Admonition Will Be Heard
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possess no value unless you discern their object, the Lamb of God, that
taketh away the sin of the world. You turn from God’s requirements
and follow your own perverted ideas; and you lose those characteristics
which constitute you children of Abraham.
And pointing to the rocks in wild confusion around through which
the stream was winding its course, he said, “God is able of these stones
to raise up children unto Abraham” (
Matthew 3:9
).
John the Baptist met sin with open rebuke in men of humble
occupation and in men of high degree. He declared the truth to kings
and nobles, whether they would hear or reject it. He spoke personally
and pointedly. He reproved the Pharisees of the Sanhedrim because
their religion consisted in forms and not in righteousness of pure,
willing obedience.... He spoke to Herod in regard to his marriage with
Herodias, saying, It is not lawful for thee to have her. He spoke to him
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of a future retribution, when God would judge every man according to
his works....
“Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him,
Master, what shall we do?” (
Luke 3:12
). Did he say, Leave your toll
and custom houses? No, he said to them, “Exact no more than that
which is appointed you” (
Luke 3:13
). If they were taxgatherers still,
they could hold just weights and balances of truth in their hands. They
could reform in those things that savored of dishonesty and oppression.
“And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what
shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither
accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (
Luke 3:14
)....
The Sword of Truth at Work
Christ also spoke pointedly to every class of men. He reproved
those who dominated over their fellow men, those whose passions and
prejudices caused many to err and compelled many to blaspheme God.
The sword of truth was blunted by apologies and suppositions; but
Christ called things by their right names. The ax was laid to the root
of the tree. He showed that all the religious forms of worship could
not save the Jewish nation, because they did not behold and receive by
faith the Lamb of God as their Saviour.
Just such a work and message as that of John will be carried on
in these last days. The Lord has been giving messages to His people,