The purpose of this page is to directly test Ellen's word's against scripture in order to see if the angels Ellen's revelations remained consistent with the revelations given by God to the prophets and apostles in scripture and the teachings of Jesus. Ellen taught a new set of dietary laws under the new Health Reform which she claimed was directly given to her by God through visions. These dietary laws are vastly different from those which God gave in scripture; items condemned and forbidden (by God) included clean meats, all fermented food and drinks, tea, coffee, spices, spicy foods, condiments, hot beverages, beverages with meals, jams, jellies, marmalade's, pastries, puddings, eggs, butter, more than two meals per day, all narcotics/opioids for medical use, and general pharmaceuticals used by medical physicians.

Before reading into these sections, it is important to consider that many people in the Christian world as well as many ex-Adventists believe that God approves of the eating of every kind of animal. It is the goal of the authors to encourage independent study of this subject, and if one leaves the traditions of Adventism, we encourage them not to jump quickly to another set of man-made teachings. Most of Christianity teaches that Mark 7 illustrates clearly that Jesus proclaimed all foods clean:

• "After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside the person which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which come out of the person are what defile the person.”  And when He later entered a house, away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him about the parable. And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding as well? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the person from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thereby He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, “That which comes out of the person, that is what defiles the person. For from within, out of the hearts of people, come the evil thoughts, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, acts of adultery, deeds of greed, wickedness, deceit, indecent behavior, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile the person.” Mark 7:14-23

This, however, should be more thoroughly examined because the statement made that Jesus declared all foods clean is in parentheses within the text, meaning it is not found in the earliest manuscripts and was added later by someone else as a personal interpretation and commentary, not by the author. If this person was correct in saying Jesus was declaring all foods clean and even explained this to the his disciples who were asking, then it becomes puzzling that Peter did not understand this to be true when he was later given a vision in the book of Acts. At first, when his vision showed unclean animals which God commanded him to eat, Peter thought at first God was being literal regarding foods and exclaimed earnestly to God that he had never eaten anything unclean and would not even think to do so, as he still considered them to be unclean. Peter then explained that the interpretation of the vision was not about food, but about pagan gentiles who had been regarded as unclean being accepted into the faith:

• “Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. But he became hungry and wanted to eat; but while they were making preparations, he fell into a trance; and he saw the sky opened up, and an object like a great sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground, and on it were all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the sky. A voice came to him, “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!” But Peter said, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” Again a voice came to him a second time, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into the sky.  Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius had asked directions to Simon’s house, and they appeared at the gate; and calling out, they were asking whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there. While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. But get up, go downstairs and accompany them without misgivings, for I have sent them Myself.” ... "Now Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter helped him up, saying, “Stand up; I, too, am just a man.” As he talked with him, he entered and found many people assembled. And he said to them, “You yourselves know that it is forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner; and yet God has shown me that I am not to call any person unholy or unclean." ... “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.” Act 10

Peter's conviction regarding the abstinence of unclean foods years after the ministry of Jesus illustrates that the disciples who walked directly with Jesus and were the ones asking Jesus to explain the parable in Mark 7, did not come away believing that Jesus was proclaiming all foods clean. Jesus Himself explained that He was speaking of the stance of the human heart embracing sin and rebellion versus submission to God. As the authors, we encourage every believer to study scripture independent of various Christian and denominational interpretations, and to rely on prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

A the reader examines the scripture s below versus Ellen's writings, it should be noted that while God strictly forbids anyone to add anything to the prophesies in the book of Revelation, Ellen went as far as adding the Health Reform directly to the third angel’s message. In addition to this warning, Paul strictly warned that anyone, even an angel, who presents a gospel any different from the one already presented is to be considered under God's curse, yet Ellen boldly presented the Health Reform to be directly attached to the gospel and the commandments within it to be connected with a believer's readiness for translation and salvation. The reason the Health Reform teachings should be thoroughly examined and compared with scripture is due to Ellen attaching it directly to the gospel, the third angel's message, and claiming that to disregard any of the commandments of health written by her hand is a sin directly against God.

• The first section below will outline scripture vs Ellen: adding to the gospel, the third angel's message, and warning against demonic teachings which command the abstinence of foods God has already blessed.
• The next section will outline the permitted diet within scripture.
• The final section lists new commandments within the Health Reform which contradict scripture.

 

God's Warnings against adding to: Gospel, Third Angel's Message, Dietary Laws

 

Gospel

Scripture:

• "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!" Galatians 1:8-9

 

Ellen G. White:

• "The sanitariums which are established are to be closely and inseparably bound up with the gospel. The Lord has given instruction that the gospel is to be carried forward; and the gospel includes health reform in all its phases. Our work is to enlighten the world; for it is blind to the movements which are taking place, preparing the way for the plagues which God will permit to come upon the world. God’s faithful watchmen must give the warning... Health reform is to stand out more prominently in the proclamation of the third angel’s message. The principles of health reform are found in the word of God. The gospel of health is to be firmly linked with the ministry of the word. It is the Lord’s design that the restoring influence of health reform shall be a part of the last great effort to proclaim the gospel message. Our physicians are to be God’s workers. They are to be men whose powers have been sanctified and transformed by the grace of Christ. Their influence is to be knit up with the truth that is to be given to the world. In perfect and complete unity with the gospel ministry, the work of health reform will reveal its God-given power. Under the influence of the gospel, great reforms will be made by medical missionary work. But separate medical missionary work from the gospel, and the work will be crippled.." Manuscript 23, 1901 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/125.1233#1254  

 

• "Health reform is as closely related to the gospel as the arm is to the body; but the arm can not take the place of the body. The proclamation of the gospel message, the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus, is the burden of our work. This message is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and is to go to the whole world. The presentation of health principles is to be united with the proclamation of this message, but it is not in any way to take the place of it, or be independent of it." Letter 57, 1896 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/125.1233#1248 

 

• "I have some more to say, but cannot say it now. Look these things over and write me. I have to say a few words more. For your soul’s sake, for your family’s sake, refuse to have one particle of cider or wine, or anything of a stimulating character in your house, or on your premises. Your eternal interest is at stake. Your life is even now in the balance. The course you shall hereafter pursue will decide your destiny." Letter and manuscripts, volume 2, Letter 7 (1875) https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/14052.3784001#3784020

 

• “This branch of the Lord's work has not received due attention, and through this neglect much has been lost. If the church would manifest a greater interest in the reforms through which God Himself is seeking to fit them for His coming, their influence would be far greater than it now is. God has spoken to his people, and He designs that they shall hear and obey his voice. Although the health reform is not the third angel's message, it is closely connected with it. Those who proclaim the message should teach health reform. It is a subject that we must understand, in order to be prepared for the events that are to close upon us, and it should have a prominent place.” Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods, ch. 21, par. 2 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/125.1233#1236 

 

• "Those who have received instruction regarding the evils of the use of flesh foods, tea, and coffee, and rich and unhealthful food preparations, and who are determined to make a covenant with God by sacrifice, will not continue to indulge their appetite for food that they know to be unhealthful. God demands that the appetites be cleansed, and that self-denial be practiced in regard to those things which are not good. This is a work that will have to be done before His people can stand before Him a perfected people." Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 153, 154 (1909) https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/115.846#851 

 

• "Obedience to the laws of our being should be regarded of great importance, and to every individual, a matter of personal duty. Indifference and ignorance upon this subject is sin…we will be accountable before God for the light he has given us, which we would not accept and act upon…I have heard many say…our habits have become formed, and it is next to impossible to change…By hurtful indulgences these are working against their own highest interest and happiness in this life, and are, in so doing, disqualifying themselves to obtain the future life…disregarding the light and knowledge which hold them responsible for the result of their violation of nature's laws…Because the majority choose to walk in a path which God has positively forbidden, shall all feel compelled to tread the same path?" The Health Reformer, October 1, 1871 https://m.egwwritings.org/es/book/821.1231#1236 

 

• “Every mother should carefully guard her table, and allow nothing to come upon it which will have the slightest tendency to lay the foundation of intemperate habits. Food should be prepared in as simple a manner as possible, free from condiments and spices, and even from an undue amount of salt. You who have at heart the good of your children, and who would see them come up with unperverted tastes and appetites, must perseveringly urge your way against popular sentiments and practices. If you would have them prepared to be useful on earth and to obtain the eternal reward in the kingdom of glory, you must teach them to obey the laws of God, both in nature and revelation, instead of following the customs of the world.” The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 74, October 12, 1897 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/110.882#888 

 

• “We must ourselves suffer the ills of violated laws. If we die, we die for ourselves. Is it not best to live for the future eternal life, and die in Christ? It is our duty to study the laws that govern our being and conform to them. Ignorance in these things is sin. We cannot do as we please with our bodies, for they are God’s property. “Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:20].—Manuscript 86, 1897. https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/71.11#73 

 

• "The progress of reform depends upon a clear recognition of fundamental truth. While, on the one hand, danger lurks in a narrow philosophy and a hard, cold orthodoxy, on the other hand there is great danger in a careless liberalism. The foundation of all enduring reform is the law of God. We are to present in clear, distinct lines the need of obeying this law. Its principles must be kept before the people. They are as everlasting and inexorable as God Himself." The Ministry of Healing, 129-130 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/125.1233#1265 
  • This means that in today's age, all Adventists should be strictly omitting and teaching the abstinence of every one of her health reforms (forbidding foods such as eggs, butter, tea, spices, three meals a day, clean meats etc); as every one is as "everlasting" as the Creator Himself. 

 

• "In teaching health principles, keep before the mind the great object of reform,—that its purpose is to secure the highest development of body and mind and soul. Show that the laws of nature, being the laws of God, are designed for our good; that obedience to them promotes happiness in this life, and aids in the preparation for the life to come." https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3816#3820 

 

• “December 10, 1871, I was again shown that the health reform is one branch of the great work which is to fit a people for the coming of the Lord. It is as closely connected with the third angel's message as the hand is with the body. The law of ten commandments has been lightly regarded by man; but the Lord would not come to punish the transgressors of that law without first sending them a message of warning. The third angel proclaims that message. Had men ever been obedient to the law of ten commandments, carrying out in their lives the principles of those precepts, the curse of disease now flooding the world would not be. Men and women cannot violate natural law by indulging depraved appetite and lustful passions, and not violate the law of God. Therefore, He has permitted the light of health reform to shine upon us, that we may see our sin in violating the laws which He has established in our being. All our enjoyment or suffering may be traced to obedience or transgression of natural law. Our gracious heavenly Father sees the deplorable condition of men, who, some knowingly, but many ignorantly, are living in violation of the laws that He has established. And in love and pity to the race, He causes the light to shine upon health reform. He publishes His law, and the penalty that will follow the transgression of it, that all may learn, and be careful to live in harmony with natural law. He proclaims His law so distinctly, and makes it so prominent, that it is like a city set on a hill. All accountable beings can understand it if they will. Idiots will not be responsible. To make plain natural law, and urge the obedience of it, is the work that accompanies the third angel's message, to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord.” Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods, ch. 21 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/125.1233#1260 

 

Third Angel's Message

Scripture: 

• “Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” Revelation 14:6-12

 

• “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18

 

Ellen G. White:

• “As the end draws near and the work of giving the last warning to the world extends, it becomes more important for those who accept present truth to have a clear understanding of the nature and influence of the testimonies, which God has linked (added) with the work of the third angel's message from its very rise.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol 5, ch. 81, par .1 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/39.238#245 

 

• “One important part of the work of the ministry is to faithfully present to the people the health reform, as it stands connected (added) with the third angel's message, as a part and parcel of the same work. They should not fail to adopt it themselves, and should urge it upon all who profess to believe the truth. The health reform, I was shown, is a part (added) of the third angel's message, and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body. I saw that we as a people must make an advance move in this great work. Ministers and people must act in concert. God's people are not prepared for the loud cry of the third angel. They have a work to do for themselves which they should not leave for God to do for them. He has left this work for them to do. It is an individual work; one can not do it for another.” Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods, ch. 21, par. 4-5 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/125.1233#1240

 

• "The self-denial, humility, and temperance required of the righteous, whom God especially leads and blesses, is to be presented to the people in contrast to the extravagant, health-destroying habits of those who live in this degenerate age. God has shown that health reform is as closely connected with the third angel’s message as the hand is with the body. There is nowhere to be found so great a cause of physical and moral degeneracy as a neglect of this important subject. Those who indulge appetite and passion, and close their eyes to the light for fear they will see sinful indulgences which they are unwilling to forsake, are guilty before God." Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods, ch. 21 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/125.1233#1252 

 

• “As the end draws near and the work of giving the last warning to the world extends, it becomes more important for those who accept present truth to have a clear understanding of the nature and influence of the testimonies, which God in His providence has linked with the work of the third angel’s message from its very rise.” Testimonies for the Church 5:654 (1889)  https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/39.238#245  

 

 

Teachings to Abstain from God's Permitted Foods: Demonic

Scripture:

• "But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.” 1 Timothy 4:1-3 

 

Ellen G. White:

• “I did not visit Dansville till August, 1864, fourteen months after I had the vision. I did not read any works upon health until I had written Spiritual Gifts, volumes 3 and 4, Appeal to Mothers, and had sketched out most of my six articles in the six numbers of How to Live…I did not know that such a paper existed as The Laws of Life… I did not know that such works existed until September, 1863, when in Boston, Mass., my husband saw them advertised in a periodical…My husband ordered the works from Dansville and received them at Topsham, Maine. His business gave him no time to peruse them, and as I determined not to read them until I had written out my views, the books remained in their wrappers. As I introduced the subject of health to friends where I labored in Michigan, New England, and in the State of New York, and spoke against drugs and flesh meats, and in favor of water, pure air, and a proper diet, the reply was often made, "You speak very nearly the opinions taught in the Laws of Life, and other publications, by Drs. Trall, Jackson, and others. Have you read that paper and those works?" My reply was that I had not, neither should I read them till I had fully written out my views, lest it should be said that I received my light on the subject of health reform from physicians, and not from the Lord. And after I had written my six articles for How to Live, I then searched out the various works on hygiene and was surprised to find them so nearly in harmony, and to set before my brethren and sisters the subject as brought out by able writers, I determined to publish How to Live, in which I largely extracted from the works referred to." Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, October 8, 1867/ Selected Messages, vol. 3, p. 276 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/100.1644#1647 

 

• “In the light given me so long ago (1863), I was shown that intemperance would prevail in the world to an alarming extent, and that every one of the people of God must take an elevated stand in regard to reformation in habits and practices.... The Lord presented a general plan before me. I was shown that God would give to His commandment-keeping people a reform diet, and that as they received this, their disease and suffering would be greatly lessened. I was shown that this work would progress.” The General Conference Bulletin, April 12, 1901 Counsels on Health, 531 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.4001#4012 

 

• “The Lord gave me great light on health reform." ... "I engaged heartily in this work, and spoke to large assemblies on temperance in its broadest and truest sense.” Selected Messages, Book 1, Ch 2 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/98.135#150 

 

 

Permitted Diet in Scripture

 

Flesh Meats

 

God ate meat with Abraham, God commanded that the children of Israel take their flocks and herds with them out of Egypt, ordered two sacrifices per day and then commanded the priests to eat it, commanded the children of Israel of what meats they could eat, commanded them to eat meat every passover

• “The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”  “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”  So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.” Genesis 18:1-8

 

• “Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth of this month they are, each one, to take a lamb for themselves, according to the fathers’ households, a lamb for each household.” … “They shall eat the flesh that same night, roasted with fire, and they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled at all with water, but rather roasted with fire, both its head and its legs along with its entrails.” Exodus 12:3-9

 

• “The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat:  You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud.” …“Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams you may eat any that have fins and scales.” … “These are the birds you are to regard as unclean and not eat because they are unclean: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, any kind of black kite, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat. All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be regarded as unclean by you. There are, however, some flying insects that walk on all fours that you may eat: those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground. Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper.” … “‘Every creature that moves along the ground is to be regarded as unclean; it is not to be eaten.” … “You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.’” Leviticus 11

 

• “You shall not eat any detestable thing. These are the animals that you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep. And any animal that has a divided hoof and has its hoofs split in two, and chews the cud, among the animals, that animal you may eat.” … “These you may eat of everything that is in the water: anything that has fins and scales you may eat, but anything that does not have fins and scales, you shall not eat; it is unclean for you. You may eat any clean bird. But these are the ones that you shall not eat: the eagle and the vulture and the buzzard, and the red kite, the falcon, and the kite in their kinds, and every raven in its kind, and the ostrich, the owl, the seagull, and the hawk in their kinds, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the pelican, the carrion vulture, the cormorant, the stork, and the heron in their kinds, and the hoopoe and the bat.” Deuteronomy 14

 

• “Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the sin offering: in the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered, the sin offering shall be slaughtered before the Lord; it is most holy. The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it. It shall be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the tent of meeting. Whoever touches its flesh will become consecrated; and when any of its blood spatters on a garment, you shall wash what spattered on it in a holy place. Also the earthenware vessel in which it was boiled shall be broken; and if it was boiled in a bronze vessel, then it shall be scoured and rinsed in water. Every male among the priests may eat it; it is most holy. But no sin offering of which any of the blood is brought into the tent of meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place shall be eaten; it shall be burned with fire.” Leviticus 6:24-30

 

• “‘Now as for the flesh of the sacrifice of his thanksgiving peace offerings, it shall be eaten on the day of his offering; he shall not leave any of it over until morning. But if the sacrifice of his offering is a vow or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten on the day that he offers his sacrifice, and on the next day what is left of it may be eaten; but what is left over from the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burned with fire. So if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings is ever eaten on the third day, he who offers it will not be accepted, and it will not be credited to him. It will be an unclean thing, and the person who eats it shall bear his punishment.” Leviticus 7:15-18

 

• “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” Daniel 10:2
  • After Daniel's temporary dietary restrictions he adhered to during his three-year training period before being presented to Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel continued to eat both meat and wine; only abstaining from them during times of fasting. 

 

• “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.” Mark 6:41

 

• “When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence.” Luke 24:40-43

 

• “Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples ventured to inquire of Him, ‘Who are You?’ knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise. This was now the third time that Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.” John 21:12-14

 

 

Fermented Wine and Drinks

 

Fermented Wine and Drinks permitted:

• “You shall certainly tithe all the produce from what you sow, which comes from the field every year. You shall eat in the presence of the Lord your God, at the place where He chooses to establish His name, the tithe of your grain, your new wine, your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and your flock, so that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. But if the distance is so great for you that you are not able to bring the tithe, since the place where the Lord your God chooses to set His name is too far away from you when the Lord your God blesses you, then you shall exchange it for money, and bind the money in your hand and go to the place which the Lord your God chooses. And you may spend the money on whatever your heart desires: on oxen, sheep, wine, other strong drink, or whatever your heart desires; and there you shall eat in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household.” Deuteronomy 14:22-26 

 

• “The Lord then spoke to Aaron, saying,  “Do not drink wine or strong drink, neither you nor your sons with you, when you come into the tent of meeting, so that you do not die.” Leviticus 10:8-9

 

• “The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of dedication to the Lord as a Nazirite, they must abstain from wine and other fermented drink and must not drink vinegar made from wine or other fermented drink. They must not drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins. As long as they remain under their Nazirite vow, they must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins.” … “‘Now this is the law of the Nazirite when the period of their dedication is over. They are to be brought to the entrance to the tent of meeting. There they are to present their offerings to the Lord” … “After that, the Nazirite may drink wine.” Numbers 6

 

• “And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, “You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh and all his servants, and to all his land; the great trials which your eyes have seen, those great signs and wonders. Yet to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to know, nor eyes to see, nor ears to hear. And I have led you in the wilderness for forty years; your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandal has not worn out on your foot. You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or other strong drink, in order that you might know that I am the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 29:2-6
  • God was not framing clothes, sandals, or bread in a negative light, nor was He doing so with wine and strong drink. He was revealing that while they lacked these things, He provided for them in the wilderness. All of these things were given back to them as blessings when they entered the promised land. 

 

• “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for the labor of mankind, So that they may produce food from the earth, And wine, which makes a human heart cheerful, So that he makes his face gleam with oil, And food, which sustains a human heart.” Psalm 104:14-15

 

• “Give intoxicating drink to one who is perishing, And wine to one whose life is bitter. Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his trouble no more.” Proverbs 31:6-7

 

• “Now the Lord of armies will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain; A banquet of aged wine, choice pieces with marrow, And refined, aged wine.” Isaiah 25:6

 

• “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:16-17
  • Jesus uses example of wine fermentation in his parable. 

 

• Jesus: “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Matthew 11:18-19

 

Food and Drink Permitted - Overuse/Abuse of Gluttony and Drunkenness Forbidden:

• “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1 

 

• “Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.” Proverbs 23:20-21

 

• “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.” Ezekiel 16:49-50

 

• “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:18-19

 

• “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast. “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.” Proverbs 23:29-35

 

• “Woe to those who rise early in the morning so that they may pursue intoxicating drink, Who stay up late in the evening so that wine may inflame them!” Isaiah 5:11

 

• “And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” Ephesians 5:18

 

• “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

 

• “Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy.” Romans 13:13

 

• “Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” 1 Timothy 3:8-9 

 

Drunkenness symbolized to be connected with God’s wrath and punishment:

• “Take from my hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. They shall drink and stagger and be crazed because of the sword that I am sending among them” Jeremiah 25:15-16

 

• “Rejoice and be joyful, daughter of Edom, Who lives in the land of Uz; But the cup will pass to you as well, You will become drunk and expose yourself. The punishment of your wrongdoing has been completed, daughter of Zion; He will no longer exile you. But He will punish your wrongdoing, daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins!” Lamentations 4:21-22 

 

• “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird. For all the nations have fallen because of the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich from the excessive wealth of her luxury.” I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive any of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her offenses. Pay her back even as she has paid, and give back to her double according to her deeds; in the cup which she has mixed, mix twice as much for her.” Revelation 18:2-6

 

Dairy

• “The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”  “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”  So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.” Genesis 18:1-8

 

• “And I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.” Exodus 3:17

 

• “He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.” Isaiah 7:15

 

• “And because of the abundance of milk that they give, he will eat curds, for everyone who is left in the land will eat curds and honey.” Isaiah 7:22 

 

• “Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.” 1 Samuel 17:18

 

• “Now when David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the sons of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, brought beds, basins, pottery, wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, roasted seeds, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him, to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and exhausted and thirsty in the wilderness.” 2 Samuel 17:27-29 

 

• “And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord and water the Valley of Shittim.” Joel 3:18

 

• “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1

 

• “Now which one of you fathers will his son ask for a [m]fish, and instead of a fish, he will give him a snake? Or he will even ask for an egg, and his father will give him a scorpion? So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Luke 11:11-13

 

 

Spices/Seasonings/Salt

Salt and spices are mentioned throughout scripture many times. God does not call them forbidden or negative, instead their use is regarded as positive all throughout scripture. 

 

Grain offering to be eaten by priests - included mixture of incense:

• Incense ingredients: “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred.” Exodus 30:34-45

 

• “‘When anyone brings a grain offering to the Lord, their offering is to be of the finest flour. They are to pour olive oil on it, put incense on it and take it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the incense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord. The rest of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the food offerings presented to the Lord.” … “Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings. ‘If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the Lord, offer crushed heads of new grain roasted in the fire. Put oil and incense on it; it is a grain offering. The priest shall burn the memorial portion of the crushed grain and the oil, together with all the incense, as a food offering presented to the Lord.” Leviticus 2:1-3,14-16

 

• “‘These are the regulations for the grain offering: Aaron’s sons are to bring it before the Lord, in front of the altar. 15 The priest is to take a handful of the finest flour and some olive oil, together with all the incense on the grain offering, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as an aroma pleasing to the Lord. 16 Aaron and his sons shall eat the rest of it, but it is to be eaten without yeast in the sanctuary area; they are to eat it in the courtyard of the tent of meeting. 17 It must not be baked with yeast; I have given it as their share of the food offerings presented to me. Like the sin offering and the guilt offering, it is most holy. 18 Any male descendant of Aaron may eat it. For all generations to come it is his perpetual share of the food offerings presented to the Lord. Whatever touches them will become holy.” Leviticus 6:14-18

 

Spices:

• “Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruits, henna with nard, nard with saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all chief spices” Song of Songs 4:13-14

 

• “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.” Matthew 23:23

 

• “He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32

 

Salt:

• “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13

 

• “Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” Mark 9:49-50 
  • Jesus compared salt (described as good) with fire; possibly referring to the holy spirit.

 

 

Hot drinks, Cold Water with Meals, Tea, Coffee,

Puddings, Pastries, Jams, Jellies, Marmilades, Pharmiceuticals

Within scripture, the overuse/abuse of any food and alcoholic drink (gluttony and drunkenness) is clearly forbidden. However, scripture does not teach the abstinence from the additional ingredients written in the Health Reform. Ellen claimed (per divine vision) that the commandments in the Health Reform have been added to the commandments of God if scripture.

 

 

Ellen G. White

 

Health Reform - New Commandments

 

(flesh meat)

• “The Lord plainly told His people that every blessing would come to them if they would keep His commandments, and be a peculiar people. He warned them through Moses in the wilderness, specifying that health would be the reward of obedience. The state of the mind has largely to do with the health of the body, and especially with the health of the digestive organs. As a general thing, the Lord did not provide His people with flesh meat in the desert, because He knew that the use of this diet would create disease and insubordination. In order to modify the disposition, and bring the higher powers of the mind into active exercise, He removed from them the flesh of dead animals. He gave them angels’ food, manna from heaven.” Manuscript 38, 1898  https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3093#3115 
  • God commanded Israel to leave Egypt taking their flocks and herds. At Mt Sinai during the very beginning of Israel’s 40-year journey through the wilderness, God provided clear instructions on which flesh meats were permitted, showing them that he expected them to eat meat. He also commanded all of Israel to eat the passover lamb each year, and commanded the priests to eat the daily sacrifices. 

 

(divine authority, meat, butter, three meals)

• "I have not taken one step back since the light from heaven upon this subject first shone upon my pathway. I broke away from everything at once, from meat and butter, and from three meals. . . .I left off these things from principle. I took my stand on health reform from principle." Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 371-372 (1869) https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.4001#4031 

 

(flesh meat)

• "Those who digress occasionally to gratify the taste in eating a fattened turkey or other flesh meats, pervert their appetites, and are not the ones to judge of the benefits of the system of health reform. They are controlled by taste, not by principle." Testimonies, vol. 2. (1870) https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/125.853#1042 

 

(flesh meat)

• "...flesh meat is not the right food for God's people. It animalizes human beings." Counsels on Diets and Foods, Ch 23 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3093#3256 
  • Was Jesus “animalized” when He ate flesh meats in His glorified body after his resurrection?

 

(divine authority, flesh meat)

• "Those who claim to believe the truth are to guard carefully the powers of body and mind, so that God and His cause will not be in any way dishonored by their words or actions. The habits and practices are to be brought into subjection to the will of God. We are to give careful attention to our diet. It has been clearly presented to me that God’s people are to take a firm stand against meat eating. Would God for thirty years give His people the message that if they desire to have pure blood and clear minds, they must give up the use of flesh meat, if He did not want them to heed this message? By the use of flesh meats the animal nature is strengthened and the spiritual nature weakened." Letter 48, 1902 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3093#3176 

 

(flesh meat)

• “Those who use flesh meat disregard all the warnings that God has given concerning this question. They have no evidence that they are walking in safe paths. They have not the slightest excuse for eating the flesh of dead animals. God’s curse is resting upon the animal creation. Many times when meat is eaten, it decays in the stomach, and creates disease. Cancers, tumors, and pulmonary diseases are largely caused by meat eating.” Pacific Union Recorder, October 9, 1902 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3093#3182

 

(wine)

• "The Bible nowhere sanctions the use of intoxicating wine. The wine that Christ made from water at the marriage feast of Cana was the pure juice of the grape. This is the “new wine ... found in the cluster,” of which the Scripture says, “Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it.” Isaiah 65:8. https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/135.1676#1685 
  • This directly contradicts the scriptures above regarding the use (not abuse) of fermented wine. There is no where in scripture that states Jesus did not turn the wedding wine into fermented wine. 

 

(divine authority, vinegar, fermentation)

• “One week ago last Sabbath evening [April 2], we had a meeting with the families in the house to talk up certain things in regard to the food that should be prepared for boarders, and the influence that should be exerted in the families who board the workers. The Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and I bore a plain, decided testimony. I had presented much more upon general principles, but that did not set things right. The idea was so riveted in their minds that their own way was perfect, that the very ones who need to reform did not take hold of the matter at all. I was obliged to say decidedly, as did Nathan to David, “Thou art the man.” It made a decided stir in the camp, I assure you. I told them that the preparation of their food was wrong, and that living principally on soups and coffee and bread was not health reform; that so much liquid taken into the stomach was not healthful, and that all who subsisted on such a diet placed a great tax upon the kidneys, and so much watery substance debilitated the stomach.” … “The salads are prepared with oil and vinegar, fermentation takes place in the stomach, and the food does not digest, but decays or putrefies. As a consequence the blood is not nourished, but becomes filled with impurities, and liver and kidney difficulty appear. Heart disturbances, inflammation, and many evils are the result of such kind of treatment, and not only are the bodies affected, but the morals, the religious life, are affected.” … “Well, I talked many things, and I am now waiting for them to recover from the shock they have received before I give them another portion. I felt deeply moved upon this subject.” Letter 9, 1887, pp. 1-3. (To J. H. Kellogg, April 15, 1887.) 2MR 144.2 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/73.737#738 
  • Ellen condemns the fermentation of vinegar. Vinegar prepared in Ellen's day almost exclusively included moderate-high alcohol content. Interestingly, Ellen admitted to having had a vinegar addiction. 

 

(tea, coffee, sin)

• "Tea and coffee drinking is a sin, an injurious indulgence, which, like other evils, injures the soul. These darling idols create an excitement, a morbid action of the nervous system; and after the immediate influence of the stimulants is gone, it lets down below par just to that degree that its stimulating properties elevated above par.” Letters and Manuscripts, Vol 11, Ms 44, December 4 (1896) https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/14061.5775001#5775015 

 

(tea, coffee)

• "Tea is poisonous to the system. Christians should let it alone. The influence of coffee is in a degree the same as tea, but the effect upon the system is still worse. Its influence is exciting, and just in the degree that it elevates above par, it will exhaust and bring prostration below par. Tea and coffee drinkers carry the marks upon their faces. The skin becomes sallow, and assumes a lifeless appearance. The glow of health is not seen upon the countenance." Testimonies for the Church 2:64, 65, 1868 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3512#3519 

 

(tea, coffee)

"When these tea and coffee users meet together for social entertainment, the effects of their pernicious habit are manifest. All partake freely of the favorite beverages, and as the stimulating influence is felt, their tongues are loosened, and they begin the wicked work of talking against others. Their words are not few or well chosen. The tidbits of gossip are passed around, too often the poison of scandal as well. These thoughtless gossipers forget that they have a witness. An unseen Watcher is writing their words in the books of heaven. All these unkind criticisms, these exaggerated reports, these envious feelings, expressed under the excitement of the cup of tea, Jesus registers as against Himself. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3512#3538

 

(tea)

• "Do not, because you are among unbelievers, become careless in your words, for they are taking your measure. If you sit at their table, eat temperately and only of food that will not confuse the mind. Keep yourself from all intemperance. Be, yourself, an object lesson, illustrating right principles. If they offer you tea to drink, tell them in simple words its injurious effect on the system." Letters and Manuscripts - Vol 6, MS 23 (1890) https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/14056.6062001ss=eyJwYXJhbXMiOnsicXVlcnkiOiJtYW51c2NyaXB0IDIzIDE4OTAiLCJsYW5nIjoiZW4ifSwic2dfaW5kZXgiOiIwIn0%3D#6062008   

 

(tea)

• “I thought of this man, poor as far as worldly possessions are concerned, but with moral courage to cut loose from smoking and tea drinking, the habits of his boyhood. He did not plead for a little indulgence in wrong doing. No; he decided that tobacco and tea were injurious, and that his influence must be on the right side. He has given evidence that the Holy Spirit is working on his mind and character to make him a vessel unto honor.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, p. 5 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/71.11#44

 

(tea, coffee)

• “Tea and coffee are neither wholesome nor necessary. They are of no use as far as the health of the body is concerned. But practice in the use of these things becomes habit. When men and women are truly converted, they will conscientiously regard their habits of eating, drinking, and dressing. They will seek to avoid physical, mental, and moral feebleness.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, p. 4 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/71.11#38 

 

(divine prophecy, milk)

• "The light given me is that it will not be very long before we shall have to give up using any animal food. Even milk will have to be discarded. Disease is accumulating rapidly. The curse of God is upon the earth, because man has cursed it. The habits and practices of men have brought the earth into such a condition that some other food than animal food must be substituted for the human family. We do not need flesh food at all. God can give us something else." Australasian Union Conference Record, July 28, 1899 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3093#3194 

 

(divine prophecy, eggs, milk, cream, butter)

• "Let the diet reform be progressive. Let the people be taught how to prepare food without the use of milk or butter. Tell them that the time will soon come when there will be no safety in using eggs, milk, cream, or butter, because disease in animals is increasing in proportion to the increase of wickedness among men. The time is near when, because of the iniquity of the fallen race, the whole animal creation will groan under the diseases that curse our earth. God will give His people ability and tact to prepare wholesome food without these things. Let our people discard all unwholesome recipes." Testimonies for the Church 7:135, 1902 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3033#3043 

 

(butter, eggs, meat)

• "You place upon your tables butter, eggs, and meat, and your children partake of them. They are fed with the very things that will excite their animal passions, and then you come to meeting and ask God to bless and save your children. How high do your prayers go?" Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 362 (1870) https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3033#3046 

 

(divine authority, cream, butter)

• “You have the light which the Lord has given our people and kept before them for many years. The Lord does not say Yea and Nay to His people, but Yea and Amen. I will send you testimonies given to others upon the subject of health reform. This is a large subject. I am now revising the book entitled Christian Temperance.” … “I eat only two meals, and cannot eat vegetables or grains. I do not use meat. I cannot go back to this. When tomatoes, raised on my own land, were placed on the table, I tried using them, uncooked and seasoned with a little salt or sugar. These I found agree with me very well, and from last February until June, they formed the greater part of my diet. With them I ate crackers, here called biscuits. I eat no dessert but plain pumpkin pie. At my meals I often eat nothing but a few crackers and a piece of pumpkin pie. I use a little boiled milk in my simple home-made coffee, but discard cream and butter, and strictly adhere to a limited amount of food. I am scarcely ever hungry, and never know what it is to have a feverish, disagreeable feeling in my stomach. I have no bad taste in my mouth.” … “I have written this to give you some idea of how we live. I never enjoyed better health than I do at the present time, and never did more writing. I rise at three in the morning, and do not sleep during the day. I am often up at one o’clock, and when my mind is especially burdened, I rise at twelve o’clock to write out matter that has been urged upon my mind. I praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice for His great mercy toward me. I have felt urged by the Spirit of God to set before several the fact that their sufferings are caused by a disregard of the light given them upon health reform.” … “We need to consider closely our habits and practices, and banish our sinful, darling self-indulgences. I have had light from God on this subject, and I have been endeavoring to give the light to our people in this country.” Letter 73a, (August 30, 1896) https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/14061.5174001#5174008 
  • Hypocritical statement regarding coffee as she called it a sin while admitting to using it herself.
    

 

(cheese)

• "Cheese should never be introduced into the stomach." Testimonies for the Church 2:68, 1868 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3068#3071 

 

(cheese)

• "Some brought cheese to the meeting, and ate it; although new, it was altogether too strong for the stomach, and should never be introduced into it." The Review and Herald, July 19, 1870https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3068#3081 

 

(meat, cake, rich food, all spices)

• “But since the Lord presented before me, in June, 1863, the subject of meat-eating in relation to health, I have left the use of meat. For a while it was rather difficult to bring my appetite to bread, for which, formerly, I have had but little relish. But by persevering, I have been able to do this. I have lived for nearly one year without meat. For about six months most of the bread upon our table has been unleavened cakes, made of unbolted wheat-meal and water, and a very little salt. We use fruits and vegetables liberally. I have lived for eight months upon two meals a day. I have applied myself to writing the most of the time for above a year. For eight months have been confined closely to writing. My brain has been constantly taxed, and I have had but little exercise. Yet my health has never been better than for the past six months. My former faint and dizzy feelings have left me. I have been troubled every spring with loss of appetite. The last spring I had no trouble in this respect. Our plain food, eaten twice a day, is enjoyed with a keen relish. We have no meat, cake, or any rich food upon our table. We use no lard but in its place, milk, cream, and some butter. We have our food prepared with but little salt, and have dispensed with spices of all kinds. We breakfast at seven, and take our dinner at one. It is seldom I have a faint feeling. My appetite is satisfied. My food is eaten with a greater relish than ever before.” Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods, Ch 39 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/125.2083#2086 
  • Promoting butter here is contradictory to her other statements that butter is to be avoided, and as shown in her above quotes, prayers will not reach heaven with butter on the table. It should be noted that every one of her testimonies was claimed to be directly from the mouth of God. 

 

(salty food, spicy food)

• “Do not eat largely of salt; give up bottled pickles; keep fiery spiced food out of your stomach.” The Review and Herald, July 29, 1884 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3490#3509  

 

(mustard, pepper, spices, condiments, pickles)

• “In this fast age, the less exciting the food, the better. Condiments are injurious in their nature. Mustard, pepper, spices, pickles, and other things of a like character, irritate the stomach and make the blood feverish and impure. The inflamed condition of the drunkard’s stomach is often pictured as illustrating the effect of alcoholic liquors. A similarly inflamed condition is produced by the use of irritating condiments. Soon ordinary food does not satisfy the appetite. The system feels a want, a craving, for something more stimulating.” https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/135.1644#1644 

 

(pepper, spices, meat)

• “Monday we visited Sister Jeffrey. Found her sick upon her back. I entreated her just as soon as she was able to have them take her to the Health Institute. I expect she will come. We came here last evening. Found Sister Levy sick. The people fail to come right up to the mark upon eating and drinking, but more especially upon working. People worry and work and gratify the taste and eat pepper, spice and meat and then are sick. Oh, dear! What will move them to act out the truths they have heard?” Letter and Manuscripts, Vol 1, Letter 3 (1868) https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/13961.2953001#2953009 

 

(pudding, jams, jellies, marmalades, fermentation)

• “What kind of health reformers are we? I think we need to consider this question more, much more, critically. We do not need a large variety of dishes on the table at the same meal. We might better dispense with the sweet puddings and concentrated jellies, jams or marmalade which set up a fermentation in the stomach. When these are banished forever from our table it will be made easier to live a Christian life, for there will be sweeter stomachs and the result will be sweeter tempers.” Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894) https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/14059.5519001#5519008 

 

(Hot drinks)

• “Hot drinks are debilitating; and besides, those who indulge in their use become slaves to the habit.” The Review and Herald, July 29, 1884 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3490#3509

 

(Cold water with meals)

• “Many make a mistake in drinking cold water with their meals. Taken with meals, water diminishes the flow of the salivary glands; and the colder the water, the greater the injury to the stomach. Ice water or ice lemonade, drunk with meals, will arrest digestion until the system has imparted sufficient warmth to the stomach to enable it to take up its work again.” … “Food should not be washed down; no drink is needed with meals.” The Review and Herald, July 29, 1884 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3490#3509 

 

(Pharmaceuticals)

• “My dear friends, instead of taking a course to baffle disease, you are petting it and yielding to its power. You should avoid the use of drugs, and carefully observe the laws of health. If you regard your life, you should eat plain food, prepared in the simplest manner, and take more physical exercise. Each member of the family needs the benefits of health reform. But drugging should be forever abandoned; for while it does not cure any malady, it enfeebles the system, making it more susceptible to disease.” Testimonies for the Church5:311 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/125.2083#2139  
  • According to Ellen, all Adventists should be abstaining from medications; All Adventist Hospitals and Adventist healthcare providers should be abstaining from medications to treat diseases, and should only be teaching on dietary/lifestyle modifications. The usage of medications in this instance goes against the message of the third angel, according to the angels who gave Ellen her visions and revelations. And as explicitly stated by Ellen, operating outside of her testimonies regarding health is sin.

:

(Pharmaceuticals, alcohol, tea, coffee)

• "Drug medication is to be discarded. On this point the conscience of the physician must ever be kept tender and true and clean. The inclination to use poisonous drugs, which kill if they do not cure, needs to be guarded against. Matters have been laid open before me in reference to the use of drugs. Many have been treated with drugs and the result has been death. Our physicians, by practicing drug medication, have lost many cases that need not have died if they had left their drugs out of the sickroom.” … “Patients are to be supplied with good, wholesome food; total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks is to be observed; drugs are to be discarded, and rational methods of treatment followed. The patients must not be given alcohol, tea, coffee, or drugs; for these always leave traces of evil behind them. By observing these rules, many who have been given up by the physicians may be restored to health.”  Medical Ministry, p 227-228 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/75.1720#1724   https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/14062.5689001#5689012 

 

(tea, coffee, narcotics, opium, tobacco)

• "Diseases of every stripe and type have been brought upon human beings by the use of tea and coffee and the narcotics, opium and tobacco. These hurtful indulgences must be given up, not only one but all; for all are hurtful, and ruinous to the physical, mental, and moral powers, and should be discontinued from a health standpoint." Manuscript 22 (1887) https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3512#3521 

 

(tea, coffee, opium)

• “Those who use tea, coffee, opium, and alcohol, may sometimes live to an old age, but this fact is no argument in favor of the use of these stimulants. What these persons might have accomplished, but failed to do because of their intemperate habits, the great day of God alone will reveal. https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/384.3512#3528 

 

(stimulants, narcotics, evil)

• “Under the head of stimulants and narcotics is classed a great variety of articles that, altogether used as food or drink, irritate the stomach, poison the blood, and excite the nerves. Their use is a positive evil.” https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/135.1642#1643 

 

(divine authority, salvation at stake, flesh meat, seasonings, pepper, mustard, tea, coffee, intoxicating drink, only two meals a day)

• “If we are the servants of Christ, we must fight against the evils of this degenerate age. While lawlessness of all kinds is sweeping over our world like a flood, we must take a decided stand on the requirements of the Bible, or we shall be swept away into moral and physical ruin. We must have moral strength to place ourselves, with firm determination, in opposition to the iniquity that abounds, or we shall be overcome. It is our privilege to understand the laws of this wonderful structure, the human habitation, that God has given us. Mind and body should be preserved in the best possible state of health that we may take up our work in the world. I know that much can be done toward building up a good condition of health. I have had five shocks of paralysis, and God, in his mercy, has raised me up, to take my place in the work he has given me to do, and to try to benefit others by my experience. Light was given me, and I saw the reason for my feeble health. I was astonished that I had so long remained in ignorance in regard to the laws of life. My habits were out of harmony with the conditions that are necessary to health. My food had not been of a proper kind to give vitality and strength to the system. It was highly seasoned, and stimulating rather than nutritious. The physicians said that I might die at any time, and I resolved that if I died, I would die in attempting to correct my injurious habits of life. I resolved to place myself on a platform of strictest temperance. I did not use tea or coffee or any kind of intoxicating wine or liquor, so I did not have these habits to overcome; but I had used flesh and spices, eating hearty meals three times a day. I had to educate myself to enjoy the simple, healthful grains and fruits that God has provided for the wants of man. But I found that all the sacrifice I had to make was doubly repaid in renewed health of body and mind. I had used pepper and mustard in my diet; but these should not be put into the human stomach. The delicate membrane becomes inflamed, the healthy tone of the stomach is lowered, and the appetite is perverted, the taste loses its discernment, and the delicious flavors of grains, vegetables, and fruits become insipid and unpalatable.”... “I have been invited here and there to come and take tea with certain families. I was glad to have an opportunity to talk with these friends; but I could not countenance their hurtful practice of tea-drinking, I could not partake of this beverage with them, or give my influence to encourage this unnecessary and injurious habit.”… “We want a work of reformation in our land. There are thousands who can testify to the benefits of discarding these luxuries, and drinking from nature’s pure fountain. Why should we go to China and Japan for the products of a backward civilization? Why not banish the narcotic bean and the poisonous herb, and come into harmony with the sanitary laws of the Bible? If we are pursuing a course of action that brings weakness upon us, how can we present to God a holy offering, a living sacrifice? We are required to love God with all our hearts and our neighbor as ourselves; but we are failing of this high requirement, if we are unfitting ourselves by hurtful habits for rendering acceptable service to our Maker and to our fellow-men. How can we think deeply and seriously on the plan of salvation, if our minds are clouded, our nerves unstrung, and our bodies full of pain and disease? If we are knowingly transgressing the laws of health, God cannot sustain and comfort us with his grace. This would only encourage us in wrong-doing. We must put our feet in the path of righteousness, and make all the efforts we can to walk uprightly, and then we may appropriate the rich promises, and we shall realize that we are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. We must be fitting up for the society of Heaven. We want to have a right to the tree of life. We want to enter that city where nothing that defileth shall ever come. Our characters must reach the standard of holiness. Every thought and habit must be brought into harmony with the will of God. Jesus came to our world to be our Saviour and example, and it is in his name alone, that we may gain the victory over perverted nature. He overcame in man’s behalf, and through his grace we may become “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” He “suffered, being tempted” for forty days, in the lonely wilderness, he endured fasting and temptation that man might have help to overcome the cravings of appetite, and live, not by bread alone, “but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” He stood in his integrity, a conqueror, and through him the sons of Adam may also be overcomers. Those who put their energies against the sinful indulgence of appetite, will have his divine aid and sympathy, and “he that endureth unto the end shall be saved.” Signs of the Times, February 17, (1888) https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/820.8628#8641 

 

Clothing

(artificial hair/pads/hair coverings)

• “Fashion loads the heads of women with artificial braids and pads…The artificial hair and pads covering the base of the brain, heat and excite the spinal nerves centering the brain. The head should ever be kept cool. The heat caused by these artificials induces blood to the brain. The action of the blood upon the lower or animal organs of the brain, causes unnatural activity, tends to recklessness in morals, and the mind and heart are in danger or being corrupted. As the animal organs are excited and strengthened, the moral are enfeebled. The moral and intellectual powers of the mind become servants to the animal. In consequence of the brain being congested its nerves lose their healthy action, and take on morbid conditions, making it almost impossible to arouse the moral sensibilities. Such lose their power to discern sacred things. The unnatural heat caused by these artificial deformities about the head, induces blood to the brain, producing congestion, and causing the natural hair to fall off, producing baldness… but all such objections to these monstrosities become as nothing compared with the objection which arises from the congestion of the blood-vessels of the back brain by reason of their use… In women there is such an intimate connection between the back brain and the reproductive structure that when the former becomes enfeebled the latter invariably takes on morbid conditions.” The Health Reformer, October 1871, p. 120, 121 https://m.egwwritings.org/es/book/821.1231#1244 
  • This teaching is rooted in a popular Victorian health construct called ‘phrenology,’ which was heavily emphasized in EGW’s day. The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining a stable internal temperature when external temperatures are variable, allowing for the application of head coverings without causing a disturbance in physiological function. Additionally, the frontal lobe is responsible for controlling the brain's center of decision making and impulse control, whereas the "base" of the brain is responsible for autonomic functions such as balance and musculoskeletal movement. If the heat from head coverings truly altered cerebral function leading to decreased moral fortitude, God would not have instructed His Levitical priesthood to wear turban head coverings in the Sinai wilderness.
  • She also claims that head coverings which retain heat to the scalp also heat the base of the brain itself and in turn cause harm to the reproductive systems of women; something for which there is no credible medical evidence.

 

(small waists, tight-lacing)

• "Some women have naturally small waists. But rather than regard such forms as beautiful, they should be viewed as defective. These wasp waists may have been transmitted to them from their mothers, as the result of their indulgence in the sinful practice of tight-lacing, and in consequence of imperfect breathing. Poor children born of these miserable slaves of fashion have diminished vitality, and are predisposed to take on disease. The impurities retained in the system in consequence of imperfect breathing are transmitted to their offspring." The Health Reformer, Nov 1, 1871 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/504.365#392 
  • It is physiologically impossible for tight-lacing to alter the genetic expression of bone structure in one's offspring. 

 

John the Baptist's Health Reform:

• "John the Baptist was a reformer. To him was committed a great work for the people of his time. And in preparation for that work, all his habits were carefully regulated, even from his birth. The angel Gabriel was sent from Heaven to instruct the parents of John in the principles of health reform. He “shall drink neither wine nor strong drink,” said the heavenly messenger; “and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.”  John separated himself from his friends, and from the luxuries of life, dwelling alone in the wilderness, and subsisting upon a purely vegetable diet. The simplicity of his dress—a garment woven of camel’s hair—was a rebuke to the extravagance and display of the people of his generation, especially of the Jewish priests. His diet, also, of locusts and wild honey, was a rebuke to the gluttony that everywhere prevailed." Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods, ch. 21 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/125.1233#1273 
  • Ellen was altering and adding to what scripture has already explained. There was no additional commandment given by the angel that we are explicitly told about according to scripture. John's diet did not consist of a "purely vegetable diet"; neither locusts nor honey are vegetables. John was not a reformer of health, nor was the reason for his lifestyle to rebuke the food and dress of the people in his present day; he was commanded to abstain from wine and fermented drink, to be set apart to preach repentance and prepare people for the coming of their Messiah. He did not preach about clothing or food; he only pointed people to the Messiah, who did not follow any sort of reformed dress or diet but rather followed the commandments of God outlined in scripture. 
    • “But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.” Luke 1:13-15