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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
convinced him that but few would discern his merciful mission, and
accept the salvation he came from Heaven to bring them.
Never before had angels listened to such a prayer as Christ offered
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at his baptism, and they were solicitous to be the bearers of the message
from the Father to his Son. But, no; direct from the Father issues the
light of his glory. The heavens were opened, and beams of glory
rested upon the Son of God, and assumed the form of a dove, in
appearance like burnished gold. The dove-like form was emblematical
of the meekness and gentleness of Christ. While the people stood
spell-bound with amazement, their eyes fastened upon Christ, from the
opening heavens came these words: “This is my beloved Son, in whom
I am well pleased.” The words of confirmation that Christ is the Son of
God was given to inspire faith in those who witnessed the scene, and to
sustain the Son of God in his arduous work. Notwithstanding the Son
of God was clothed with humanity, yet Jehovah, with his own voice,
assures him of his sonship with the Eternal. In this manifestation to
his Son, God accepts humanity as exalted through the excellence of
his beloved Son.
As John had now witnessed the heavenly dove resting upon Jesus,
which was the promised token of the Messiah, he stretched forth his
hand, and with assurance proclaimed before the multitude, “Behold
the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!” From this
time John had no doubt in regard to Jesus being the true Messiah.
After this, Jesus withdrew into the wilderness, to be tempted of
the devil forty days. His long fast ended, the victory won, he returns
to the banks of the Jordan, mingling again with the disciples of John,
yet giving no outward evidence of his special work, and taking no
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measures to bring himself to notice.
Men were sent from the highest authority in Jerusalem to inquire in
regard to the great agitation John was creating. He was calling whole
cities and towns to listen to his voice of warning; and they would know
the prophet’s authority for thus claiming the attention of the people,
and turning the world upside down. These messengers challenged
John to tell them certainly if he was the Messiah. John confessed, I am
not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And
he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then
said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them
that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of