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Chapter 3
1-3
. See
EGW comment on Luke 1:76, 77
.
7, 8 (
Luke 3:7-9
). Who Were Vipers?
—The Pharisees were
very strict in regard to the outward observance of forms and cus-
toms, and were filled with haughty, worldly, hypocritical self-
righteousness. The Sadducees denied the resurrection of the dead
and the existence of angels, and were skeptical in regard to God.
This sect was largely composed of unworthy characters, many of
whom were licentious in their habits. By the word “vipers” John
meant those who were malignant and antagonistic, bitterly opposed
to the expressed will of God.
John exhorted these men to “bring forth therefore fruits meet
for repentance.” That is, Show that you are converted, that your
characters are transformed.... Neither words nor profession, but
fruits—the forsaking of sins, and obedience to the commandments
of God—show the reality of genuine repentance and true conversion
(
Manuscript 112, 1901
).
13-17 (
Mark 1:9-11
;
Luke 3:21, 22
;
John 1:32, 33
). Angels
and a Golden Dove
—Jesus was our example in all things that per-
tain to life and godliness. He was baptized in Jordan, just as those
who come to Him must be baptized. The heavenly angels were look-
[1078]
ing with intense interest upon the scene of the Saviour’s baptism,
and could the eyes of those who were looking on, have been opened,
they would have seen the heavenly host surrounding the Son of God
as He bowed on the banks of the Jordan. The Lord had promised to
give John a sign whereby he might know who was the Messiah, and
now as Jesus went up out of the water, the promised sign was given;
for he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God, like a dove of
burnished gold, hovered over the head of Christ, and a voice came
from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased” (
The Youth’s Instructor, June 23, 1892
).
(
Romans 8:26
;
Hebrews 4:16
.) Heaven Open to Petitions
—
[
Matthew 3:13-17
quoted.] What does this scene mean to us? How
9