Probably the most outrageous abuse of the writings of Ellen White is the claim that a certain denomination is the church of God because they have the Spirit of Prophecy. And this denomination does not even adhere to the teachings to which she upheld until her death. The fact that a denomination was blessed with the presence of Ellen White does not guarantee that the denomination cannot go astray. Given that the SDA denomination has changed its Fundamental Beliefs several times since the death of Ellen White, each time bringing them closer to the stated doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, makes the claim of having the Spirit of Prophecy as an indication of being the church of God at the very least anachronistic (i.e. wrong in the time period it has been placed).

Another abuse that Ellen White would refuse to accept is the claim that she was a prophet. That same denomination has drawn justified criticism to itself for being cultic in having a prophet. The following is what she says in Selected Messages, volume 1, pp. 31, 32, concerning this matter:

Some have stumbled over the fact that I said I did not claim to be a prophet; and they have asked, Why is this? I have had no claims to make, only that I am instructed that I am the Lord's messenger; that He called me in my youth to be His messenger, to receive His word, and to give a clear and decided message in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Early in my youth I was asked several times, Are you a prophet? I have ever responded, I am the Lord's messenger. I know that many have called me a prophet, but I have made no claim to this title. My Saviour declared me to be His messenger. "Your work," He instructed me, "is to bear My word. Strange things will arise, and in your youth I set you apart to bear the message to the erring ones, to carry the word before unbelievers, and with pen and voice to reprove from the Word actions that are not right. Exhort from the Word. I will make My Word open to you. It shall not be as a strange language. In the true eloquence of simplicity, with voice and pen, the messages that I give shall be heard from one who has never learned in the schools. My Spirit and My power shall be with you. Be not afraid of man, for My shield shall protect you. It is not you that speaketh: it is the Lord that giveth the messages of warning and reproof. Never deviate from the truth under any circumstances. Give the light I shall give you. The messages for these last days shall be written in books, and shall stand immortalized, to testify against those who have once rejoiced in the light, but who have been led to give it up because of the seductive influences of evil."

Why have I not claimed to be a prophet?--Because in these days many who boldly claim that they are prophets are a reproach to the cause of Christ; and because my work includes much more than the word "prophet" signifies.

When this work was first given me, I begged the Lord to lay the burden on someone else. The work was so large and broad and deep that I feared I could not do it. But by His Holy Spirit the Lord has enabled me to perform the work which He gave me to do.

There are clear reasons why Ellen White should never have been called a prophet, and those reasons have become more and more apparent. To do so has drawn unwarranted criticism form people who would not otherwise have raised their voices. The result has been to lead others into sin and rebellion against God's leading. Great care should have been taken to present her writings in a way that would inspire confidence rather than suspicion.

Another abuse has been the attitude and the even the outright statement that Ellen White is infallible. She contradicts this directly: “I wish that self should be hid in Jesus. I wish self to be crucified. I do not claim infallibility, or even perfection of Christian character. I am not free from mistakes and errors in my life. Had I followed my Saviour more closely, I should not have to mourn so much my unlikeness to His dear image.” 20 Manuscript Releases p. 23.

Nothing could be more dangerous than to establish doctrine on the basis of Ellen White's writings. That is diametrically opposed to the principle of Scripture only. To do so is to depart from the foundation of proper faith. This is part of the reason for the confusion that exists in the SDA church and its competitors, the Reformed movements and the Davidian movements. The habit of relying on Ellen White's books, when appeal should be made to the Bible, has been catastrophic. This too diminishes the effectiveness and role of those very books, which should have been a taste of grace as missionary tools for the reaching of souls and for bringing them into the light of the Bible.

“The Lord has sent His people much instruction, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little. Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light. Oh, how much good would be accomplished if the books containing this light were read with a determination to carry out the principles they contain! There would be a thousandfold greater vigilance, a thousandfold more self-denial and resolute effort. And many more would now be rejoicing in the light of present truth.” Councils to Ministers p. 125.2

“My brethren and sisters, work earnestly to circulate these books. Put your hearts into this work, and the blessing of God will be with you. Go forth in faith, praying that God will prepare hearts to receive the light. Be pleasant and courteous. Show by a consistent course that you are true Christians. Walk and work in the light of heaven, and your path will be as the path of the just, shining more and more unto the perfect day.” Review and Herald, Jan. 20, 1903.

Ellen White especially recommends three of her books (Patriarchs and Prophets, The Great Controversy, and The Desire of Ages). By recommending them, she states that she wants to affirm her confidence in the light that God has given. By that she obviously means the teachings that were originally confirmed by the “Spirit of Prophecy” during the Sabbath and Sanctuary Conferences in 1848 and 49 and were summarized in the Fundamental Beliefs published during her lifetime. She points out that the truth stated in her books is backed up with Scripture. She does not wish to be taken above Scripture. Rather, she sees her books as the vehicle of the Holy Spirit, which traced truth upon her heart.

“How many have read carefully Patriarchs and Prophets, The Great Controversy, and The Desire of Ages? I wish all to understand that my confidence in the light that God has given stands firm, because I know that the Holy Spirit's power magnified the truth, and made it honorable, saying: ‘This is the way, walk ye in it.’ In my books, the truth is stated, barricaded by a ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ The Holy Spirit traced these truths upon my heart and mind as indelibly as the law was traced by the finger of God, upon the tables of stone, which are now in the ark, to be brought forth in that great day when sentence will be pronounced against every evil, seducing science produced by the father of lies.” Letter 90, 1906.

Another use of the writings of Ellen White that has been neglected is their influence in softening and subduing the heart. Belligerence and arrogance are easy temptations for those who know Bible truth. Knowledge of truth has to be tempered with sweetness. One of the best ways of attaining such sweetness is to be softened and subdued by reading the “Spirit of Prophecy” books written through Ellen White.

“God would be pleased to see The Desire of Ages in every home. In this book is contained the light He has given upon His word. To our canvassers I would say, Go forth with your hearts softened and subdued by reading of the life of Christ. Drink deeply of the water of salvation, that it may be in your heart as a living spring, flowing forth to refresh souls ready to perish.” Letter 75, 1900.

A final, essential good use of the writings of Ellen White is their role in unmasking the challenges that face us in the time of the end.

"The Great Controversy should be very widely circulated. It contains the story of the past, the present, and the future. In its outline of the closing scenes of this earth's history, it bears a powerful testimony in behalf of the truth. I am more anxious to see a wide circulation for this book than for any others I have written; for in The Great Controversy, the last message of warning to the world is given more distinctly than in any of my other books.” Letter 281, 1905.