Sixty-six book Protestant canon; Ellen White's writings not canonical
Adventism affirms the 66-book Protestant biblical canon as the inspired and authoritative Word of God. The Apocrypha is not considered canonical. Scripture is the supreme authority in all matters of doctrine and practice — 'the only creed' in Adventist self-description — and all other writings, including those of Ellen G. White, are evaluated against Scripture.
The relationship of Ellen G. White's writings to Scripture is carefully defined: White is recognized as a prophet whose writings have the 'spirit of prophecy' (Revelation 19:10) but whose works are not additions to the biblical canon. Her writings are accorded a significant normative role in Adventist theology while being formally subordinated to Scripture. This distinction is maintained officially, though in practice White's writings carry great authority.
Key Distinctions
- Ot canon:
- 39 books (Protestant canon)
- Deuterocanonical status:
- rejected
- Additional scripture:
- Ellen G. White's writings as 'the lesser light' — inspired but not equal to Scripture
- Canon open:
- closed written canon; Ellen White's gift of prophecy is post-biblical
Scripture References
Sources
- Seventh-day Adventist Church, 28 Fundamental Beliefs, Belief 1 (The Holy Scriptures)