It is an interesting thing to hear from those that Sister White changed her theology. I am always amazed how far the devil will go to do away with the Spirit of Prophecy. It ought not surprise anyone, he has done the same with the Bible.
Ellen White's teaching on the gospel is consistent from beginning to end. She always believed and taught that man was saved by grace through faith in the merits of a crucified and risen Christ. She had an experience in the things of God and spoke from a heart that loved not only Jesus, but those for whom He died.
After testifying such, I would like to say that I was not born and reared a Seventh-day Adventist. The truth led me into the Seventh-day Adventist Church and I quickly discerned that God had sent a modern day prophet to the world. The Spirit within testified to the truth of what I was reading in her published writings AND the Spirit within revealed that much of the Spirit of Prophecy being quoted by others in books and papers was an attempt to make God's prophet say things she never said.
This important topic of justification by faith was clearly understood by Ellen White and I will take a moment to post a few early and late statements to show her teaching was always in harmony with the Scripture.
"Every member of the family should bear in mind that all have just as much as they can do to resist our wily foe, and with earnest prayers and unyielding faith each must rely upon the merits of the blood of Christ and claim His saving strength." Depend Solely on Merits of Jesus--1862. 3SM 145
"There are dangers to be guarded against on the right hand and on the left. Those who are inexperienced, who have newly come to the faith, will need to be strengthened, and to have a correct example set before them. Some will not make a right use of the doctrine of justification by faith. They will present it in a one-sided manner, making everything of faith, and belittling works. Others will seize the points that have a leaning toward error, and will ignore works altogether. Now, genuine faith always works by love; it supplies a motive power. Faith is not an opiate, but a stimulant. Looking to Calvary will not quiet your soul into nonperformance of duty, but will create faith that will work, purifying the soul from all selfishness. In laying hold of Christ by faith, we but just begin our work. Every man has corrupt and sinful habits, that must be overcome through vigorous warfare. Every soul must fight the fight of faith. He who is a follower of Christ, cannot deal deceitfully; he cannot be hard-hearted and devoid of sympathy. He cannot be coarse in speech. He cannot be a surmiser of evil, an accuser of the brethren. He cannot be full of pomposity and self-esteem. He cannot be overbearing, using harsh words, and censuring and condemning those around him." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 1-24-93
"The Message of Justification by Faith.
The Lord in his great mercy sent a most precious message to his people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to his divine person, his merits, and his changeless love for the human family. All power is given into his hands, that he may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of his own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of his Spirit in a large measure." Special Testimony to Battle Creek Church pg 35. 1896
"The danger has been presented to me again and again of entertaining, as a people, false ideas of justification by faith. I have been shown for years that Satan would work in a special manner to confuse the mind on this point. The law of God has been largely dwelt upon, and has been presented to congregations, almost as destitute of the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His relation to the law as was the offering of Cain. I have been shown that many have been kept from the faith because of the mixed, confused ideas of salvation, because the ministers have worked in a wrong manner to reach hearts. The point which has been urged upon my mind for years is the imputed righteousness of Christ. I have wondered that this matter was not made the subject of discourses in our churches throughout the land, when the matter has been kept so constantly urged upon me, and I have made it the subject of nearly every discourse and talk that I have given to the people." The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials Danger of False Ideas on Justification by Faith pg 810, 811.
This last statement expresses from the prophets own mouth that God had shown her what was to happen today with this foundation subject. How true the prophets words have become. Let us grasp this subject with a clear mind and learn for ourselves from our Bible what it means to "justified by faith."
In His love and grace, Richard