The Sound of a Death Knell—When Christ presented Himself to John for baptism, Satan was among the witnesses of that event. He saw the lightnings flash from the cloudless heavens. He heard the majestic voice of Jehovah that resounded through heaven, and echoed through the earth like peals of thunder, announcing, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” He saw the brightness of the Father’s glory overshadowing the form of Jesus, thus pointing out with unmistakable assurance the One in that crowd whom He acknowledged as His Son. The circumstances connected with this baptismal scene were of the greatest interest to Satan. He knew then for a certainty that unless he could overcome Christ, from thenceforth there would be a limit to his power. He understood that this communication from the throne of God signified that heaven was now more directly accessible to man than it had been, and the most intense hatred was aroused in his breast.{5BC 1078.3}

Lyden af dødens klokker. - Da Kristus selv kom til Johannes døber, var Satan blandt vidnerne ved den begivenhed. Han så lyset glimte fra lynet glimte fra en skyfri himmel. Han hørte Jehovas majestætiske stemme, der rungede ud gennem himlen, og genlød over jorden, som torden drøn, med forkyndelsen: ”Dette er min Søn den elskede, i hvem jeg har velbehag.” Han så klarheden fra Faderes herlighed overskygge Jesu skikkelse, og derved udpege Ham, med en umiskendelig sikkerhed, fra mængden, som Han anerkendte som Sin Søn. Omstændighederne i forbindelse med denne dåbsseance var af største betydning for Satan. Da vidste han med sikkerhed, at, medmindre han kunne overvinde Kristus, ville hans kraft, fra nu af, være begrænset. Han forstod at denne forbindelse fra Guds trone, betød at menneskene nu havde mere direkte adgang til himlen, end det havde været, og det mest intense had blev vækket i hans bryst.