The prophet John impressed upon the people the necessity of their profession being accompanied with good works. Their words and actions would be their fruit, and would determine the character of the tree. If their works were evil, the truth of God would testify against them. God would in no wise excuse sin in a people who had been enlightened, even if he had, in their days of faithfulness and purity, loved them, and given them especial promises. These promises and blessings were always upon condition of obedience upon their part. {2SP 54.1}

Profeten Johannes indprentede folk at det var nødvendigt at deres bekendelse blev fulgt af gode gerninger. Deres ord og handlinger ville være deres frugt, og ville afgøre træets karakter. Hvis deres gerninger var onde, ville Guds sandhed være vidne imod dem. Gud vil på ingen måde undskylde synd hos et folk som er blevet oplyst, også hvis de, i den tid de var trofaste og rene, elskede dem, og gav dem særlige løfter. Disse løfter og velsigner var altid på betingelse af lydighed fra deres side.