EGW WritingsMatthew 3
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 2
Read Matthew 3 in the BibleMatthew 3:9
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 40a, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, par. 67
Men of talent and influence may be as polished instruments in the hands of God. But if they trust in themselves, Jesus will leave them and will employ the humblest instrument and the simplest means to accomplish the warning of the world, and it will be as it was in the time of the victory of Gideon, of the overthrow of Jericho, for man is not to be the object of attraction. Man is not to lift up himself to receive glory and praise. It is the Lord God of Israel that is to be exalted. Said Christ, “God can raise up of these stones children unto Abraham.” [Matthew 3:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16d, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 16d, 1892, par. 18
The Lord will work in this country. And if the living agents who claim to believe the truth refuse to become missionaries and co-operate with the heavenly forces with Christ at their head, “God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” [Matthew 3:9.] But what a loss will the indolent, professed Christians sustain; what a precious experience they might have obtained had they yoked up with Christ, had they lifted His burden.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 6, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 6, 1892, par. 15
The Lord will work in this country. And if the living agents who claim to believe the truth refuse to become missionaries [to] practice the gentleness of Christ and cooperate with the leading forces with Christ at their head, they will be dropped out of the work. “God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” [Matthew 3:9.] But what a loss will the perverted, indolent, professed Christian sustain; what a precious experience they might have obtained had they yoked up with Christ, had they lifted His burdens. O that those whom the Lord has blessed with the treasures of truth would wake from sleep and say from the heart, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” [Acts 9:6.]Matthew 3:10
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 64, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 64, 1896, par. 5
“If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered, and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” [Verse 6.] “And now also the axe is laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree which bringest forth not good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” [Matthew 3:10.] “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:16-20.] “Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be my disciples.” [John 15:8.]Matthew 3:12
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 41—The Crisis in Galilee
DA 392.2
“Whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner.” Matthew 3:12. This was one of the times of purging. By the words of truth, the chaff was being separated from the wheat. Because they were too vain and self-righteous to receive reproof, too world-loving to accept a life of humility, many turned away from Jesus. Many are still doing the same thing. Souls are tested today as were those disciples in the synagogue at Capernaum. When truth is brought home to the heart, they see that their lives are not in accordance with the will of God. They see the need of an entire change in themselves; but they are not willing to take up the self-denying work. Therefore they are angry when their sins are discovered. They go away offended, even as the disciples left Jesus, murmuring, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?”From Heaven With Love
Chapter 41—The Crisis in Galilee
HLv 261.1
By the words of truth, the chaff was being separated from the wheat. See Matthew 3:12. Because they were too self-righteous to receive reproof, many turned away. Souls are tested today as were those disciples in the synagogue at Capernaum. When truth is brought home to the heart, they see the need of an entire change, but are not willing to take up the self-denying work. They go away offended, murmuring, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 23, 1875
2LtMs, Lt 23, 1875, par. 13
You know not to what you may attain in wisdom and true knowledge if you fasten your hold from above. Cling to Jesus, your Redeemer. He has given you continual evidences of His love in that He has given you adversity time and again. If we cannot bear these lighter trials, if a little lift of prosperity or adversity discover in us falseness, pride and selfishness in the heart, if we yield to discouragement and to sin, if the scoffs and frowns of wicked men afflict us and take away our courage and hope, and we faint in the day of adversity, O, how shall we stand when He appeareth? His coming is like the refiner’s fire and like the fuller’s soap. What shall we do when He comes whose “fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor”? [Matthew 3:12.] He will try every man’s work as by fire and search the secrets of every heart. True grace can bear the trial. An upright soul will want to know his true standing before God. If therefore we shun the trials, if we are unwilling to search ourselves or to be searched by the Lord, we may know [that] we have cherished sins and that we shall fail of heaven. Vain confidence will not endure the trying of God. But, my son, dig deep, go to the bottom of things. Cherish principle and true sincerity. May you have help to walk tremblingly before God and to be very jealous of yourself. Seek for a deep and earnest work. Gather the divine rays of light from glory, then can you be used as God’s instrument to let your light shine forth to others.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 146, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 146, 1900, par. 21
Many are passing over the same ground. When tested by the Word they reject the heavenly Teacher, and their decision, like that of the offended disciples, is never reversed. They walk no more with Christ. Thus are the words fulfilled, “Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into his garner.” [Matthew 3:12.] On that occasion, by the words of truth, the chaff was being separated from the wheat. This will be repeated, because men are altogether too self-sufficient to receive correction.Matthew 3:13
That I May Know Him
The Meaning of Christ’s Baptism, January 25
TMK 31.1
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. Matthew 3:13.Matthew 3:13-15
Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 817—What Being Saved Means
10MR 292.1
Christ Kept the Law to Enable Us to Keep It—“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:13-15). In fulfilling “all righteousness,” Christ did not bring all righteousness to an end. He fulfilled all the requirements of God in repentance, faith, and baptism, the steps in grace in genuine conversion. In His humanity Christ filled up the measure of the law’s requirements. He was the head of humanity, its substitute and surety. Human beings, by uniting their weakness to the divine nature of Christ, may become partakers of His character.To Be Like Jesus
Humanity, Allied With Divinity, Can Keep the Law, December 10
BLJ 362.1
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. Matthew 3:13-15, NKJV.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 145, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 145, 1897, par. 17
“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee unto Jordan, to be baptized of John. And John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” [Matthew 3:13-15.] In fulfilling “all righteousness,” Christ did not bring all righteousness to an end. He fulfilled all the requirements of God in repentance, faith, and baptism, the steps in grace in genuine conversion. In His humanity Christ filled up the measure of the law’s requirements. He was the head of humanity, its Substitute and Surety. Human beings, by uniting their weakness to the divine nature of Christ, may become partakers of His character.Matthew 3:13-17
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 11—The Baptism
DA 109.1
Tidings of the wilderness prophet and his wonderful announcement, spread throughout Galilee. The message reached the peasants in the remotest hill towns, and the fisher folk by the sea, and in these simple, earnest hearts found its truest response. In Nazareth it was told in the carpenter shop that had been Joseph’s, and One recognized the call. His time had come. Turning from His daily toil, He bade farewell to His mother, and followed in the steps of His countrymen who were flocking to the Jordan.DA 109.2
Jesus and John the Baptist were cousins, and closely related by the circumstances of their birth; yet they had had no direct acquaintance with each other. The life of Jesus had been spent at Nazareth in Galilee; that of John, in the wilderness of Judea. Amid widely different surroundings they had lived in seclusion, and had had no communication with each other. Providence had ordered this. No occasion was to be given for the charge that they had conspired together to support each other’s claims.DA 109.3
John was acquainted with the events that had marked the birth of Jesus. He had heard of the visit to Jerusalem in His boyhood, and of what had passed in the school of the rabbis. He knew of His sinless life, and believed Him to be the Messiah; but of this he had no positive assurance. The fact that Jesus had for so many years remained in obscurity, giving no special evidence of His mission, gave occasion for doubt as to whether He could be the Promised One. The Baptist, however, waited in faith, believing that in God’s own time all would be made plain. It had been revealed to him that the Messiah would seek baptism at his hands, and that a sign of His divine character should then be given. Thus he would be enabled to present Him to the people.DA 110.1
When Jesus came to be baptized, John recognized in Him a purity of character that he had never before perceived in any man. The very atmosphere of His presence was holy and awe-inspiring. Among the multitudes that had gathered about him at the Jordan, John had heard dark tales of crime, and had met souls bowed down with the burden of myriad sins; but never had he come in contact with a human being from whom there breathed an influence so divine. All this was in harmony with what had been revealed to John regarding the Messiah. Yet he shrank from granting the request of Jesus. How could he, a sinner, baptize the Sinless One? And why should He who needed no repentance submit to a rite that was a confession of guilt to be washed away?DA 111.1
As Jesus asked for baptism, John drew back, exclaiming, “I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?” With firm yet gentle authority, Jesus answered, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” And John, yielding, led the Saviour down into the Jordan, and buried Him beneath the water. “And straightway coming up out of the water,” Jesus “saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him.”DA 111.2
Jesus did not receive baptism as a confession of guilt on His own account. He identified Himself with sinners, taking the steps that we are to take, and doing the work that we must do. His life of suffering and patient endurance after His baptism was also an example to us.DA 111.3
Upon coming up out of the water, Jesus bowed in prayer on the river bank. A new and important era was opening before Him. He was now, upon a wider stage, entering on the conflict of His life. Though He was the Prince of Peace, His coming must be as the unsheathing of a sword. The kingdom He had come to establish was the opposite of that which the Jews desired. He who was the foundation of the ritual and economy of Israel would be looked upon as its enemy and destroyer. He who had proclaimed the law upon Sinai would be condemned as a transgressor. He who had come to break the power of Satan would be denounced as Beelzebub. No one upon earth had understood Him, and during His ministry He must still walk alone. Throughout His life His mother and His brothers did not comprehend His mission. Even His disciples did not understand Him. He had dwelt in eternal light, as one with God, but His life on earth must be spent in solitude.DA 111.4
As one with us, He must bear the burden of our guilt and woe. The Sinless One must feel the shame of sin. The peace lover must dwell with strife, the truth must abide with falsehood, purity with vileness. Every sin, every discord, every defiling lust that transgression had brought, was torture to His spirit.DA 111.5
Alone He must tread the path; alone He must bear the burden. Upon Him who had laid off His glory and accepted the weakness of humanity the redemption of the world must rest. He saw and felt it all, but His purpose remained steadfast. Upon His arm depended the salvation of the fallen race, and He reached out His hand to grasp the hand of Omnipotent Love.DA 111.6
The Saviour’s glance seems to penetrate heaven as He pours out His soul in prayer. Well He knows how sin has hardened the hearts of men, and how difficult it will be for them to discern His mission, and accept the gift of salvation. He pleads with the Father for power to overcome their unbelief, to break the fetters with which Satan has enthralled them, and in their behalf to conquer the destroyer. He asks for the witness that God accepts humanity in the person of His Son.DA 112.1
Never before have the angels listened to such a prayer. They are eager to bear to their loved Commander a message of assurance and comfort. But no; the Father Himself will answer the petition of His Son. Direct from the throne issue the beams of His glory. The heavens are opened, and upon the Saviour’s head descends a dovelike form of purest light,—fit emblem of Him, the meek and lowly One.DA 112.2
Of the vast throng at the Jordan, few except John discerned the heavenly vision. Yet the solemnity of the divine Presence rested upon the assembly. The people stood silently gazing upon Christ. His form was bathed in the light that ever surrounds the throne of God. His upturned face was glorified as they had never before seen the face of man. From the open heavens a voice was heard saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”DA 112.3
These words of confirmation were given to inspire faith in those who witnessed the scene, and to strengthen the Saviour for His mission. Notwithstanding that the sins of a guilty world were laid upon Christ, notwithstanding the humiliation of taking upon Himself our fallen nature, the voice from heaven declared Him to be the Son of the Eternal.DA 112.4
John had been deeply moved as he saw Jesus bowed as a suppliant, pleading with tears for the approval of the Father. As the glory of God encircled Him, and the voice from heaven was heard, John recognized the token which God had promised. He knew that it was the world’s Redeemer whom he had baptized. The Holy Spirit rested upon him, and with outstretched hand pointing to Jesus, he cried, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”DA 112.5
None among the hearers, and not even the speaker himself, discerned the import of these words, “the Lamb of God.” Upon Mount Moriah, Abraham had heard the question of his son, “My father, ... where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” The father answered, “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” Genesis 22:7, 8. And in the ram divinely provided in the place of Isaac, Abraham saw a symbol of Him who was to die for the sins of men. The Holy Spirit through Isaiah, taking up the illustration, prophesied of the Saviour, “He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,” “and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:7, 6); but the people of Israel had not understood the lesson. Many of them regarded the sacrificial offerings much as the heathen looked upon their sacrifices,—as gifts by which they themselves might propitiate the Deity. God desired to teach them that from His own love comes the gift which reconciles them to Himself.DA 113.1
And the word that was spoken to Jesus at the Jordan, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” embraces humanity. God spoke to Jesus as our representative. With all our sins and weaknesses, we are not cast aside as worthless. “He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:6. The glory that rested upon Christ is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer,—how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our petitions find acceptance in the courts of heaven. By sin, earth was cut off from heaven, and alienated from its communion; but Jesus has connected it again with the sphere of glory. His love has encircled man, and reached the highest heaven. The light which fell from the open portals upon the head of our Saviour will fall upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation. The voice which spoke to Jesus says to every believing soul, This is My beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.DA 113.2
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2. Our Redeemer has opened the way so that the most sinful, the most needy, the most oppressed and despised, may find access to the Father. All may have a home in the mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare. “These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; ... behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” Revelation 3:7, 8.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 11—The Baptism of Jesus
HLv 65.1
The message of the wilderness prophet reached the peasants in the remote hill towns, and the fisher folk by the sea, and in these simple, earnest hearts found its truest response. In Nazareth it was told in the carpentry shop that had been Joseph’s, and One recognized the call. His time had come. He bade farewell to His mother and followed His countrymen who were flocking to the Jordan.HLv 65.2
Jesus and John the Baptist were cousins, yet they had had no direct acquaintance with each other. Providence had ordered this. No occasion was to be given for the charge that they had conspired together to support each other’s claims.HLv 65.3
John was acquainted with the events that had marked the birth of Jesus, with the visit to Jerusalem in His boyhood and His sinless life. He believed Him to be the Messiah, but the fact that Jesus had remained in obscurity, giving no special evidence of His mission, gave occasion for doubt. The Baptist, however, waited in faith. It had been revealed to him that the Messiah would seek baptism at his hands, and that a sign of His divine character should then be given.HLv 65.4
When Jesus came to be baptized, John recognized in Him a purity of character never before perceived in any man. His very presence was awe-inspiring. This was in harmony with what had been revealed to John regarding the Messiah. Yet how could he, a sinner, baptize the Sinless One? Why should He who needed no repentance submit to a rite that was a confession of guilt to be washed away?HLv 66.1
As Jesus asked for baptism, John drew back, exclaiming, “‘I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on Him.” RSV.HLv 66.2
Jesus did not receive baptism as a confession of guilt on His own account. He identified Himself with sinners, taking the steps that we are to take and doing the work that we must do. His life of suffering and patient endurance after His baptism was also an example to us.HLv 66.3
Coming up out of the water, Jesus bowed in prayer on the river bank. He was now entering the conflict of His life. Though He was the Prince of Peace, His coming must be as the unsheathing of a sword. The kingdom He had come to establish was the opposite of that which the Jews desired. He would be looked upon as the enemy and destroyer of the ritual and economy of Israel, condemned as a transgressor, and denounced as Beelzebub. No one on earth had understood Him, and He must still walk alone. His mother and brothers did not comprehend His mission. Even His disciples did not understand Him.HLv 66.4
As one with us, He must bear our guilt and woe. The Sinless One must feel the shame of sin. The peace lover must dwell with strife; the truth must abide with falsehood, purity with vileness. Every sin, every discord, every defiling lust was torture to His spirit.HLv 66.5
Alone He must tread the path. On Him who had accepted the weakness of humanity the redemption of the world must rest. He saw and felt it all, but His purpose remained steadfast.HLv 66.6
The Saviour poured out His soul in prayer. He knew how sin had hardened the hearts of men, how difficult it would be for them to discern His mission and accept salvation. He pleaded with the Father for power to overcome their unbelief, to break the fetters with which Satan had enthralled them, and to conquer the destroyer.HLv 67.1
Never before had angels listened to such a prayer. The Father Himself would answer the petition of His Son. The heavens were opened, and upon the Saviour’s head descended a dovelike form of purest light.HLv 67.2
Few at the Jordan except John discerned the heavenly vision. Yet the solemnity of the divine Presence rested on the assembly. Christ’s upturned face was glorified as they had never before seen the face of man. From the open heavens a voice was heard: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”HLv 67.3
These words were given to inspire faith in those who witnessed the scene and to strengthen the Saviour for His mission. Notwithstanding that the sins of a guilty world were laid on Christ, notwithstanding the humiliation of taking upon Himself our fallen nature, the voice from heaven declared Him to be the Son of the Eternal.HLv 67.5
None among the hearers, not even the speaker himself, discerned the import of the words, “the Lamb of God.” Many of the people of Israel regarded the sacrificial offerings much as the heathen looked on their sacrifices—gifts to propitiate the Deity. God desired to teach them that from His own love comes the gift which reconciles them to Himself.HLv 68.1
Our Redeemer has opened the way so that the most sinful, oppressed, and despised, may find access to the Father. All may have a home in the mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare.From Heaven With Love
Endorsed by Heaven
HLv 67.4
John had been deeply moved. As the glory of God encircled Jesus and the voice from heaven was heard, John knew that it was the world’s Redeemer whom he had baptized. With outstretched hand pointing to Jesus, he cried, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.HLv 67.6
The word spoken to Jesus, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” embraces humanity. With all our sins and weaknesses, we are not cast aside as worthless. “He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:6. The glory that rested on Christ is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer—how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our petitions find acceptance in the courts of heaven. By sin, earth was cut off from heaven, but Jesus has connected it again with the sphere of glory. The light which fell on the head of our Saviour will fall on us as we pray for help to resist temptation. The voice which spoke to Jesus says to every believing soul, This is My beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 170, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 170, 1897, par. 5
This is the record of the life of John. Now the question is answered, why John was called great in the sight of the Lord. Matthew 3:13-17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 144, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 144, 1901, par. 16
The Lord can take every one of us in His embrace, for His arm encircles the race. Let us remember this. After Christ (in behalf of the human race) had taken the necessary steps in repentance, conversion, and faith, He went to John to be baptized of him in Jordan. “John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” Jesus answered, “Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” When He came up out of the water, He knelt down on the banks of the Jordan and offered a prayer such as had never before entered heaven. While He was praying, the heavens opened, and the glory of God, in the form of a dove of burnished gold, rested upon Him, and from the highest heaven was heard the voice of the infinite One, God the Father, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:13-17.]16LtMs, Ms 144, 1901, par. 18
Christ’s prayer on the banks of the Jordan includes every one who will believe in Him. The promise that you are accepted in the Beloved comes to you. Hold it with the grip of unyielding faith. God said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] This means that through the dark shadow which Satan has thrown athwart your pathway, Christ has cleaved the way for you to the throne of the infinite God. He has laid hold of almighty power, and you are accepted in the Beloved.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 95, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 95, 1908, par. 3
“Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written, He shall, give His angels charge concerning Thee, and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” [Matthew 3:13-17; 4:1-6.]Matthew 3:14-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 57, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 22
John, the forerunner of Christ, administered baptism to large numbers who repented under his administration and his prophetical warnings and appeals. Christ received baptism at the hand of John. When John drew back from performing this ordinance, saying, “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” Christ answered him, “Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” [Matthew 3:14, 15.] The steps to be taken in conversion are repentance, faith, baptism. Christ as the Head of humanity was to take the same steps that we are required to take. Although sinless, He was our example in fulfilling all the requirements for the redemption of the sinful race. He bore the sins of the whole world. His baptism was to embrace the whole sinful world who by repentance and faith would be pardoned.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 57, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 57, 1902, par. 27
Repentance, faith, and baptism are the three steps requisite to conversion. Christ Himself was baptized of John. When John forbad Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?” Jesus answering said unto him, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” [Matthew 3:14, 15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 174, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 174, 1909, par. 2
Repentance, faith, and baptism are the requisite steps in conversion. Christ Himself was baptized by John. When John would forbid Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?” Jesus replied, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” [Matthew 3:14, 15.]Matthew 3:14-17
The Faith I Live By
“This Is My Beloved Son,” May 18
FLB 144.1
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:16, 17.FLB 144.2
As Jesus asked for baptism, John drew back, exclaiming, “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” With firm yet gentle authority, Jesus answered, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” Matthew 3:14, 15. And John, yielding, led the Saviour down into the Jordan, and buried Him beneath the water. “And straightway coming up out of the water,” Jesus “saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. Mark 1:10.... The solemnity of the divine Presence rested upon the assembly. The people stood silently gazing upon Christ. His form was bathed in the light that ever surrounds the throne of God. His upturned face was glorified as they had never before seen the face of man. From the open heavens a voice was heard saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17....The Story of Jesus
Chapter 7—The Baptism
SJ 41.7
“And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” Matthew 3:14, 15.SJ 42.4
When He came up out of the water, He kneeled on the riverbank, and prayed. Then the heavens were opened, beams of glory streamed forth, “and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him.” Matthew 3:16.SJ 42.6
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16, 17.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
The Christian Life
1SAT 321.1
When Christ came to John for baptism, John refused to baptize Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” “Suffer it to be so now,” Christ said, “for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” (See Matthew 3:14, 15). Provision has been made that when man repents and takes the steps requisite in conversion, he shall be forgiven. When he is baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, these three great powers are pledged to work in his behalf. And man on his part, as he goes down into the water, to be buried in the likeness of Christ’s death and raised in the likeness of His resurrection, pledges himself to worship the true and living God, to come out from the world and be separate, to keep the law of Jehovah.1SAT 321.2
When Christ bowed on the banks of Jordan and offered up prayer to heaven, it was in our behalf that He prayed. And as He prayed, the heavens were opened, and the glory of God like a dove of burnished gold rested upon Him, while from the highest heaven was heard a voice, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This is heaven’s pledge in behalf of humanity. Christ’s prayer was offered for us. We are accepted in the Beloved. What an incentive this should be to us to strive earnestly and perseveringly to please our Saviour, to live so that He shall not have died for us in vain!Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 144, 1901
2SAT 167.1
The Lord can take every one of us in His embrace, for His arm encircles the race. Let us remember this. After Christ (in behalf of the human race) had taken the necessary steps in repentance, conversion, and faith, He went to John to be baptized of him in Jordan. “John forbad Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?”Jesus answered, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness” [Matthew 3:14, 15]. When He came up out of the water, He knelt down on the banks of the Jordan and offered a prayer such as had never before entered heaven. While He was praying, the heavens opened and the glory of God in the form of a dove of burnished gold rested upon Him, and from the highest heaven was heard the voice of the infinite One, God the Father, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”2SAT 167.4
Christ’s prayer on the banks of the Jordan includes everyone who will believe in Him. The promise that you are accepted in the Beloved comes to you. Hold it with the grip of unyielding faith. God said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” [Matthew 3:17]. This means that through the dark shadow which Satan has thrown athwart your pathway Christ has cleaved the way for you to the throne of the infinite God. He has laid hold of almighty power, and you are accepted in the Beloved.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 31, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 11
When Christ came to John for baptism, John refused to baptize Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” “Suffer it to be so now,” Christ said; “for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” [Matthew 3:14, 15.] Provision has been made that when man repents and takes the steps requisite in conversion, he shall be forgiven. When he is baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, these three great powers are pledged to work in his behalf. And man on his part, as he goes down into the water, to be buried in the likeness of Christ’s death and raised in the likeness of His resurrection, pledges himself to worship the true and living God, to come out from the world and be separate, to keep the law of Jehovah.16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 12
When Christ bowed on the banks of Jordan and offered up prayer to heaven, it was in our behalf that He prayed. And as He prayed, the heavens were opened, and the glory of God like a dove of burnished gold rested upon Him, while from the highest heaven was heard a voice, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Verses 16, 17.] This is heaven’s pledge in behalf of humanity. Christ’s prayer was offered for us. We are accepted in the Beloved. What an incentive this should be to us to strive earnestly and perseveringly to please the Saviour, to live so that He shall not have died for us in vain!Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 155, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 34
When Jesus came to be baptized, John shrank from granting His request. How could he, a sinner, baptize the Sinless One? “I have need to be baptized of Thee,” he exclaimed, “and comest Thou to me?” Jesus answered, “Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” [Matthew 3:14, 15.] John yielded, and buried His Lord beneath the water. Straightway coming up out of the water, Christ bowed in prayer on the riverbank. And for what did He pray? He lifted up His soul unto God in behalf of fallen humanity, and for strength to fulfil His mission. Upon His arm depended the salvation of the fallen race, and He reached out His hand to grasp the hand of Omnipotent Love. He asked for the witness that God accepted humanity in the person of His Son.17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 35
The Father Himself answered the petition of His Son. Direct from the throne issued the beams of His glory. The heavens were opened, and upon the Saviour’s head descended a dove of burnished gold—fit emblem of Him, the meek and lowly One. A heavenly light encircled the Son of man; and from the highest heaven was heard the words, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Verses 16, 17.]Matthew 3:15
The Story of Jesus
Chapter 11—Sabbathkeeping
SJ 71.1
To fulfill means to keep, or perform. (James 2:8.) So when He came to be baptized by John the Baptist, He said, “Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15. To fulfill the law is to obey it perfectly.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”—Matthew 5:17.
MB 48.3
Speaking of the law, Jesus said, “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” He here used the word “fulfill” in the same sense as when He declared to John the Baptist His purpose to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15); that is, to fill up the measure of the law’s requirement, to give an example of perfect conformity to the will of God.Homeward Bound
God’s Law Is Eternal, June 8
HB 181.4
Speaking of the law, Jesus said, “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” He here used the word “fulfill” in the same sense as when He declared to John the Baptist His purpose to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15); that is, to fill up the measure of the law’s requirement, to give an example of perfect conformity to the will of God.With God at Dawn
Righteousness Fulfilled in Him, August 31
WGD 245.1
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Matthew 3:15.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 9, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 9, 1893, par. 24
When the Jews heard Christ deliver His sermon on the mount they thought He was going to pass by the law, but on their astonished ears fell these words, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” [Matthew 5:17.] He fulfilled every specification of it. To “fulfill” does not mean to do away. We read in (Matthew 3:15), “for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” To have abolished the law would have been to immortalize sin. There was nothing in [the] law that needed changing or altering. Christ showed that the Law took hold upon the thoughts and intents and purposes of the heart. We should prepare for time and eternity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 19, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 19, 1897, par. 58
When Peter’s turn came, he utterly refused to have Christ touch his feet. How gladly would he have taken the place of the Master, and become even a slave for His sake. He exclaimed, “Thou shalt never wash my feet.” [John 13:8.] But Christ told him, as he had told John when he had refused to baptize Him, “Suffer it to be so now.” [Matthew 3:15.] That which he did not understand then, he would better comprehend at another time. He assured Peter, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.” Except in the case of one, this washing signified the cleansing from sin. He said, “Now ye are clean, but not all.” [John 13:8, 10.]Matthew 3:15-17
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 229, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 45
Now, our Saviour took every step requisite to conversion that every soul should take. He placed Himself at the head of humanity, and repented of the sins of humanity, that you may repent on your own account, and in your own behalf, and that pardon may be spoken against every repenting, believing soul. When He came up from the water, then the glory of God, like a dove of burnished gold, encircled over the Son of God, while from the highest heaven was heard the words, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.]17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 46
What was Christ doing? Praying in behalf of the people that were encircled in His arms by the steps He was taking, in repentance and baptism, in their behalf. What does that say to you and to me? Heaven is open before us. Christ has cleared the way by the prayer after His baptism. Thus He said to John, as John forbade to baptize Him, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” [Verse 15.] Now, repentance and faith and baptism, are the steps requisite in conversion, and we want souls here today to inquire, How is it with my soul? Am I fitting for heaven above? Am I making a heaven in my home for my family? Am I putting away the hasty speech, the hasty temper? Am I controlling myself, that the Spirit of God shall be in me and abide with me richly, and that the rich current of grace and love shall flow forth from me to my children and all that shall come into our house?17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 48
Teach the little ones to do duties from their babyhood up. Then what are you to do? You are educating them to bear their burdens, and how to pray. Christ offered this prayer, that you may understand that He has cleaved the way for your prayer to follow to the highest heaven to take right hold of His strength and make peace with Him, so that you can make peace with Him. This is what He is educating you to pray, as His prayer is offered to heaven, as the voice of God is heard, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Verse 17.] It tells you that every prayer that shall be offered from a sincere heart is accepted in the Beloved.Matthew 3:16-17
Our High Calling
Pledge of Our Acceptance, May 30
OHC 156.1
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:16, 17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 17, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 17, 1893, par. 7
Christ’s prayer cleaves through the hellish shadow of Satan and enters heaven. And from the Father comes the representation of a dove of burnished gold, which is the Holy Spirit of God, and settles and enshrouds Christ, and they hear the voice saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.] You read this over and over again in a careless manner; but it means everything to you and me. God has accepted Him as our representative and head.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 16, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 16, 1893, par. 5
Jesus Christ came off conqueror in the wilderness of temptation. And when upon Jordan’s banks, He offered such a prayer to heaven as heaven had never listened to before. His prayer penetrated through [the] darkness around him and reached the highest heavens. The heavens were opened and a dove, in appearance like burnished gold, [descended upon Him,] and from the lips of the Infinite One was heard these words, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.] We have not understood how much this was saying to us. “You are accepted in the Beloved.” [See Ephesians 1:6.] His prayer ascended to the highest heavens. There [our] petitions will be heard. Jesus Christ, [our] Intercessor, will give [ear] to the [petitioner], and he will have grace [and] power through the Substitute, and surety that his petitions shall be honored in the highest heavens. How precious to every son and daughter of God, to every father and every mother who stands with burdens of responsibility to their children.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 27, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 27, 1893, par. 7
Satan with all his synagogue—for Satan claims to be religious—determined that Christ should not carry out the councils of heaven. After Christ was baptized, He bowed on the banks of Jordan, and never before had heaven listened to such a prayer, as came from his divine lips. Christ took our nature upon Himself. The glory of God in the form of a dove of burnished gold, rested upon Him, and from the infinite glory was heard these words, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.] The human race is encircled by the human arm of Christ, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite One. The prayer of Christ cleaved right through the darkness and entered where God is. To each of us it means that heaven is open before us, that the gates are ajar, that the glory is imparted to the Son of God and all who believe in His name. Our petition will be heard in heaven, as He [God] answered the petition of whom? Our Surety, our Substitute, the Son of the infinite God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 86, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 86, 1894, par. 9
Christ was baptized of him [John] in Jordan, and after His baptism He came up out of the water, and then what? The heavens were opened, and the glory of God symbolized by a dove of burnished gold encircled the Son of God, and from the highest heaven were heard the words, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.] This representation was an assurance to John that he was not mistaken in his idea that Christ was the Son of God. And what do these words say to us, to every member of the human family, whatever your position, whatever your country, what does it say to us? Through faith in the provision God has made in behalf of man, you are accepted in the beloved, not outside of Him, in, in, through the merits of Jesus Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 12, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 12, 1895, par. 9
And what was the result of that prayer <such> as angels and seraphim and cherubim had never listened to before. It was their Commander in human nature, that was putting up the cry in behalf of human nature, that God Himself would give the strength that man must have in order to be conqueror. And what was the result? The heaven was opened before him, the glory of God in the form of a dove of burnished gold encircled the Son of man, while the infinite Father speaks. Hear His voice: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.] Well what does that say to you and me? It tells us that we may, everyone, obtain the victory over every temptation, however severe, however trying, through the merits of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 24, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 24, 1895, par. 8
Our Saviour has given us directions as to how we may win eternal life. He left His heavenly home, and clothing His divinity with humanity came to this world to show that only by becoming connected with divinity could man keep the law of God. Humanity of itself is a tainted, corrupted offering, but through Jesus Christ, moral power has been brought to man. It was in answer to His prayer, a prayer that cleft the shadow of hell and entered the holy place of God, that the heavens were opened and the glory of God, like a dove of burnished gold, hovered over the Son of God, and from the highest heaven was heard the voice, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 184, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 184, 1897, par. 7
After his baptism, while praying to His Father, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily shape like a dove, and a voice from heaven was heard saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 114, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 114, 1898, par. 26
All who will may see the mystery of godliness. It is only through a correct understanding of Christ’s mission and work that the possibility of being complete in him, accepted in the Beloved, is brought within our reach. “Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.] This voice reaches to every one who receives and believes in Jesus. His long human arm embraces the human family; His divine arm grasps the throne of the Infinite, that man may have the benefit of the infinite sacrifice made in his behalf. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 88, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 13
John came bearing witness of the One whose divinity they were now questioning. He had pointed Him out, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] He had baptized Him, and after the baptism, as Christ was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord descended upon Him like a dove, while a voice from heaven was heard, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.]Sons and Daughters of God
In Baptism, May 6
SD 133.1
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon him, and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:16, 17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 92, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 92, 1901, par. 17
Notwithstanding the opposition of the strongest powers of darkness, there is One able to open the door. This is the same door that was opened at the baptism of Christ. After the Saviour had taken the steps in conversion requisite for every sinner to take in order to be saved—repentance, faith, and baptism—thus entering into covenant relation with God, He kneeled on the bank of the Jordan and prayed. And the heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost, in the form of a dove of burnished gold, hovered over the Son of Man, enshrouding Him in light, while a voice from the highest heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 125, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 125, 1902, par. 4
After His baptism, Christ knelt on the banks of Jordan and offered prayer to His Father. And as He prayed, the heavens were opened, and the glory of God, like a dove of burnished gold, rested upon Him, while from the highest heaven there came the voice, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.] Christ’s prayer was offered for us, and it cleaves through every shadow that Satan casts between us and God. In our behalf the Saviour laid hold of the power of Omnipotence, and as we pray to God, we may know that Christ’s prayer has ascended before, and that God has heard and answered it. With all our sins and weaknesses we are not cast aside as worthless. “He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.” [Ephesians 1:6.] The glory that rested upon Christ is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells of the power of prayer—how the human voice may reach the ear of God and our petitions find acceptance in the courts of heaven. The light that fell from the open portals upon the head of our Saviour will fall upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation. The voice that spoke to Jesus says to every believing soul, “This is My beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.” [See Matthew 3:17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 113, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 113, 1902, par. 3
At His baptism the glory of God rested on Him, as a dove of burnished gold. Light from the throne of God encircled Him, while from heaven were heard the words, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 22, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 22, 1905, par. 6
Christ came to our world in human form to show the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds and the inhabitants of the fallen world that ample provision had been made to enable human beings to live in loyalty to their Creator. He endured the temptations that Satan was permitted to bring against Him and resisted all his assaults. He was sorely afflicted, and hard beset, but God did not leave Him without recognition. When He was baptized of John in Jordan, as He came up out of the water, the Spirit of God, like a dove of burnished gold, descended upon Him, and a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.]Radiant Religion
With His Beloved Son, February 18
RRe 51.1
Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: and lo a voice from heaven saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:16, 17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 11, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 11, 1886, par. 4
This controversy between Christ and Satan was witnessed not only by the heavenly intelligences, but by all the worlds that God had created. Here the power [arises] that claims to have the right to change times and laws; [it] is the man of sin. But does he have power to change times and laws? No. Because God’s law is written in the tables of stone, engraven with His own finger, and placed in the temple of God in heaven, and that great moral standard will be the criterion that will judge every being upon the face of the earth, both dead and living. But here now Satan claims that his work while in heaven was for the benefit of the heavenly intelligences; and the mystery is: how did sin enter into our world? Just as soon as you can understand how sin came, then it will be proved that it is not sin. There is no excuse for sin. There is no sign of a reason for sin, but here the battle is to be fought right here upon this earth between Christ and the powers of darkness. Our Saviour as He stood on the banks of Jordan prays a petition such as angels never listened to before, and the heavens were opened and the glory of God like a dove of burnished gold encircled the Son of God, and from the highest Heaven the voice is heard, saying, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 16, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 16, 1886, par. 3
As Christ bowed upon Jordan’s banks after His baptism, there was a bright light that descended like a dove of burnished gold and lighted upon Him, and from heaven was heard a voice, saying, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.] We read over these words, but do not take in their significance. We do not seem to understand their value to us. They are stating to you that you are accepted in the Beloved. Christ with His long human arm encircles the fallen race, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Almighty, thus uniting earth with heaven, and fallen, finite man with the Infinite God. And this earth, which was divorced from heaven, is again united with heaven. A communication is opened with heaven through Jesus Christ that man, who was fallen, is brought back again into favor with God. Here Jesus passed into the wilderness of temptation, and the trial is brought to bear upon Him one hundred times more trying than that brought upon Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. And will He endure the temptation?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 18, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 18, 1887, par. 5
Just before He entered upon His public ministry, Christ received baptism at the hands of John. After His baptism He knelt upon the banks of Jordan and offered a prayer to Heaven. That prayer was heard by His Father, and the glory of God, assuming the form of a dove, descended upon Him, and a voice was heard, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.] How many can comprehend the full meaning of these words spoken by our heavenly Father? Here He says to man, “You are accepted in the Beloved.” [Ephesians 1:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 8, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 8, 1888, par. 16
Who was watching this warfare that was going on? Who was watching when Christ stood on the banks of Jordan and offered such a prayer as heaven had never listened to before, and a light like a dove broke forth from the heavens, and a voice was heard to say, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”? [Matthew 3:16, 17.] [There] were those who heard these things and spread the news every where among the Jews, and it went from one to the other, so this manifestation of [God’s] power was not lost at that time.Matthew 3:17
Christ Triumphant
We Are to Live by God’s Every Word, July 23
CTr 211.1
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 12—The Temptation
DA 119.1
The words from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17), were still sounding in the ears of Satan. But he was determined to make Christ disbelieve this testimony. The word of God was Christ’s assurance of His divine mission. He had come to live as a man among men, and it was the word that declared His connection with heaven. It was Satan’s purpose to cause Him to doubt that word. If Christ’s confidence in God could be shaken, Satan knew that the victory in the whole controversy would be his. He could overcome Jesus. He hoped that under the force of despondency and extreme hunger, Christ would lose faith in His Father, and work a miracle in His own behalf. Had He done this, the plan of salvation would have been broken.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 63—“Thy King Cometh”
DA 579.4
The great Jehovah has proclaimed from His throne, “This is My beloved Son.” Matthew 3:17.Ye Shall Receive Power
Trials and Opposition Bring Benefit, December 4
YRP 347.3
He who opens the Scriptures, and feeds upon the heavenly manna, becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He has no life or experience apart from Christ. He hears the voice of God speaking from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). That voice is assurance to him that he is accepted in the Beloved. And he knows that in character he must be like Him with whom God is well pleased. God has fully accepted Christ as our substitute, our surety; then let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from all iniquity, and be one with Christ in character, that Jesus may not be ashamed to call us brethren.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Words to Students
1SAT 335.1
After His baptism, Christ knelt on the banks of Jordan and offered prayer to His Father, And as He prayed, the heavens were opened, and the glory of God, like a dove of burnished gold, rested upon Him, while from the highest heaven there came the voice, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” [Matthew 3:17]. Christ’s prayer was offered for us, and it cleaves through every shadow that Satan casts between us and God. In our behalf the Saviour laid hold of the power of Omnipotence, and as we pray to God, we may know that Christ’s prayer has ascended before, and that God has heard and answered it. With all our sins and weaknesses we are not cast aside as worthless. “He hath made us accepted in the beloved.” The glory that rested upon Christ is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells of the power of prayer—how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our petitions find acceptance in the courts of heaven. The light that fell from the open portals upon the head of our Saviour, will fall upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation. The voice that spoke to Jesus says to every believing soul, “This is My beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.”From Heaven With Love
Chapter 63—Jesus Acclaimed as Israel’s King
HLv 386.7
The great Jehovah has proclaimed: “This is My beloved Son.” Matthew 3:17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 84, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 84, 1886, par. 3
When He received baptism at the hand of John, the heavens were opened above Him, and the Spirit of God descended in the form of a dove and rested upon Him; and there was heard a voice from the highest heaven, saying, “This is My beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17. He was then entering upon His mission for which He came to this earth: and God declares His mission for which He came to this earth. The human race is accepted in the Beloved. His human arm encircles the race while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 46, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 46, 1886, par. 3
Well could John exclaim, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” 1 John 3:1. It is an amazing thing that after the great sacrifice had been made, man in return should treat the loving Saviour as he did. Our heavenly Father manifested His love in the gift of His Son for the human race, yet they knew Him not. At His baptism, when on the banks of Jordan, He made the greatest prayer that ever fell on mortal ear, the heavens opened and the voice of God spake in thundering tones: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] How many there are who read over this statement without being impressed. It does not seem to leave an impression that it concerns them. But it has every thing to do with us, for it was the Saviour’s arm that grasped the throne of heaven. Sin had divorced this world from the eternal world, and this is what caused the Son of man to give His life for the human race and connect us again with heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 60, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 60, 1886, par. 7
When Christ entered upon His mission at His baptism, heaven was opened and the glory of God encircled Him, and a voice was heard to say, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 45, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 45, 1886, par. 15
Satan will tell us that Christ did all for us. This we must meet by God’s Word. If Satan tells the truth, then it would not have been necessary for Christ to have made the sacrifice. But it is through the doing of the commandments that we can come to God through Christ. And He paid the debt for past transgressions. Christ was accepted as our sacrifice, and on the banks of Jordan the Father declared: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] Here heaven was opened to man, and heaven and earth were again united.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 48, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 48, 1886, par. 4
When Christ received baptism at the hands of John, He bowed on the banks of Jordan and prayed such a prayer as was never heard by mortal ear. Heaven opened, the glory of God encircled His Son, and a voice was heard to say, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17. How many read over these words and consider the importance of them? The human family may return to God. Heaven has been opened before them. Christ says, I have opened a door [Revelation 3:8], and His testimony is that He has been accepted of the Father and that we can be accepted through Him. His human arm encircles the [human] race, and with His divine arm He grasps heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 40, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 40, 1886, par. 9
Here is the admonition, “Come ... and learn of Me.” How difficult to enter the school of Christ by giving up our wills and submitting to the will of our heavenly Father! Christ knows our weakness. He has given us promises to encourage us by the way and is ever ready to bear our burdens for us if we will bring them to Him. In Christ is all fulness, and the Father has acknowledged Him as His Son, and at His baptism the words were heard from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] Through Christ we can gain access to the Father. The door of heaven is ajar, and light will come to us as it did to Jesus Christ, and we can be lights to the world. We must learn humility. When this lesson is fully learned, the yoke will rest easily upon us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 26, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 26, 1887, par. 6
When Jesus was baptized by the hand of John, when about to enter upon His ministry, He offered up to His Father such a prayer as the world had never heard. Heaven was opened to that prayer, and the Spirit of God, descending like a dove of burnished gold, encircled the precious Saviour, and a voice was heard from the highest heavens, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17. In this we have an assurance that Heaven is opened to our petitions. Christ has opened the way by which we can have access to the Father. It was sin that had separated man from his Maker, and it had divorced the human race from the favor of Heaven. But the way is now laid open, and how thankful we ought to be that the gates of heaven are left ajar and beams of light and truth will shine upon those who will avail themselves of it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 25, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 25, 1887, par. 13
He condescended to this great sacrifice, not that sin in man should become a virtue, not that sin might be made righteousness. He took the steps that man is required to take in conversion. He went forward in baptism, and when He came up out of the water, He kneeled down and offered up such a prayer to His Father as heaven had never heard before. The heavens were opened, and light came from the open heavens like a dove of burnished gold and enshrouded the Son of God, and a voice from heaven was heard, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 52, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, par. 3
I felt most intensely upon some points, especially the inauguration of Christ, on the banks of Jordan, to His appointed work. The dedication of Christ was not to be mingled with any human agency. What an event was this—Christ entering upon His work with the seal of divinity upon Him! The baptismal scene at the hand of John was followed by Jesus walking out of the water and offering His prayer to His Father. The heavens were opened and the Spirit descended upon Him, assuming the form of a dove, in appearance like burnished gold; and the voice of the Father was heard in recognition of the offering of Christ to God: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 61, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 61, 1891, par. 10
Let us think of the sufferings endured by the Son of God. Behold Him dying upon the cross amid the deepest gloom. The darkened heavens and the convulsed earth, the rent rocks, give but a faint emblem of the state of His mind as He cried, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” [Matthew 27:46.] How can this be explained? Did the Father forsake His Son, whom He calls His only-begotten Son? His well-beloved Son of whom He said, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”? [Matthew 3:17.] Oh, the reason was that Jesus was the sinner’s substitute and surety. He took the penalty which the sinner deserved upon Himself in order to give the sinner another trial, another chance, to prove his loyalty to God and keep His commandments. There are only two classes in the whole universe: Those who believe on Jesus Christ and those who will not believe.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 2, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 2, 1893, par. 11
Christ knows the difficulties that beset our pathway. Won’t you praise Him for that? Christ came to save us, that humanity might teach humanity. Behold, on Jordan’s banks how His prayer cleaves His way to [the] throne of God. The brightness of the Father’s glory encircles the Son of God, then follows the voice of the God of heaven: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] Christ has opened [the] way for every bereaved heart to highest heavens. Who is it? Our substance, our surety. He takes our sins. He bore them in his body.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 67, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 67, 1894, par. 38
Christ is long forbearing, full of compassion and love that cannot be measured. No other character can compare with His. The men who are called excellent, loving, beautiful, bear only a faint likeness to Jesus Christ. Solomon by the Spirit of inspiration beheld His character, and exclaimed, “He is the chiefest among ten thousand, ... yea, he is altogether lovely.” [Song of Solomon 5:10, 16.] David, as he beheld Christ in prophetic vision, said, “Thou art fairer than the sons of men.” [Psalm 45:2.] The Lord Jehovah announced His character to the world, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.]God’s Amazing Grace
Where We Find Deliverance From Sin, March 16
AG 83.3
When Christ bowed on the banks of Jordan, after His baptism, the heavens, were opened, and the Spirit descended in the form of a dove, like burnished gold, and encircled Him with its glory; and the voice of God from the highest heaven was heard, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). The prayer of Christ in man’s behalf opened the gates of heaven, and the Father had responded, accepting the petition for the fallen race. Jesus prayed as our substitute and surety, and now the human family may find access to the Father through the merits of His well-beloved Son.... Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The gate of heaven has been left ajar, and the radiance from the throne of God shines into the hearts of those who love Him.34The Review and Herald, February 28, 1888.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 23, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, par. 3
The first chapter of John tells you how. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [Verse 12.] What name? “And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of peace.” [Isaiah 9:6.] Does your faith lay hold upon this? Not yet. You do not know Him whom to know aright is life and peace. Before you shall come to Him, self must be expelled from the soul and crucified. This experience of having an abiding Christ, you do not know. “But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believed not.” [John 6:36.] You have a theoretical knowledge of Christ, but not an experimental knowledge through belief in Him as your personal Saviour.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 8, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 8, 1896, par. 2
He said of Himself, “For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” [John 18:37.] The truth came from His lips with freshness and power, as a new revelation. He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life. His life, given for this sinful world, was full of earnestness and momentous results; for His work was to save perishing souls. He came forth to be the True Light, shining amid the moral darkness of superstition and error, and was announced by a voice from heaven, proclaiming, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] And at His transfiguration this voice from heaven was again heard, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” [Matthew 17:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 112, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 16
But although they tried their utmost, they could not degrade Christ. Infinitely pure, stainless as the spotless lily, was the attitude and character of Christ. Satan and his synagogue of evil angels were present when those filthy rags were placed upon the Son of God. The Jews had desired evidence of His divinity by working a miracle; but here they had far greater evidence than any miracle that could have been wrought. They had no more perceptive power to discern the Son of God than had the brute creation. God had spoken from heaven, “This is my beloved Son” [Matthew 3:17], but nothing less than the decided judgment of God upon them would have the least effect upon their coarse, debased minds. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 3, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 3, 1897, par. 19
At the close of that time Satan came to Christ in the guise of an angel direct from heaven, apparently with a commission from heaven, declaring that His fast was at an end. The sensations of hunger were strong upon Christ; He was craving for food. Now Satan improves his opportunity. While the words of God from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” are still sounding in his ears, he comes suddenly upon Christ and says, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones (which bore the exact appearance of bread) be made bread.” [Matthew 3:17; 4:3.] Satan knew that the personal controversy between the Prince of life and the prince of darkness had commenced, and he sought to overcome Christ in His physical weakness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 92, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 92, 1898, par. 4
We are to behold the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. God has revealed Himself in Christ. In the person of His only begotten Son, the God of heaven has condescended to stoop to our human nature. His voice has spoken from the highest heaven, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] And again, at the visit of the Greeks to the temple, when Jesus prayed, “Father, glorify thy name,” the answer was given, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again. The people therefore that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.” [John 12:28-30.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 153, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 153, 1899, par. 23
Christ had heard Satan’s taunting words of scorn regarding His claim to be the Son of God. “Thou the Son of God—born in a stable, hurried off to Egypt for fear of being destroyed by Herod, working as a carpenter in an obscure town of Galilee! If at thy baptism a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’ [Matthew 3:17], why art thou now helpless and starving in this wilderness? Why is the illustrious Son of God wandering, unhonored and unattended, among the wild beasts? Where is thy retinue of angels? Where is thy glory and honor?”14LtMs, Ms 153, 1899, par. 26
Christ had gained the victory. Passing over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell, He had not yielded in a single point. The conflict was ended, and He was a conqueror. But the strain had been great, and He lay as one dying. “And, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” [Matthew 4:11.] Not only was food supplied to Him; supernatural restoration came. God sent His approval and commendation to revive His Son. How much the Saviour enjoyed the comfort brought to Him by the angels! His time of victory had come. He could accept the companionship and service of the angels, since they came unbidden by Himself, sent direct from the Father, whom He had honored by enduring the test under circumstances such as no human being will ever pass through. He had been given the chance of taking sides with the apostate foe of God, but He repulsed every temptation with the words, “It is written.” [Verses 4, 7, 10.] Well might a voice from heaven declare, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 72, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 72, 1901, par. 3
With commanding authority the Lord Jesus has said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” [Matthew 11:15.] The Excellent Glory commands every son and daughter of Adam to give attention. It is for the eternal interest of every individual to do this. The Lord God summons the world to hear, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] Christ stands pre-eminent, above every teacher and authority in the world. Every word He utters is to be obeyed as law, as life.In Heavenly Places
Our Link With Heaven, February 2
HP 39.1
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 96, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 96, 1902, par. 15
An earnest, prayerful study of the sermon on the mount will prepare us to proclaim the truth, to give to others the light we have received. We are first to take heed to ourselves, receiving with humble hearts the principles of truth and working them out in perfect obedience. This will bring joy and peace. Thus we eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, and we grow strong in His strength. Our lives are assimilated to His life. Our spirit, our inclinations, our habits are conformed to the will of Him of whom God declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 159, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 159, 1903, par. 4
At the baptism of Christ, a voice from heaven was heard, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] Immediately after this Christ went into the wilderness of temptation and began His long fast; and in His weakness, Satan came to Him and tempted Him.18LtMs, Lt 159, 1903, par. 10
The words from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” were still sounding in the ears of Satan. [Matthew 3:17.] But he was determined to make Christ disbelieve this testimony. The Word of God was Christ’s assurance of His divine mission. He had come to live as a man among men, and it was the Word that declared His connection with heaven. It was Satan’s purpose to make Him doubt this Word. If Christ’s confidence in God could be shaken, Satan knew that victory in the whole conflict would be his. He could overcome Jesus. He hoped that under the force of despondency and extreme hunger, Christ would lose faith in His Father and work a miracle in His own behalf. Had He done this, the plan of salvation would have been broken.18LtMs, Lt 159, 1903, par. 24
Christ was tempted in all points as we are tempted. Let those who are bowed down under trial and temptation, and who feel that their friends have forsaken them, think of Christ, of whom God has said, “This is My beloved Son” [Matthew 3:17], alone in the wilderness, meeting temptations severer than any that are brought against them. Let them not give up in despair, but reach out a trembling hand of faith to grasp the hand that is held out to save. Let them cast their helpless souls upon Jesus, who because He has passed over the ground knows how to deliver them that are tempted.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 139, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 139, 1907, par. 8
Christ suffered one of the cruelest of deaths, though none had proved Him guilty of any offense. He had declared Himself the Son of God, and for this He was condemned to die. His executors were not able to prove one of the false charges they had brought against Him. The Father Himself had signified His approval of His Son in the words, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] Judas, the traitor-disciple, declared, “I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.” [Matthew 27:4.] The message of Pilate’s wife concerning Him was, “Have thou nothing to do with that just man.” [Verse 19.] And Pilate himself declared, “I find in Him no fault at all.” [John 18:38.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 63, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 63, 1910, par. 6
“This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] These words were loud and most powerful, not resembling any human sound. This heavenly demonstration was given that the whole surrounding multitude might take in the exalted, holy mission of the promised One, and the work to be accomplished through Him—the Prince of Life—as the promised Messiah, the almighty, powerful Saviour, the long-looked-for Redeemer, the Deliverer of Israel and the Saviour of the world.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Best Beloved, April 8
JNN 108.1
And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”—Matthew 3:17Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]
MR No. 733—Results of Adam’s Sin
9MR 231.1
As Christ bowed upon Jordan’s banks after His baptism, there was a bright light that descended like a dove of burnished gold and lighted upon Him, and from heaven was heard a voice saying, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). We read over these words, but do not take in their significance. We do not seem to understand their value to us. They are stating to you that you are accepted in the Beloved. Christ with His long human arm encircles the fallen race, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Almighty, thus uniting earth with heaven, and fallen, finite man with the Infinite God. And this earth, which was divorced from heaven, is again united with heaven. A [means of] communication is opened with heaven through Jesus Christ, that man, who was fallen, is brought back again into favor with God. Here Jesus passed into the wilderness of temptation, and the trial is brought to bear upon Him one hundred times more trying than that brought upon Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. And will He endure the temptation?9MR 233.2
Just before He entered upon His public ministry, Christ received baptism at the hands of John. After His baptism He knelt upon the banks of Jordan, and offered a prayer to Heaven. That prayer was heard by His Father, and the glory of God, assuming the form of a dove, descended upon Him, and a voice was heard, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). How many can comprehend the full meaning of these words spoken by our heavenly Father? Here He says to man, “You are accepted in the Beloved.”Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 29—Christ Our Only Hope
1SM 227.1
Christ came in human form to show the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds and of the fallen world that ample provision has been made to enable human beings to live in loyalty to their Creator. He endured the temptations that Satan was permitted to bring against Him, and resisted all his assaults. He was sorely afflicted, and hard beset, but God did not leave Him without recognition. When He was baptized of John in Jordan, as He came up out of the water, the Spirit of God, like a dove of burnished gold, descended upon Him, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). It was directly after this announcement that Christ was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Mark says: “Immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts” (Mark 1:12, 13). “And in those days he did eat nothing” (Luke 4:2).Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7
Christ’s Greeting to the World
7T 270.1
An earnest, prayerful study of the Sermon on the Mount will prepare us to proclaim the truth, to give to others the light we have received. We are first to take heed to ourselves, receiving with humble hearts the principles of truth and working them out in perfect obedience. This will bring joy and peace. Thus we eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, and we grow strong in His strength. Our lives are assimilated to His life. Our spirit, our inclinations, our habits, are conformed to the will of Him of whom God declared: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17.That I May Know Him
A Hidden Treasure, February 21
TMK 58.3
The divinity of Christ was as a hidden treasure. At times when He was upon earth divinity flashed through humanity, and His true character was revealed. The God of heaven testified to His oneness with His Son. At His baptism the heavens were opened and the glory of God in the similitude of a dove like burnished gold hovered over the Saviour, and a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). But the nation to whom Christ came, though professing to be the peculiar people of God, did not recognize the heavenly treasure in the person of Jesus Christ....EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Matthew 3:8
God’s Amazing Grace
A Work of Reformation, August 29
AG 249.2
The work of reformation here brought to view by John, the purging of heart and mind and soul, is one that is needed by many who today profess to have the faith of Christ. Wrong practices that have been indulged in need to be put away; the crooked paths need to be made straight, and the rough places smooth. The mountains and hills of self-esteem and pride need to be brought low. There is need of bringing forth “fruits meet for repentance” (Matthew 3:8). When this work is done in the experience of God’s believing people, “all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6)....The Upward Look
Lessons From the Barren Fig Tree, June 23
UL 188.1
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. Matthew 3:8.