While the provided documents do not specifically mention "Ash Wednesday" by name, Ellen White wrote extensively on the spiritual principles of fasting, repentance, and the "humiliation of soul" (
14MR 101.2) that characterize such observances. She emphasized that the value of any religious observance lies in the internal condition of the heart rather than the outward ceremony. Ellen White taught that "The outward signs of fasting and prayer, without a broken and contrite spirit, are of no value in God's sight" (
14MR 101.2). She explained that an inward work of grace is neededand that God will graciously receive and heal those who truly humble their hearts before Him (
14MR 101.2). For those seeking to draw closer to God, she noted that "Fasting and prayer will accomplish nothing while the heart is estranged from God by a wrong course of action" (
1TT 212.2).
In her discussion of the biblical Day of Atonement, she described a similar period of intense spiritual focus where "Every man was required to afflict his soul" (
HF 258.4). She explained that "Anciently every one that did not on the day of atonement afflict his soul, was cut off from the people" (
HS 213.3). For Christians today, she defined this work as "heart-searching, of self-abasement, and confession of sin, each humbling his own soul before God" (
HS 213.3).
Regarding the practical application of fasting, Ellen White suggested that "Entire abstinence from food should not be required, but they should deny themselves the food they usually enjoy, and partake of [a] plain, simple diet" (
13MR 330.2). She believed this was a time for genuine humiliation and most earnest prayeras we approach the final crisis of world history (
13MR 330.2). When interacting with others who may observe different religious traditions, she advised that we should "speak to them, as you may have opportunity, upon points of doctrine wherein you can agree, and dwell on practical godliness" (
4MR 117.1).
This approach helps to gain confidence and remove barriers while focusing on the shared need for a relationship with Christ. In summary, while Ellen White did not address the specific holiday of Ash Wednesday, she advocated for a life of deep, internal repentance and practical godliness that goes beyond outward signs and ceremonies. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:**
• What did Ellen White say about the difference between true and false fasting?
• How should we conduct ourselves during a "Day of Atonement" experience today?
• What practical advice did she give for those who want to practice self-denial in their diet? --- 📚 **hundreds of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=Information+on+ash+Wednesday)
