In the writings of Ellen White, the term "entering wedge" is most frequently used to describe the role of health reform in evangelism. The principle is that teaching people about health and ministering to their physical needs can open their hearts to receiving spiritual truth. Here are some key passages that explain this concept: * **Health Reform as the Entering Wedge:** Ellen White stated that the principles of health reform were intended to be an initial point of contact, preparing the way for the gospel message. "This work we begin to comprehend better,—the light given years ago,—that health reform principles would be as an entering wedge to be followed by a religious influence. To voice the words of John, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”" (HL 36.1) The concept is also illustrated through metaphors of difficult journeys where the first steps are critical: * **The Narrow Path:** The Christian journey is described as a narrow path where a small deviation can lead to great danger. This illustrates the importance of a correct start. "As we progressed, the path still continued to grow narrow. We were obliged to press close to the wall, to save ourselves from falling off the narrow road down the steep precipice." (2T 594.3) * **The Danger of Small Deviations:** A single wrong step, like an entering wedge of sin, can lead to apostasy. "The least deviation from right and principle will lead to separation from God and may end in apostasy. What we do once, we more readily and naturally do again; and to go forward in a certain path, be it right or wrong, is more easy than to start." (4T 578.2) * **The Urgency of the Work:** Recognizing that time is short, she urged believers to use every possible means, like the "entering wedge" of health work, to advance the gospel. "We have no time to lose. The end is near. The passage from place to place to spread the truth will soon be hedged with dangers on the right hand and on the left... We must look our work fairly in the face and advance as fast as possible in aggressive warfare." (6T 22.3)