Ellen White teaches that the work of overcoming sin and developing a Christlike character must be completed before the Second Coming, but this is only possible through Christ's righteousness and divine grace—not by human effort alone. She emphasizes that while "perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect righteousness" is the condition for eternal life, this can only be achieved through the working of divine grace (Steps to Christ, p. 62). She is clear that when Christ returns, He will not cleanse us of our sins or remove our character defects at that time; this work must be accomplished before His coming: "When the Lord comes, those who are holy will be holy still" (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 355). Ellen White also points out that the standard is the perfection of the divine character, but always directs believers to Christ as the source of this perfection, not human effort (The Ministry of Healing, p. 451). She encourages believers that through Christ, it is possible to "overcome as He overcame" and that ample provisions have been made for those who sincerely seek to perfect holiness (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 453). However, she also cautions that we trust in God not because we are sinless, but because Jesus died to save "erring, faulty creatures" (Gospel Workers, 1892, p. 427). In summary: Ellen White teaches that victory over sin and the development of a Christlike character is necessary before the Second Coming, but this is only possible through Christ's righteousness and grace. She does not teach that humans can become sinless in their own strength. References: - White, E. G. (1892). Steps to Christ, p. 62. - White, E. G. (1911). The Acts of the Apostles, p. 532. - White, E. G. (1870). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, pp. 355, 453. - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, p. 451. - White, E. G. (1892). Gospel Workers, p. 427.