Ellen White did not use the term "trinity" in the way it is commonly discussed in modern theology. However, she clearly referred to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as distinct, divine persons who work together in unity. For example, she wrote:
- "Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that they have forsaken the service of Satan and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King." (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 91)
She also described the unity between Christ and the Father:
- "The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. They are one in purpose, in mind, in character, but not in person. It is thus that God and Christ are one." (The Ministry of Healing, p. 422)
And she affirmed the divinity and unique relationship of Christ with the Father:
- "Christ the Word, the Only Begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father,—one in nature, in character, and in purpose,—the only being in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God." (The Great Controversy, p. 493)
While Ellen White affirmed the divinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and their unity, she did not use the term "trinity" as it is defined in later doctrinal statements. Her writings emphasize the threefold nature of the Godhead but also maintain distinctions between the persons.
References:
- White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 91.
- White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, p. 422.
- White, E. G. (1911). The Great Controversy, p. 493.