14 (Malachi 4:5; Luke 1:17). The Spirit and Power of Elijah—In the spirit and with the power of Elijah, John denounced the corruptions of the Jews, and raised his voice in reproving their prevailing sins. His discourses were plain, pointed, and convincing. Many were brought to repentance of their sins, and, as evidence of their repentance, were baptized of him in Jordan. This was the preparatory work for the ministry of Christ. Many were convicted because of the plain truths uttered by this faithful prophet; but, by rejecting the light, they became enshrouded in deeper darkness, so that they were fully prepared to turn from the evidences attending Jesus, that He was the true Messiah (The Spirit of Prophecy 2:48, 49). {5BC 1089.7}

14 (Mal. 4,5; Luk. 1,17). Elias ånd og kraft. - Med Elias ånd og med hans kraft, erklærede Johannes jødernes fordærv, og hævede sin røst for at irettesætte deres fremherskende synder. Hans prædikener var tydelige, skarpe og overbevisende. Mange kom til anger for deres synder, og, som bevis for deres anger, blev døbt af ham i Jordan. Dette var beredelsesarbejdet for Kristi tjeneste. Mange blev overbevist på grund af de tydelige sandheder er blev sagt af denne trofaste profet; men da lyset blev forkastet, blev de indhyllet i dybere mørke, så at de var helt (1090) beredte på at vende fra de vidnesbyrd der fulgte med Jesus, at Han var den sande Messias. (2SP 48, 49).