Ellen White addressed the topic of sexuality in various contexts, often emphasizing self-control, purity, and the importance of channeling passions correctly within the framework of marriage and Christian principles. Here are some of the key themes from her writings: **1. On Self-Control and Lustful Passions:** She warned against allowing animal passions to rule over the moral and intellectual nature. This counsel was for both single and married individuals. > "Every Christian will have to learn to restrain his passions and be controlled by principle. Unless he does this he is unworthy of the Christian name." (2T 347.1) > "Very many families are living in a most unhappy state because the husband and father allows the animal in his nature to predominate over the intellectual and moral... We are under solemn obligations to God to keep the spirit pure and the body healthy, that we may be a benefit to humanity, and render to God perfect service." (2T 381.2) **2. Connection Between Diet and Passion:** Ellen White taught that diet and lifestyle choices had a direct impact on physical desires and passions. > "Men and women, by indulging the appetite with rich and highly-seasoned foods, especially flesh-meats and rich gravies, and by using stimulating drinks, as tea and coffee, create unnatural appetites. The system becomes fevered...while the baser passions are excited, and predominate." (SA 102) **3. Warnings Against "Moral Pollution" (Self-Abuse):** She wrote extensively about the dangers of what was then termed "self-abuse" or "moral pollution," viewing it as a practice that depleted vitality and harmed both physical and mental health. > "Youth and children of both sexes engage in moral pollution, and practice this disgusting, soul-and-body-destroying vice. Many professed Christians are so benumbed by the same practice that their moral sensibilities cannot be aroused to understand that it is sin, and that if continued its sure results will be utter shipwreck of body and mind." (2T 347.1) **4. On the Association Between the Sexes:** She cautioned against associations that could lead to temptation, advocating for relationships to be governed by high moral principles rather than passion. > "Dr. J has recommended that the sexes mingle together; he has taught that physical and mental health demands a closer association with one another. Such teaching has done and is doing great injury to inexperienced youth and children... Thus a door of temptation is opened before them, passion rouses like a lion within their hearts, every consideration is overborne, and everything elevated and noble is sacrificed to lust." (4T 95.2) Is there a specific aspect of this topic you would like to explore further?

thought 1. **Identify the core question:** The user's statement is "Sex is holy." This is an affirmation, not a question, but the implied query is, "What did Ellen White say about the holiness or sacredness of sex and marriage?" 2. **Initial Keyword Brainstorming:** * "sex holy" * "sex sacred" * "marriage holy" * "marriage sacred" * "sacredness of marriage" * "sacred institution" * "divine institution" * "purity in marriage" * "holy wedlock" * "sacred circle of marriage" 3. **Select Search Tools and Formulate Queries:** * The topic is broad and foundational, likely covered in books and compilations. * `egwwritingbooks` is a primary tool. A good query would be "sacredness of marriage" as it's a specific and common phrase related to the topic. * `egwwritingCompilations` is also a good choice. A similar query, "sacred circle of marriage," might pull up slightly different, more curated results. * `whiteestatedocuments` is essential for verification and finding key, often-cited passages. A good query for this tool would be a summary statement of the expected findings: "Ellen White taught that the marriage institution and the sexual relationship within it are sacred and holy, ordained by God. She contrasted this with the misuse of passion, which degrades this sacred gift." This will help confirm the overall theme and find supporting documents. 4. **Execute Searches:** * Call `egwwritingbooks` with `input="sacredness of marriage"`. * Call `egwwritingCompilations` with `input="sacred circle of marriage"`. * Call `whiteestatedocuments` with the summary statement. 5. **Analyze Search Results:** * **`egwwritingbooks` results:** * Multiple hits on marriage being a "sacred ordinance," "sacred institution," and a "sacred covenant." * Quotes from *The Ministry of Healing (MH)*, *Patriarchs and Prophets (PP)*, *The Desire of Ages (DA)*, and *Testimonies for the Church (2T, 5T, 7T)*. * Key themes emerge: * Marriage was instituted by God in Eden (`PP 46.3`). * It's a symbol of the union between Christ and His church (`DA 151.1`, `7T 46.3`). * It's meant to be a blessing, guarding purity and happiness (`PP 46.3`, `MH 356.4`). * It has been perverted by sin, and the gospel aims to restore its purity (`MB 64.1`). * There's a strong contrast between the sacred use of marriage and the abuse of it through "corrupt passions" and "lust" (`CTBH 129.3`, `2T 472.3`). This is a crucial point to include. * The quote "The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth" (`MH 356.4`) is a perfect summary statement. * **`egwwritingCompilations` results:** * Reinforces the themes from the books. * Uses phrases like "sacred institution," "sacred ordinance," and "sacred circle." * Mentions that marriage is a symbol of the family in heaven (`DG 180.2`). * Highlights the need for religion in the home to prevent wrongs and that "Only where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish love" (`MYP 440.1`). * The concept of a "sacred circle" around the family that should be unbroken is a valuable addition (`1MCP 223.3`). * **`whiteestatedocuments` results:** * Provides well-curated devotional readings that confirm the main points. * "Marriage has received Christ's sanction and blessing and is to be regarded as a sacred institution." (From *In Heavenly Places*) * "He who made the first holy pair... has put His seal upon the marriage institution..." (From *In Heavenly Places*) * "The marriage vow ... links the destinies of the two individuals with bonds which nought but the hand of death should sever." (From *The Faith I Live By*) * Contrasts holiness with "uncleanness" and the indulgence of "lower passions." (From *God's Amazing Grace*) 6. **Synthesize and Structure the Response:** * **Opening Statement:** Start by directly affirming the user's statement. "Yes, you are correct. Ellen White consistently taught that sexuality, within the covenant of marriage, is a sacred and holy gift from God." This validates the user's input and sets a positive tone. * **Create Thematic Sections:** Organize the quotes into logical categories to make the information digestible. Good categories would be: 1. **A Divine and Sacred Institution:** Focus on the origin and purpose of marriage as established by God. 2. **A Symbol of Christ and the Church:** Explain the spiritual metaphor associated with marriage. 3. **The Sacredness of the Family Circle:** Discuss the sanctity of the relationship and the home. 4. **Contrast with Misuse:** It's crucial to include the warnings against perverting this sacred gift, as this was a major theme in her writings. This provides balance and shows the full context. * **Select and Place Key Quotes:** * For "A Divine and Sacred Institution," start with the foundational quote from *Patriarchs and Prophets*: "God celebrated the first marriage... 'Marriage is honorable'; it was one of the first gifts of God to man..." (`PP 46.3`). Also, use the quote from *The Ministry of Healing*: "The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth." (`MH 356.4`). * For "A Symbol of Christ and the Church," use the clear statement from *The Desire of Ages*: "In both the Old and the New Testament, the marriage relation is employed to represent the tender and sacred union that exists between Christ and His people." (`DA 151.1`). * For "The Sacredness of the Family Circle," the quote about the "sacred circle that should be kept unbroken" is perfect (`MH 361`, found in the compilations). Also, the quote about angels being guests in the home is powerful: "Angels of God will be guests in the home, and their holy vigils will hallow the marriage chamber." (`5T 362.2`). * For "Contrast with Misuse," it's important to show the other side. Use a quote like: "The sacred covenant of marriage is often made to cover sins of the darkest hue. Men and women professing godliness give way to corrupt passions, and thus place themselves on a level with the brute creation." (`CTBH 129.3`). * **Review and Refine:** * Ensure every quote has a proper, abbreviated citation. * Check that the introductory sentences for each section accurately reflect the quotes that follow. * The flow should be logical, starting with the ideal (God's institution) and then addressing the reality (how sin perverts it). * End with a concluding thought that summarizes the main idea: the gospel's purpose is to restore marriage to its original purity and beauty. The quote from *Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing* is excellent for this: "...it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty." (`MB 64.1`).Yes, you are correct. Ellen White consistently taught that sexuality, within the covenant of marriage, is a sacred and holy gift from God. She viewed the marriage institution as one of the two institutions, along with the Sabbath, that originated in Eden and was brought by Adam beyond the gates of Paradise. Here is how she described the sacredness of this union: ### 1. A Divine and Sacred Institution Ellen White emphasized that marriage was established by God Himself and is therefore a sacred ordinance, not merely a human contract. * "God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe. 'Marriage is honorable' (Hebrews 13:4); it was one of the first gifts of God to man, and it is one of the two institutions that, after the Fall, Adam brought with him beyond the gates of Paradise. When the divine principles are recognized and obeyed in this relation, marriage is a blessing; it guards the purity and happiness of the race, it provides for man's social needs, it elevates the physical, the intellectual, and the moral nature." (PP 46.3) * "The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth. It was designed to be a blessing to mankind. And it is a blessing wherever the marriage covenant is entered into intelligently, in the fear of God, and with due consideration for its responsibilities." (MH 356.4) ### 2. A Symbol of Christ and the Church She frequently used the marriage union to illustrate the deep, sacred, and unbreakable bond between Christ and His people. * "In both the Old and the New Testament, the marriage relation is employed to represent the tender and sacred union that exists between Christ and His people." (DA 151.1) * "Marriage, a union for life, is a symbol of the union between Christ and His church. The spirit that Christ manifests toward the church is the spirit that husband and wife are to manifest toward each other." (7T 46.3) ### 3. The Sacredness of the Family Circle The sanctity of marriage extends to the home, creating a holy space where God is honored. * "Around every family there is a sacred circle that should be kept unbroken. Within this circle no other person has a right to come. Let not the husband or the wife permit another to share the confidences that belong solely to themselves." (MH 361.1) * "Only where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish love. Then soul will be knit with soul, and the two lives will blend in harmony. Angels of God will be guests in the home, and their holy vigils will hallow the marriage chamber. Debasing sensuality will be banished. Upward to God will the thoughts be directed; to Him will the heart's devotion ascend." (5T 362.2) ### 4. Contrast Between the Sacred and the Profane While upholding the holiness of the marriage relationship, she strongly condemned its abuse, where selfish passion takes the place of sacred love. * "The sacred covenant of marriage is often made to cover sins of the darkest hue. Men and women professing godliness give way to corrupt passions, and thus place themselves on a level with the brute creation... Health and life are sacrificed upon the altar of lust. The higher, nobler powers are brought into subjection to the sensual nature." (CTBH 129.3) * "Like every other one of God's good gifts entrusted to the keeping of humanity, marriage has been perverted by sin; but it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty." (MB 64.1) In summary, Ellen White's writings affirm that the sexual relationship within a marriage committed to God is not something to be ashamed of, but rather a sacred, holy, and beautiful gift designed by the Creator for the happiness and elevation of humanity.

Ellen White described heaven and the New Earth as a place of ultimate joy, celebration, and worship. While she may not have used the specific term "festival" frequently, her descriptions of heavenly gatherings are filled with the elements of a grand, ongoing celebration. Here are some of the ways she portrayed these heavenly festivities: ### 1. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb This is the most prominent example of a great festival in heaven. It is a grand celebration of Christ's union with His redeemed people. * "By the wedding is represented the reception by Christ of His kingdom. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called 'the bride, the Lamb's wife.'... The marriage supper of the Lamb is celebrated in heaven." (GC 426.2) * In one of her earliest visions, she described being welcomed to this feast: "We all went under the tree and sat down to look at the glory of the place... We all shouted with a loud voice, 'Glory, alleluia!'... We passed through the gate into the city... We all sat down at the table of the Lord, which was many miles in length. And I saw Jesus, and He came and served us." (EGW, *Day-Star*, March 14, 1846) ### 2. A Continual Chorus of Praise Heaven is portrayed as a place of perpetual, joyous music and praise, a true festival of worship. * "As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption and the amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the redeemed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise." (GC 678.1) * "And the inhabitants of heaven will unite with them in ascribing praise to the Father and the Son. This is not a silent, mournful adoration, but a song of praise and thanksgiving. Every creature will say, 'Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.'" (8T 254.3) ### 3. A Festival of Discovery and Fellowship The celebration in heaven also involves the joy of learning and exploring the universe with unfallen beings. * "All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God's redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar—worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understanding gained through ages upon ages in contemplation of God's handiwork." (GC 677.2) ### 4. The Celebration Over Every Saved Soul Ellen White also emphasized that a festival of joy breaks out in heaven every single time a person chooses to repent and follow God. * "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. A song of triumph is echoed and re-echoed through the heavens. God and Christ and the angels rejoice over the repenting sinner." (COL 181.1) In essence, the life of the redeemed in heaven is depicted as a continuous festival of praise, fellowship, discovery, and joy in the presence of God.