Ellen G. White’s writings provide a rich and detailed view of the resurrection, both of Jesus and of believers at the end of time. Here are key points from her books:
- The resurrection of Jesus is a sample and a type of the final resurrection of all who sleep in Him. His followers recognized Him after His resurrection, and in the same way, those who sleep in Jesus will rise again with their individual identity perfectly preserved. We will know our friends, even if they were deformed or diseased in this life, for in their glorified bodies, their identity will be clear (
3SP 219.2;
DA 804.1).
- The resurrection of Christ brought new hope and splendor to the Christian faith, assuring believers that their loved ones would be raised to immortal life in God’s kingdom (
LP 113.2;
AA 259.2).
- Jesus’ resurrection and ascension are a pledge of the triumph of the saints over death and the grave. Those who reflect His image will share in His glory (
9T 286.1).
- The power of Christ’s resurrection is not only for the future but also gives life to those “dead in trespasses and sins” now. The same power that will raise the dead also transforms lives today (
DA 209.3).
- The resurrection of the righteous is described as a glorious event: “The earth mightily shook as the voice of the Son of God called forth the sleeping saints. They responded to the call and came forth clothed with glorious immortality, crying, ‘Victory, victory, over death and the grave!’” Friends separated by death will be reunited, never to part again (
EW 287.1).
- Jesus was the “first-fruits” of those who sleep. When He rose, He called a multitude from the dead, giving evidence of the final resurrection (
3SP 192.2).
- The resurrection is central to Christian hope. Paul’s testimony in 1 Corinthians 15 is cited as assurance that “in Christ shall all be made alive” and that “death is swallowed up in victory” (
LS 479.3).
In summary, Ellen White teaches that the resurrection is both a present spiritual reality and a future physical event, made certain by the resurrection of Jesus. The righteous will be raised with immortal bodies, their identities preserved, and will be reunited with loved ones in the kingdom of God.
References:
- White, E. G. (1878). The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, pp. 192.2, 219.2.
- White, E. G. (1898). The Desire of Ages, pp. 209.3, 804.1.
- White, E. G. (1915). Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 479.3.
- White, E. G. (1911). Acts of the Apostles, p. 259.2.
- White, E. G. (1915). The Ninth Testimony, p. 286.1.
- White, E. G. (1882). Early Writings, p. 287.1.
- White, E. G. (1915). Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 113.2.