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. {2SP 48.3}

I Elias ånd og med hans kraft, anklagede Johannes jødernes fordærv, og rejste (49) sin røst med at irettesætte deres fremherskende synder. Hans prædikener var tydelige, skarpe og overbevisende. Mange blev bragt til omvendelse af deres synder, og som bevis på deres anger, blev de døbt af ham i Jordan. Dette var et beredelsesarbejde for Kristi tjeneste. Mange blev overbevist på grund af de enkle sandheder der blev sagt af denne trofaste profet, men ved at forkaste lyset, blev de omhyllet i dybere mærke, så at de var helt forberedt på at vende sig fra de beviser der fulgte med Jesus, at han var den sande Messias.