The warning message of John was in the same lines as the warning to Nineveh, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4). Nineveh repented, and called upon God, and God accepted their acknowledgment of Him. Forty years of probation was granted them in which to reveal the genuineness of their repentance and to turn from sin. But Nineveh turned again to the worship of images; her iniquity became deeper and more desperate than before, because the light had come and had not been heeded. (2SM 149.1) MC VC

John called every class to repentance. To the Pharisees and Sadducees he said, Flee from the wrath to come. Your claims to Abraham as your father are not of the least value to you. They will not impart to you pure principles and holiness of character. Ceremonial sacrifices 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. (2SM 149.2) MC VC

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). (2SM 149.3) MC VC

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.” Matthew 14:4. He spoke to him of a future retribution, when God would judge every man according to his works.... (2SM 149.4) MC VC