Ellen White emphasizes that the twelfth chapter of Romans is a deeply educational passage that every believer should study and understand. She views the instructions found within this chapter as essential lessons that must be integrated into one's daily life and practical experience (LUH November 3, 1909, par. 9). The specific counsel of Romans 12:2, which warns against being conformed to the world and calls for a transformation through the renewing of the mind, is a recurring theme in her writings. She highlights this verse as the standard for discerning and proving the perfect and acceptable will of God (1T 285.4). This transformation is not merely an outward change but a fundamental shift in the mental and spiritual faculties (T07 43.3).
She applies this biblical principle to the necessity of avoiding worldly influences that can hinder spiritual growth. By focusing on the renewing of the mind, she suggests that believers can move beyond the patterns of the world to reach a state where they can truly understand God's purposes. This process is part of a broader testimony she bears against the dangers of self-exaltation and self-deception (LUH November 3, 1909, par. 9).
Furthermore, she indicates that the entire section of Romans 12:1-13 serves as a direct testimony to those who need to understand their spiritual obligations (15MR 57.5). The call to be transformed is linked to the broader Christian duty of service, humility, and fervent devotion to the Lord (LUH November 3, 1909, par. 9).
find me this “God desires His people to become intelligent in regard to His purposes and His ways.” — The Acts of the Apostles, ch. 10
The concept that God desires His people to be intelligent regarding His purposes is a central theme in the narrative of the early church. This intelligence is not merely academic but is a spiritual clarity that allows believers to cooperate with divine agencies. It is through this understanding that humanity becomes the working agency through which the gospel exerts its transforming power on the mind and heart (ChS 8.2). This divine expectation for intelligence extends to the development of the mental faculties. God designs for His servants to possess a clearer discernment than those in the world, and He is displeased when individuals are too indolent to become well-informed workers (MYP 173). The obligation to develop the intellect to its fullest capacity is rooted in the command to love God with all the mind, ensuring that every capability is used to know and love the Creator (MYP 173).
Furthermore, this intelligence is linked to a practical understanding of God's providences and the path of obedience. As believers study the Word with a sincere desire to know His will, they receive a "higher education" where the mysteries of redemption are revealed more fully (AUCR April 15, 1912, par. 20). This process ensures that the work of God remains intelligible to His children, appealing to the understanding of intelligent minds rather than relying on mere impressions (1TT 170.2). Ultimately, the goal of becoming intelligent in God's ways is to render the believer more capable of honoring Him. There is a standing obligation for every person to reach for intellectual greatness, drawing from the inexhaustible fountain of wisdom to become efficient workers who can represent Christ to the world (T29 42.2).
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“God desires His people to become intelligent in regard to His purposes and His ways.” — The Acts of the Apostles, ch. 10
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The desire for God's people to become intelligent regarding His purposes is fundamentally linked to the role of the Holy Spirit in providing clarity and direction. This divine intelligence is not a product of human wisdom alone but is granted on the condition that individuals accept God as their Guide and Counselor, approaching Him with unwavering faith (13MR 153). Through this connection, the mind is impressed by the Spirit to understand the urgency of the times and the necessity of active service in spreading the truth (WM 79.3). This spiritual intelligence is further established through the specific light and visions given to the remnant church. These revelations were intended to establish the main points of faith and provide a certain, unchangeable foundation for understanding God's ways (8MR 319).
By keeping these truths before the mind, believers are enabled to move from a state of lukewarmness toward a position of greater light and increased faith (8MR 319). Furthermore, God uses a plain and searching testimony to educate His people and protect them from deception. This instructional work is essential for rebuking hidden sins and exposing those who would harm the flock, ensuring that the people of God remain well-informed and prepared for their future inheritance (1T 609.3). Such intelligence allows the believer to harmonize with Christ and stand firm against the spirit of unbelief and seducing doctrines that characterize the latter days (3SM 37.3).
Ultimately, the purpose of gaining this intelligence is to prepare the believer to be a more effective agency for the gospel. When a teacher of truth is properly prepared through an understanding of God's ways, they are better equipped to lead souls to Christ (PaM 282.1). This process of becoming intelligent in divine purposes requires a constant advancement, where the believer does not remain satisfied with their current understanding but seeks to advance step by step into deeper spiritual knowledge (8MR 319).
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Verified Source Texts
“Ellen G. White Estate Washington, D. C., October 5, 1983. Entire Manuscript Released MR N o. 1021—The Holy Spirit Transforms the Total Person—Body, Mind, and Spirit I received your letter stating your connection with the Sanitarium in South Africa. If you are a necessity where you are, then I would not in any way make duties for you. If the time has not yet arrived for you to leave your present situation, then continue where you are till you see your duty in this matter. The Lord has promised to give us wisdom on condition that we accept Him as our Guide and Counselor, and ask of Him with unwavering faith. 13MR 153”
“Rekindle the Spirit of Evangelism of 1844 [This, Ellen G. White's last message to the General Conference in session in 1913, was read to the Conference by the president, A. G. Daniells, Tuesday morning, May 27.]— Recently in the night season my mind was impressed by the holy spirit with the thought that if the Lord is coming as soon as we believe he is, we ought to be even more active than we have been in years past in getting the truth before the people. WM 79.3”
“Released March 17, 1978. MR N o. 613—Ellen White an Inspired Interpreter of the Bible The truths given us after the passing of the time in 1844 are just as certain and unchangeable as when the Lord gave them to us in answer to our urgent prayers. The visions that the Lord has given me are so remarkable that we know that what we have accepted is the truth. This was demonstrated by the Holy Spirit. Light, precious light from God, established the main points of our faith as we hold them today. And these truths are to be kept before the mind. We must arouse from the position of lukewarmness, from being neither cold nor hot. We need increased faith and more earnest trust in God. We must not be satisfied to remain where we are. We must advance step by step, from light to greater light. 8MR 319”
“Sister White]. We have known something of their sacrifices in the past, and have been witnesses of the blessing of God that has attended their plain, searching, faithful testimony. We have long been convinced that the teachings of the Holy Spirit in these visions were indispensable to the welfare of the people who are preparing for translation into the kingdom of God. In no other way can secret sins be rebuked and base men who creep “in unawares” into the flock of God be exposed and baffled in their evil designs. Long experience has taught us that such a gift is of inestimable value to the people of God. We believe also that God has called Brother White to bear a plain testimony in reproving wrongs thus made manifest, and that in this work he should have the support of those who truly fear God. 1T 609.3”
“Ellen White Recounts Evidences of Her Call and Work —There is in our world a spirit of belief and also a spirit of unbelief. In the latter days some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We expect that those who refuse to harmonize with Christ will develop into a warring element; but we should not think that this will do us harm. We must remember that they that are for us are more than they that can be against us. This is my hope and strength and power. I believe in God. I know in whom I believe. I believe the messages that God has given to his remnant church. From childhood I have had many, many experiences that have strengthened my faith in the work that God has given me to do. 3SM 37.3”
Ellen Chat