The book "The Great Controversy" does not follow one single biblical book in sequence.
It is built around the theme of the great conflict between Christ and Satan in history and prophecy, so it brings together different parts of Scripture into one complete picture.
Many readers sense this intuitively: in Ellen White's book there is no page-by-page movement "from Genesis to Revelation." Instead, there is a historical-prophetic line: from the destruction of Jerusalem, through centuries of apostasy and persecution, to the Reformation, the proclamation of God's truth in the last days, the judgment, the Second Coming of Christ, and the restoration of all things. That is why the short answer is this: no, "The Great Controversy" is not tied to one particular book of the Bible, but is based on several key biblical sections, especially Daniel, the Gospels, and Revelation.
Historical-prophetic, not canonical order
The main principle of the book is not the order of the books of the Bible, but the development of the great controversy in salvation history. At the beginning, Christ's words about the end of Jerusalem, the testing of faith, and the deception of the last days are especially evident.
"But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near." Luke 21:20
"For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." Matt. 24:24
These texts show that Jesus Himself gave the framework for understanding church history: the destruction of Jerusalem becomes a type of the broader spiritual conflict, and the theme of deception runs through the whole book. Therefore, "The Great Controversy" is read not as a commentary on one biblical book, but as a synthesis of the biblical worldview.
Which books of the Bible it relies on most
If we look for the main biblical sources of the book, they are most often these:
1. The Gospels, especially Matt. 24 and Luke 21 — for the beginning of the historical line and Jesus' words about the final events.
2. The book of Daniel — for the prophetic outline of kingdoms, the persecution of the saints, the judgment, and God's kingdom.
3. The book of Revelation — for the theme of the remnant, worship, the final conflict, God's commandments, the three angels' message, and Christ's final victory.
"But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever." Dan. 7:18
"And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17
“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus!” Rev. 14:12
That is why, in the Adventist understanding, The Great Controversy is especially closely connected with the prophetic books. It does not repeat them word for word, but builds from them a unified picture of the conflict between truth and deception.
Why this corresponds to the Adventist view of prophecy
Seventh-day Adventists have traditionally read prophecy according to the historicist principle: prophecy unfolds through the centuries from the time of the prophet to the final events. This very approach lies at the foundation of the book. Therefore, it moves from the early Church to the Middle Ages, from the Reformation to the investigative judgment, and then to the closing events of earth’s history.
“He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.” Dan. 7:25
“And the hour of His wrath has come, and of His judgment…” Rev. 14:7
From this perspective, it becomes clear why the book does not proceed “by biblical books.” Its purpose is not to provide a sequential exegetical commentary, but to show how biblical prophecy is fulfilled in history. That is why in one chapter it may be closer to Matthew 24, in another to Daniel 7, and then to Revelation 13–14.
The role of Ellen White in this framework
Ellen G. White did not present The Great Controversy as a replacement for the Bible. On the contrary, in her ministry the Bible stands above any other spiritual work. Her task was to direct the reader to Scripture and to make the great biblical themes clearer for practical Christian living.
In the Adventist tradition, her book should be read in exactly this way: not as a separate source of truth outside the Bible, but as a help that illuminates the biblical theme of the great controversy. Therefore, if someone wants to read the book alongside the Bible, it is best to take not one book, but several key chapters: Matt. 24, Luke 21, Dan. 2, Dan. 7–8, Dan. 12, Rev. 12–14, Rev. 17–22.
How to read The Great Controversy alongside the Bible
The most practical approach is to read the book thematically. For example:
— chapters about the destruction of Jerusalem may be paired with Matt. 24 and Luke 21;
— chapters about apostasy, persecution, and the power of religio-political forces—with Dan. 7 and 2 Thess. 2;
— chapters about the remnant, God’s commandments, the final warning to the world, and the worship crisis—with Rev. 12–14;
— the closing chapters about the Second Coming, the millennium, and the new earth—with Rev. 19–22.
“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” 2 Thess. 2:3
This way of reading helps one see the main thread: deception, pressure, faithfulness, judgment, the witness of God’s people, and the final victory of Christ.
Conclusion.
So your thought is correct: The Great Controversy does not follow one specific biblical book, nor does it unfold according to the order of the whole canon. It is structured around the theme of the great conflict between Christ and Satan, and therefore uses different parts of the Bible where they best explain history and prophecy. Closest to its structure are Matt. 24, Luke 21, the book of Daniel, and the book of Revelation.
Practically, this means the following: if you want to understand The Great Controversy more deeply, do not look for one single biblical book to match it. It is better to read it together with key prophetic passages, pray for spiritual discernment, and place at the center not fear of events, but faithfulness to Jesus Christ, His Word, and His commandments.
