Ellen White does not teach that the "door of mercy" closes for the church before it closes for the world. Based on our best data from the White Estate, her writings make it clear that the close of probation—the moment when the door of mercy is shut—is a simultaneous event for all humanity, not something that happens for the church first.
Here are some key points and direct references from her writings:
1. **Historical Context of the "Shut Door"**: After 1844, some believed the door of mercy was shut for the world, but Ellen White clarified this was a misunderstanding. She wrote:
> "But clearer light came with the investigation of the sanctuary question. ... While it was true that that door of hope and mercy by which men had for eighteen hundred years found access to God was closed, another door was opened, and forgiveness of sins was offered to men through the intercession of Christ in the most holy. ... There was still an 'open door' to the heavenly sanctuary where Christ was ministering in the sinner's behalf."
(The Great Controversy, p. 429.2)
2. **Probation Closes for All at Once**: She states:
> "When the work of investigation shall be ended, when the cases of those who in all ages have professed to be followers of Christ have been examined and decided, then, and not till then, probation will close, and the door of mercy will be shut."
(The Great Controversy, p. 428.2)
3. **No Special Close for the Church First**: The idea that the door of mercy closed for the world in 1844 was renounced by most Adventists, except for a few fanatical individuals. She explains:
> "But the idea that the work of the gospel was finished was soon renounced, except by some fanatical ones who would neither be counseled nor receive instruction."
(The Great Controversy, 1888 edition, p. 685.1)
4. **Illustration from Noah's Ark**: She uses Noah's story to illustrate the final close of probation:
> "So when Christ shall cease His intercession for guilty men, before His coming in the clouds of heaven, the door of mercy will be shut. Then divine grace will no longer restrain the wicked, and Satan will have full control of those who have rejected mercy."
(Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 98.2)
**Conclusion:**
Ellen White's writings do not support the idea that the "door of mercy" closes for the church before the world. The close of probation is a global event, happening for all at the same time after the investigative judgment.
**References:**
- White, E. G. (1911). The Great Controversy. (See pp. 428.2, 429.2, 1888 ed. 685.1)
- White, E. G. (1890). Patriarchs and Prophets. (See p. 98.2)
If you need more specific references or further clarification, please let me know!