When Daniel was instructed to “seal the book until the time of the end” and told that “many shall go to and fro, and knowledge shall increase” (Dan. 12:4), could he have imagined artificial intelligence (AI)? Doubtful. But here we are.
As we navigate what may be the most dramatic explosion of knowledge in human history, we, as Adventists, find ourselves at an interesting juncture. Some may feel intimidated by AI. Others are tempted to dive in headfirst. Regardless of where you are on the issue, Adventist are uniquely positioned to draw on rich Bible wisdom and the practical insights of Ellen White to maximize this pivotal moment.
The apostle Paul’s words feel especially relevant: “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21). That’s the approach we will use here to reflect on this powerful new tool.
The exponential growth of knowledge through artificial intelligence aligns remarkably with Daniel’s ancient prophecy. These AI systems can process more information in minutes than our forebears could examine in lifetimes. They’re accelerating scientific discovery, democratizing knowledge, and making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
When Jesus spoke of the signs preceding His return, He mentioned that “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14). Could these knowledge tools be part of heaven’s provision for finishing the work?
There’s no algorithm for sanctification, no shortcut to spiritual maturity.
Proceed With Wisdom
Ellen White pointed out the prophetic significance of Daniel’s words when, more than 100 years ago, she recognized that the prophecy of Daniel concerning the increase of knowledge was to be fulfilled in the last days.[1] And while she cautioned about being “carried away by every wind of doctrine”[2] Ellen White was balanced, advocating consistently for the sanctified use of contemporary tools to advance God’s work. She wasn’t afraid of printing presses, trains, or telegraph systems. Instead she saw them as providential opportunities to expand ministry.
This aligns with Solomon’s wisdom: “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (Prov. 18:15). Three principles from her writings can help guide us through our AI moment.
The Opportunity Moment: We are counseled that every advancement in knowledge, every acquisition of power, opens before us “new fields of labor” and new opportunities to work with God.[3] If AI represents the knowledge increase prophesied in Scripture, we should wisely, even cautiously, approach it as faithful stewards instead of fearful skeptics. Our calling isn’t to hide from what God has permitted, but to ask how we might use it for the advancement of His work.
The Human and Divine Method: Throughout her writings Ellen White maintained that “divine power . . . combined with human effort”[4] is God’s method. These tools should supplement, not supplant, our human engagement and dependence on divine guidance. We’re not looking for shortcuts to spiritual growth, but for ways to be more effective in the work God has given us.
The Glory Principle: Sister White consistently counseled that innovations should be evaluated by asking: “Does it bring glory to God? Does it lead minds to Him?”[5] This simple test cuts through the complexity and gives us clarity. Not every use of AI serves God’s purposes, but some certainly can—and those are the applications we should thoughtfully pursue.
AI and Spiritual Growth
Enough theory. Let us consider how these tools might actually help in our spiritual journey.
Enhancing Bible Study
Nothing, and I mean nothing, can replace personal communion with Scripture through prayer and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. But AI tools can serve as research assistants in remarkable ways. Imagine having help identifying connections you’ve never noticed before between passages, understanding historical context that enriches your study, or creating personalized study plans that address your specific spiritual needs.
A church member struggling with grief could use these tools to quickly gather every Bible passage about God’s comfort, creating a personalized pathway through Scripture for healing. Or someone wanting to understand the health message could explore the biblical foundations of temperance with AI helping to seamlessly trace connections between Old and New Testament principles.
This honors Sister White’s emphasis on deep Bible study while expanding our capacity to see the beautiful connections woven throughout God’s Word. As Paul encouraged Timothy, we should be workers “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
Our calling isn’t to hide from what God has permitted, but to ask how we might use it for the advancement of His work.
Supporting Character Development
Ellen White wrote that “the work of education and the work of redemption are one.”[6] AI applications can support character growth when they function like spiritual mirrors—helping us identify patterns in our lives that need attention, providing accountability for spiritual growth, or offering reflective prompts that encourage honest self-examination.
These tools can help us see ourselves more clearly, track our progress in Christlike development, and identify areas where we need God’s transforming power. This aligns with James’s description of Scripture as a mirror for self-examination (James 1:23-25).
Advancing the Three Angels’ Messages
Our commission to share the everlasting gospel with “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Rev. 14:6) faces real practical challenges. How do we reach people groups and cultures we’ve never been able to access? How do we personalize our approach while maintaining our message’s integrity?
AI opens new possibilities for:
- Translation and contextualization of our resources across languages and cultures.
- Personalized outreach approaches that reflect Christ’s method of meeting people where they are.
- Global accessibility of Adventist teachings in regions where physical presence is limited.
- Content development for different learning styles and cultural backgrounds.
These applications embody Sister White’s vision that “from one end of the world to the other must the message of Christ’s soon coming be proclaimed.”[7]
Avoiding AI Dangers
Experience and our prophetic heritage also provide crucial warnings about pitfalls that we should avoid.
No Character Shortcuts
There is an obvious warning that AI does not provide a short and easy way to character development. AI tools can never replace the essential spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and service. As Jesus reminded us, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). There’s no algorithm for sanctification, no shortcut to spiritual maturity.
No Abdicating Decision-making
There is also the sacred nature of individual choice and personal spiritual growth. AI tools should enhance, not diminish, our spiritual decision-making. We must be careful not to become spiritually lazy, letting machines do the thinking that God intends us to do. The goal is amplified discernment, not abdicated responsibility.
Our message must remain clear and simple despite technological sophistication. We are counseled that “the truth . . . in its simplicity” must be brought to the people.[8] Paul similarly urged that our speech always be “with grace, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). Complexity in methods should never obscure simplicity in message.
Avoiding Dangers
There are serious concerns about AI systems perpetuating biases, generating false information, generating deepfake propaganda, and creating unhealthy dependencies. Privacy concerns, data misuse, inappropriate gender, morality, and age usage proliferate. Then unsuitable cultural and social media practices and improper access to minors make these powerful tools a matter of significant concern to parents, educators, and leaders across all levels of society.
As Adventists, we must also be on guard about AI potentially spreading and reinforcing theological misunderstandings, promoting blatant falsehoods, and leading people away from Bible truth and personal Bible study. The risk isn’t just about error or being wrong—it’s that we might stop asking the right questions or cease to think deeply about spiritual truth.
Complexity in methods should never obscure simplicity in message.
Best Spiritual Practices
So how do we operationalize best practices in this context? Here are some concrete steps:
Utilize Prayerful Intention: Before using AI tools, pause and ask: How can these interactions serve genuine human spiritual growth rather than mere convenience? Make it a conscientious discipline to invite God into your technology use.
Intentionally Exercise Discernment: Develop practices that cultivate wisdom, discernment, regular reflection, ethical consideration, and organizational and community accountability. Knowledge without wisdom is dangerous; but godly wisdom can transform knowledge into blessings.
Exercise Faithful Innovation: For those developing AI systems and products, approach the work with a sense of calling and responsibility. Ask how you can create tools that heal rather than harm, that serve rather than exploit, that uplift rather than degrade human dignity.
Integrate With Ministry: Consider how AI might help you analyze community needs, develop personalized Bible study materials, create resources that address questions about our beliefs, or reach people you’ve never been able to reach before with our distinctive Adventist tone. Always keep foremost that technology serves ministry, not the other way around.
Our Prophetic Moment
The knowledge increase prophesied in Daniel may indeed find remarkable fulfillment in artificial intelligence. But rather than seeing this as either threatening or irrelevant to our faith, we can consider this ubiquitous reality as a divine opportunity. An opportunity for thoughtful engagement that recognizes both heavenly possibility and human responsibility.
Adventists are urged to be forward-thinking in method while unchanging in message. “New methods must be introduced. God’s people must awake to the necessities of the time in which they are living.”[9] This echoes Paul’s missionary approach of becoming “all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Cor. 9:22).
As we stand at this technological frontier, may our response be to reflect the balanced wisdom that has always characterized authentic Adventism—neither uncritical embrace nor fearful rejection, but thoughtful stewardship guided by Scripture, informed by the Spirit of Prophecy, and focused on our ultimate mission: preparing a world for Christ’s return.
In this light, artificial intelligence becomes not merely a modern convenience but potentially a prophetically significant tool for assisting in the finishing of the work. The question isn’t whether knowledge has increased—it has, dramatically. Rather, the question is whether we will use this increase for heaven’s purposes. Our calling is to direct this explosion of knowledge toward the wisdom that leads to salvation.
Jesus is coming. May God give us the wisdom to know how to providentially use these tools to help prepare a people to be ready for His appearing.
[1] See Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), pp. 355, 356.
[2] See, for example, Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 5, p. 80.
[3] Ellen G. White manuscript 82, 1899.
[4] Ellen G. White, Selected Messages (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958, 1980), book 1, p. 118.
[5] See Ellen G. White, Messages to Young People (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1930), p. 398.
[6] E. G. White, Education, p. 30.
[7] Ellen G. White manuscript 15, 1910.
[8] Ellen G. White manuscript 15, 1909.
[9] Ellen G. White, in Pacific Union Recorder, Oct. 23, 1902.
