It was the purpose of John to startle and arouse the people, and cause them to tremble because of their great wickedness. In simplicity and plainness he pointed out the errors and crimes of men. A power attended his words, and, reluctant as the people were to hear the denunciation of their unholy lives, yet they could not resist his words. He flattered none; neither would he receive flattery of any. The people, as if with common consent, came to him repenting, and confessing their sins, and were baptized of him in Jordan. {2SP 48.1}

Det var Johannes hensigt at opskræmme og opvække folk, og få dem til at skælve på grund af deres store svaghed. På enkle og tydelige måder udpegede han menneskers forbrydelser. En kraft fulgte med hans ord, og da folket kviede sig ved at høre anklagerne over deres uhellige liv, kunne de ikke modstå hans ord. Han smigrede ingen; han ville heller ikke få smiger fra nogen. Folk kom som om de indvilgede til ham for at angre, og bekende deres synder, og blev døbt af ham i Jordan.