionists outside Jerusalem, if the people did not praise God, the very rocks would cry out. God is big enough to use even a church that was founded on false doctrine. And God used Adventism to reach me, but God never leaves us where He finds us. That I found Christ in Adventism does not provide a “pass” for a church that teaches false doctrine. The system of Adventism must bring itself fully into line with the Bible. Many others have fallen victim to the false teachings of Adventism and as a result teach and believe lies of legalism and other heretical teachings of Mrs. Ellen White.

[Editor’s note: All 15 Proofs as well as William Miller’s 1843 chart (that Ellen White said was just as God wanted it) are also available in my Library at DefendingTheGospel.com.]

In part 1 we identified that the foundation for Adventism is laid in Ellen White’s comprehensive endorsement of William Miller’s methods and message. If Miller was right, so was Ellen G. White.

In part 2 we carefully examined what Ellen White said about William Miller and saw that her endorsement of William Miller was comprehensive. We found that Ellen White unequivocally stated that Miller was guided by God in his methods, his conclusions, and his message.

Part 3 began an examination of William Miller’s 15 proofs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) that Ellen White said constituted a “a perfect chain of truth” (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 129).

Much of the material covered in this series is explained in much greater detail in Cultic Doctrine by Dale Ratzlaff. Dale has done a masterful job with the facts clearly laid out before the reader to evaluate. I consider this book to be invaluable in understanding how the 1844 Sanctuary doctrine and the 1857 Investigative Judgment doctrine came to be in the first place. No matter what your theological perspective, this book presents the historical backdrop in a gripping, easy-to-read, narrative. This is one of those books that you will be unable to put down until you complete it. If you don’t have it, you should order it today.

As Dale points out in chapter 4, “William Miller: His Methods and Message”

Did he really discover “a perfect chain of truth,” as Ellen White stated? The stakes are high for Adventists. If Miller was wrong, then Ellen White was equally wrong.

Let’s examine proof #9 of William Miller’s “Time Proved Fifteen Different Ways”

NINE: It can be proved by Daniel 12:11-13: “And from the time that the daily sacrifices shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.”

The number 1335 days, from the taking away of Rome Pagan, A.D. 508, to set up Rome Papal, and the reign of Papacy, is 1290 days, which was exactly fulfilled in 1290 years, being fulfilled in 1798. This proves the 1335 days to be years, and that Daniel will stand in his lot in A.D. 1843. For proof texts, see Dan 11:31: “And arms shall stand on his part, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.” 2 Thess. 2:6?8: “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” Job 19:25: “For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.

As Dale Ratzlaff notes in Cultic Doctrine

To come up with this “proof” Miller assumed the end of the 1290 days to be the year 1798 when the Pope of Rome was taken captive. He, and Adventists as well, call this date “the time of the end.” From this date, Miller, using the day-equals-a-year method, figured back and came to 508. His method was then to look for something in 508 which could be a key event. In Gibbon’s popular history of the Roman empire he found that:

Anastasias sent pope the title and insignia of patrician and consul and conferred the appellation of Agustus. [Arasola, The End of Historicism, p. 135]

This appeared reasonable to Miller and his associates. Now Miller simply added 45 years, the difference between 1335 and 1290, to the date of 1798 and he came up with 1843.

This method reminds me of my experience in high school physics. We occasionally would practice what we called “dry labbing.” We would figure out what the lab results were supposed to be by the formulas, then when we took our measurements in the lab, we would make sure they agreed with the conclusions we already had reached. When we did this we were not practicing good science. Neither was Miller practicing good Bible interpretation. This “proof” is not a solid link in the “perfect chain of truth.

Ellen White said God chose William Miller, guided his mind, his methods of Bible study, his conclusions, his charts, his mission, and more.

Next time we will begin examining William Miller’s proof #10. As Dale notes, it uses “wild proof-texting. The unwarranted assumptions here are almost too numerous to mention.”

Things are not going well for Ellen White. We have examined 9 of 15 proofs and found them all to be faulty.

[Editor’s note: All 15 Proofs as well as William Miller’s 1843 chart (that Ellen White said was just as God wanted it) are also available in my Library at DefendingTheGospel.com.]

In part 1 we identified that the foundation for Adventism is laid in Ellen White’s comprehensive endorsement of William Miller’s methods and message. If Miller was right, so was Ellen G. White.

In part 2 we carefully examined what Ellen White said about William Miller and saw that her endorsement of William Miller was comprehensive. We found that Ellen White unequivocally stated that Miller was guided by God in his methods, his conclusions, and his message.

Part 3 began an examination of William Miller’s 15 proofs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) that Ellen White said constituted a “a perfect chain of truth” (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 129).

Much of the material covered in this series is explained in much greater detail in Cultic Doctrine by Dale Ratzlaff. Dale has done a masterful job with the facts clearly laid out before the reader to evaluate. I consider this book to be invaluable in understanding how the 1844 Sanctuary doctrine and the 1857 Investigative Judgment doctrine came to be in the first place. No matter what your theological perspective, this book presents the historical backdrop in a gripping, easy-to-read, narrative. This is one of those books that you will be unable to put down until you complete it. If you don’t have it, you should order it today.

As Dale points out in chapter 4, “William Miller: His Methods and Message”

Did he really discover “a perfect chain of truth,” as Ellen White stated? The stakes are high for Adventists. If Miller was wrong, then Ellen White was equally wrong.

Let’s examine proof #8 of William Miller’s “Time Proved Fifteen Different Ways”

EIGHT: It can be proved by Daniel 7:6,7: “And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and swear by him that liveth forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.” The question is asked, How long to the end of these wonders? These wonders are to the resurrection. See 2nd and 3rd verses: “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever.” The answer is given by the angel, who informs Daniel it shall be for a time, times, and a half, and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all will be finished. Ez. 12:10-15: “Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; This burden concerneth the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that are among them. Say, I am your sign: like as I have done, so shall it be done unto them: they shall remove and go into captivity. And the prince that is among them shall bear upon his shoulders in the twilight, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with his eyes. My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon, to the land of Chaldeans, yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there. And I will scatter toward every wind all that are about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them. And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries.” Jer. 15:4: “And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.” This scattering begun, when Israel was scattered by Esarhaddon, and when the king of Judah, Manasseh, was carried to Babylon, B.C. 677. Thus they continued to be a people scattered, by the kings of the earth, until they fled into the wilderness in A.D. 538, which makes 1215 years. There they remained in the wilderness a time, times, and a half — which began A.D. 538, and continued until A.D. 1798. The kings of the earth then had power, and the time, times and a half of the scattering of the holy people is filled up by 45 years, being the remainder of the 1215, making in all 1260 years, under the nations or kings, and ending in the year 1843, — which is the fullness of times. Eph. 1:7,10: “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensa¬tion of the fullness of time he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” .. when the people of God, both among Jews and Gentiles, will no more be scattered, but gathered in one body in Christ.

As Dale Ratzlaff notes in Cultic Doctrine

As I read the above “proof” I had to shake my head and say, “How can he do that?” And then, “He can’t do that!” There are a number of tenuous assumptions behind some of these connections. The year 538 plays a key role in several of Millers “proofs” but:

It is not easy to convince people of a date which is not generally attested in secular history. [Arasola, The End of Historicism, p. 133]

The quote from Ephesians seems to have nothing to do with Daniel, Jeremiah or the time of the second coming. Most believe this refers to what Christ did at the cross and at the resurrection rather than with some time prophecy pointing to 1843. This is another broken link in the “perfect chain of truth.”

Ellen White said God chose William Miller, guided his mind, his methods of Bible study, his conclusions, his charts, his mission, and more.

Next time we will begin examining William Miller’s proof #9. In it he uses the reign of Papacy to determine the date for Christ’s second coming in 1843.

Things are not going well for Ellen White. We have examined 8 of 15 proofs and found them all to be faulty.