Ellen Chat Conversation

# Ellen White's Counsel on Jewelry Ellen White taught clearly that wearing jewelry is inconsistent with Christian faith and practice. She wrote that "self-denial in dress is a part of our Christian duty. To dress plainly, abstaining from display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind, is in keeping with our faith" (3SM 245.5). This wasn't merely a cultural preference but a spiritual principle rooted in Scripture and Christ's example. ## The Biblical Foundation Her counsel was grounded in 1 Peter 3:3-4, which she quoted when counseling a new convert who wore gold bracelets and rings: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel. But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (9MR 118.1). She believed that those who truly love the truth will practice obedience to Christ's words in this area. ## Christ's Example of Self-Denial Ellen White connected the jewelry question to Christ's supreme sacrifice. She reminded believers that "Jesus, the Commander in the heavenly courts, laid aside His crown of royalty and His royal robe and stepped down from His royal throne, and clothed His divinity with the habiliments of humanity, and for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might come into possession of eternal riches" (9MR 117.1). In light of Christ's self-denial, she questioned how those for whom He sacrificed everything could feel so little disposition to deny themselves anything they have money to buy.## Practical Counsel: Sell and Give Her advice was direct and practical. She wrote that "those who have bracelets, and wear gold and ornaments, had better take these idols from their persons and sell them, even if it should be for much less than they gave for them, and thus practice self-denial" (9MR 117.1). She called jewelry "idols" and urged that the money be redirected to saving souls rather than personal adornment. When asked whether one could use the Lord's money to purchase diamonds or jewels for another person, she responded firmly: "These cannot save one soul. They will not lead anyone to accept the saving truths for this time. Let us do nothing to encourage a vanity that is sinful" (9MR 119.3). Instead, she urged believers to invest in eternal treasures. ## The True Ornament Ellen White contrasted physical jewelry with spiritual adornment. She taught that "there is an ornament that will never perish, that will promote the happiness of all around us in this life, and will shine with undimmed luster in the immortal future. It is the adorning of a meek and lowly spirit" (4T 643.5). She urged that instead of seeking golden ornaments for the exterior, believers should seek "that wisdom which is of more value than fine gold, yea, which is more precious than rubies" (4T 643.5). ## Warning Against Compromise She addressed the tendency to compromise on this principle, recounting a conversation where someone defended wearing a gold ring by saying, "We are not so particular as formerly. Our people have been overscrupulous in their opinions upon the subject of dress... It is not good policy to be singular in our dress; for we cannot exert so much influence" (3SM 247.1). Ellen White clearly rejected this reasoning, maintaining that the standard should not be lowered to match worldly practices. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the connection between dress reform and spiritual life? • How did she counsel believers to use their money for God's work instead of personal adornment? • What other aspects of simplicity and self-denial did she emphasize as part of Christian living? --- 📚 **18 passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=jewelry)

# Ellen White's Counsel on Unborn Babies and Infants Ellen White's writings don't directly address the theological status of unborn babies in the womb. However, she wrote extensively about the salvation and eternal destiny of young children who die, which provides insight into God's character and His care for the innocent. ## The Salvation of Little Children Ellen White taught clearly that infants and young children who die are saved and will be resurrected. She described how little children are borne by holy angels to their mothers' armsat the resurrection (TA 279.3). This beautiful picture shows God's tender care for the youngest souls. She further explained the resurrection scene: "As the little infants come forth immortal from their dusty beds, they immediately wing their way to their mother's arms. They meet again nevermore to part. But many of the little ones have no mother there. We listen in vain for the rapturous song of triumph from the mother. The angels receive the motherless infants and conduct them to the tree of life" (LDE 293). This passage reveals that even children whose mothers are not saved will be cared for by angels and given eternal life. ## Implications for God's Character While Ellen White didn't specifically write about unborn babies, her teaching that young children who die are saved reflects God's justice and mercy. The principle she established—that those who have not reached an age of moral accountability are covered by God's grace—suggests His compassionate character toward all innocent life. Her writings emphasize that spiritual life itself "is begotten" through faith and God's power working in "every submissive and believing soul" (DA 98.3). This points to God as the author of all life and the one who determines salvation according to His perfect justice and mercy. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White teach about the age of accountability for children? • How did she counsel parents about raising children in the faith? • What did she say about God's justice and mercy in dealing with those who never had opportunity to hear the gospel?