# Ellen White's Writings on Faith
Ellen White wrote extensively about faith throughout her ministry, emphasizing that **"faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"** (SW March 24, 1908, par. 1). She taught that Christian faith rests firmly on the Word of God, which serves as a lamp to guide believers' feet. Those who follow its light walk in truth, while those who reject it remain in the darkness of error.
## Faith and Salvation
One of Ellen White's most important contributions was her teaching on the relationship between faith and works. She emphasized that **"Salvation is by faith alone, but faith is never alone"** (
FW 10). In her definitive 1890 manuscript on justification by faith, written during the theological discussions following the 1888 Minneapolis General Conference, she made clear that **"It is not possible to effect anything in our standing before God or in the gift of God to us through creature merit. . . . Justification is wholly of grace and not procured by any works that fallen man can do. . . . Any works that man can render to God will be far less than nothingness"** (
FW 10).
This teaching portrays a God of grace who embraces every sinful, struggling soul who accepts His offer of righteousness by faith.
## The Nature of Working Faith
Ellen White taught that faith requires more than passive belief—it demands active trust in God's promises. She wrote: **"The work of faith means more than we think. It means genuine reliance upon the naked word of God. By our actions we are to show that we believe that God will do just as He has said"** (BTS June 1, 1915, par. 1). She emphasized that believers must have **"an advancing, working faith, a faith that works by love and purifies the soul from every vestige of selfishness"** (BTS June 1, 1915, par. 1).
## Our Greatest Need
Ellen White identified faith in God as humanity's greatest need. She warned: Our greatest need is faith in God. When we look on the dark side, we lose our hold on the Lord of Israel. As the heart is opened to fears and conjectures, the path of progress is hedged up by unbelief (AUGleaner September 23, 1903, par. 1). She counseled believers never to feel that God has forsaken His work.
## Faith and Daily Living
In practical terms, Ellen White taught that believers must cultivate constant awareness of Christ's presence. She wrote: **"We must have the habit stronger and stronger to be always thinking of him who is our life, our crown of rejoicing. He has bought us with the price of his own blood"** (GH May 14, 1902, par. 1). She emphasized that Christ has the right to claim that all His disciples trust Him, and that He will be our all-sufficient helper. She warned that if believers fall short, **"it will be through unbelief, and that is sin"** (GH May 14, 1902, par. 1).
## Faith and Scripture
Ellen White consistently pointed to the Bible as the foundation of faith. Her writings elevate the law of God and **"ever lead men and women to the Bible in its entirety. She points to the Bible as the sole rule of faith and practice and as the great light to which her writings, 'the lesser light,' lead"** (
CCh 29.6). She urged young people especially to study God's Word rather than filling their minds with worldly literature.
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