Steps to Christ : Pocket Edition

by Ellen Gould White

Book by White, Ellen G.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christianity, Theology, Faith

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1892

About the author

In brief, Ellen Gould Harmon White was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century (1827-1915), yet through her writings she is still making a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world. During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books; but today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, including religion, education, social relationships, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, nutrition, and management. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 140 languages. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was more than a gifted writer; they believe she was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world's attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ's second advent. From the time she was 17 years old until she died 70 years later, God gave her approximately 2,000 visions and dreams. The visions varied in length from less than a minute to nearly four hours. The knowledge and counsel received through these revelations she wrote out to be shared with others. Thus her special writings are accepted by Seventh-day Adventists as inspired, and their exceptional quality is recognized even by casual readers. As stated in Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , “The writings of Ellen White are not a substitute for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be judged and to which they must be subject” (Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Washington D.C., 1988, p. 227). Yet, as Ellen White herself noted, “The fact that God has revealed His will to men through His Word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings” (The Great Controversy, p. vii). The following is a more detailed account of the life and work of this remarkable woman who, meeting all the tests of a true prophet as set forth in the Holy Scriptures, helped found the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Reviews

[Cee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last week, our pastor told us about how he overcame bitter feelings toward another person. His first victory over the bitterness lasted all ten minutes and it was a good several weeks before he could truly say he was rid of it.

Such is Christian life and I love how Steps to Christ guides and encourages me through every triumph; every obstacle.

It starts off with a very important fact, that God loves us, and then proceeds to how we need him. It talks about repentance, confession, faith and acceptance, doubt and prayer; growing and rejoicing in God.

The messages in this book me keep me near to God on days I am content and on days when I struggle with my faith.

[Max Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wondered how to know Jesus and not just know about him? In my search for an answer I’ve found many suggestions that mean little or nothing to me as they are very abstract and difficult to put into practice. In this book you’ll find concrete bible truths that you can apply to your daily life in order to get closer to God. The advice provided is plainly explained and to the point.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so simple yet so profound. The first time I read it I didn't see much value in it because it was all stuff I thought I knew, but I have read it several times since and each time its simple truths hit me in a deeper way. Recommended to anyone who wants to come closer to God and is looking for peace in the soul.

[Charles van Buren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Customer Review

Seventh Day Adventist teachings

By Charles van Buren on December 21, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition

Potential readers should be aware that Ellen White was one of the founders of the Seventh Day Adventist church in the mid-1800's. She purportedly had divine visions, some of which are said to be very similar to material in the Book of Mormon. The Seventh Day Adventists teach many doctrines which are not Biblical and are not accepted by either mainstream nor evangelical protestant churches

[Aldus Baskerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steps to Christ is one of those rare books that you read over and over again. It is an explanation of the basics of the christian life, yet it is a book that even mature Christians will find tremendously inspiring. I've lost count over the number of times I've finished the book, each time I read it I find something new to ponder about.

The book is structured after the stages of the Christian journey, it begins by drawing the attention to God's love for man, that even though man has fallen God is yearning for us. It then goes on to describe conversion and the steps that follows when a person is born again – faith, repentance, confession and consecration.

The book gives an outline of the “normal” christian life, what a new Christian can expect in their walk with God; discipleship, spiritual growth and work in the vineyard for the master. My favorite part of Steps to Christ is the last few chapters that discuss knowledge of God, prayer, doubts and rejoicing in the Lord.

Steps to Christ has a rare quality of being able to give me hope and courage when I feel down; but also to rouse me to action when I've grown cold and complacent. The style of the book is simple yet flowering, it abounds with biblical illustrations and metaphors drawn from nature.

It was first published as early as 1892 but the content is timeless. Steps to Christ is is a christian classic that won't leave the reader unaffected; it is a clear presentation of the everlasting gospel and is as relevant now as when it first was published.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen White is among many authors who have been used by God to deliver His message. This book was phenomenal in its language and in its context. Ellen White portrays God's message in an understandable and beautiful way, mixing God's content with amazing allusions. One can sense that this woman was truly inspired by God through her writing. This is an amazing book that is sure to soften the hearts of its readers to the things of God and is a sure way to meditate and draw closer to God.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is one of the best books I've ever read. It answers my deepest existential questions in a simple and meaningful way. It satisfies the needs and the questions of my heart and mind in the most unexpected manner.

[Lyn Gilleland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really love this book. I was skeptical at first, but it turned out to be very inspiring. I think it's one that every Christian, regardless of denomination, should read.

[Junny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este pequeñito libro y me refiero a cantidad de hojas me costo mucho trabajo leerlo porque tiene mensaje divino y debes leerlo precavidamente y con dirección es encantador el lenguaje, las palabras de amor que usa la hermana y la mayor sencillez posible que utiliza para que todos podamos comprender.

[Robbie Lacelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful books I have ever read, this book explains how to have a close relationship with Jesus Christ. If you are a Christian or someone who is open to Christianity you should read this book. It will change your life.

[Opelo Mbakile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen G White was truly inspired by God. I do not expect this to be of natural intellect but the result of that wisdom which is from above. I wish people could have access to this book and give it a fair chance. It will surely transform the life of any dedicated reader.

[Marc]

Are you fucking kidding me. This is literary pollution. I can’t rate it since there are no negative numbers in the rating scale. I’m not about waste time “reading” it. A quick look reveals nothing of useful substance. I wish these zealots would stop wasting resources by printing this crap.

[Anne E]

Impactful. It's been a long time since I read this, and I still find myself thinking about it, finding new ways to apply its wisdom to my spiritual life. I think anyone interested in Jesus Christ would do well to read it.

[Morgan Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the book that sums up Christ's reason for life and His death. It's small and to the point-no beating around the bush is what i like. This book shows you the true savior-Jesus the Lamb of God

[Katelyn Zhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I've never read a more clear, step by step guide to finding and following Jesus. I can only hope that I have the strength in Christ to complete these steps. Amazing!

[Audrey Karp · Rating 1 out of 5]

so mid, but i got it for free. crazy thoughts on lucifer

[Sylvester Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a nice book that made me think.

[Francisco Núñez · Rating 5 out of 5]

De los mejores libros espirituales que he leído... acabé absolutamente complacido de leerlo es un manual para fortalecer la fe, sobre como vivir correctamente como cristiano, como enfrentar la tentación y las pruebas en la vida; apoyado todo con citas bíblicas.

Me encanta la prosa de White no es pretenciosa y se siente tierna, como un abrazo. Ella tenía sin duda un don del Señor.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benjamin says five stars.

[Not Well Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Seventh Day Adventist Church was founded in the mid-19th century and the author of this little book, Ellen G. White, was one of its founders. A copy was given to me by a well-meaning Seventh Day Adventist and seems to be their standard pamphlet, but to me it did not seem noticeably different from the tracts of other groups.

Most of their beliefs appear to be similar to other evangelical Protestant beliefs, but I also noticed a significant emphasis on Satan and the threat of the Devil tricking you or tempting you to sin. I was interested to know more about the emphasis on vegetarianism in their faith and why they observe the Sabbath on a Saturday rather than a Sunday, but this wasn’t mentioned. According to my research they also believe the dead are unconscious until Judgement Day and that the divine judgement of Christians has been ongoing since 1844; I haven’t heard of these beliefs in the wild, but would be interested to know more.

The highlights of this pamphlet for me were the chapters where the author focused on doubts in faith (though I would have liked more practical elaboration on how to address these), and where the author discussed overcoming negative thoughts and dwelling on difficult times in our lives, and focusing on the positives given to us instead; this I found more relevant and applicable to my state of mind than any other part of the book. I also appreciated the emphasis on the Bible and the proliferation of Bible quotes throughout, though I would also have liked to know more about their views on different editions.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Seventh-day Adventist I was introduced to this book at the time of my baptism, in 1993, but really only read snatches of it over the years. This is my year to read the poor unread books laying about my house, and this slim volume rated as one that I could slip in to make my necessary quota for the week (because I'm aiming to read 100 books this year).

Because I have done some personal spiritual work of late, this small book really spoke clearly to me of Christ's love and his desire for a personal relationship with me. It gives an enduring message of hope, love, and the possibility of letting go of fear, personal worldly ambitions, and addictions to have the relationship of Eternity with God.

The Bible is the foundation of this author's writing, not some fictional speculations, but she does a fine job of bringing to the fore some of the characteristics of Jesus that we might miss or dismiss as unimportant.

Ellen White is indeed a prolific Christian writer-- and probably the female writer with the most readership in history. In the April 2015 Smithsonian magazine, the journal put out by the Smithsonian Institute, she is included as one of 100 Most Important Americans in the history of the United States (based on an algorithm to do with Internet searches). The message she writes in this small volume is certainly one that others will want to read too.

[Powell Omondi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was too deep, clearly outlines the path of a christian journey in knowing Christ.

The message is subtle and very deep, you have to read and internalize the message presented. I loved the author's way of passing the message in ways that connects to the reader.

The fifth chapter was one of my favourite where the author outlines the deep connection we need to get to Christ.

See the extract below from the fifth chapter

"Many are inquiring, "How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?" You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but you need not despair. "

To get the message in this book you have to read it more than once.

I would recommend it to anyone seeking the path to christianity and to understand the clear deep connection we need in our spiritual life, let the search for meaning be a routine.

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I tried to read this somewhat like a novel, just flying through it from first to last. As a religious guide I do not think it is meant to be read this way. For those familiar with Christianity there is no new or groundbreaking material here so it can seem like the same old same old. It is instead just advice on how to grow spiritually in Christ, and as such I found it was much better to read a chapter each day or just a part of a chapter as you would with Bible readings. Read a little bit, think about it, and try to live that way. At the slower pace it was much more enjoyable and much more useful to me.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing every time I read it seems as if I have read it for the first time! The book has a lot of parts of the Desire of Ages but still it is the most beautiful book that I have ever read. If I could just say something about this inspired book is that it is among the best selling books in the world!

[Kimberly Duarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! If you don't know where to start when it comes to getting to know Christ, or how to build a relationship with Him, or even what being a true Christian really means, you will definitely find peace and clarity within this book. Definitely a good read, spiritual and with accordance to scripture.

[Dan Walker]

Always brings me closer to Jesus and reassures me of God's love. Several passages are nearly memorized, so reading them again is like meeting an old friend. You will not regret reading, or re-reading, this book.

[Vonée Hemans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing! If you want to come to Jesus for the first time or to draw even nearer in your existing walk with Him, this book is for you :). Every time I read it, I am so revived, filled with gratitude for the love of God, and challenged to come up higher in my walk with Him.

[Debra Pigeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly named right, for it is a good book for everyone to read. It is a book that should be read over and over again.

[Laure Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! A thorough explanation of how to develop a relationship with Christ.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I still need to read much more of Ellen White - she is indeed an inspiration. I was really blessed and moved by this book. It is so rich. :)