第03章 约翰的生平和使命
§1
第03章 约翰的生平和使命
§2
Chapter 3- Life and Mission of John.
§3
约翰降生的时代，犹太人处境可悲。为了抑制起义，他们名义上可以有独立的政府，但实际上却受罗马人的统治。犹太人看到他们的权力和自由都是有限的，他们实际上是处在罗马人的轭下。罗马人声称有权指定人担任祭司，也有权任意撤他们的职。这样就开了一扇门，使祭司阶层变得腐败了。祭司既不是上帝所任命的，便滥用他们的职分，不忠于他们的职责。道德败坏的人用金钱和势力获得了当权者的欢心，成功地当上了祭司。整个国家都感受到他们的压迫，这种局面的结果就是反叛和冲突。{2SP 41.1}[1]
§4
About the time of the birth of John, the Jews were in a deplorable condition. And in order to keep down insurrection, they were allowed to have a separate government, in name, while the Romans virtually ruled them. The Jews saw that their power and liberty were restricted, and that, in reality, they were under the Roman yoke. The Romans claimed the right to appoint men to the priesthood, and to remove them from office at will. Thus was there a door opened for the priesthood to become corrupt. The priests, not being divinely appointed, abused their office, and were unfaithful in their ministrations. Men of corrupt morals, with money and influence, obtained the favor of those in power, and succeeded in attaining to the priesthood. The whole country felt their oppression, and revolt and dissension were the result of this state of things. {2SP 41.1}[1]
§5
虔诚的犹太人为弥赛亚的来临而盼望、相信、和热烈地祈祷。上帝无法藉着腐败的祭司向自己的子民显示其荣耀和权能。预定眷顾祂子民的时候已经来到。犹太人由于离开上帝，他们的信心变得模糊了。许多百姓的首领们引进自己的遗传，当作上帝的命令在犹太人中推行。虔诚的犹太人相信上帝决不会在这种情形中撇下祂的子民受外邦人羞辱。过去他们在患难中求告祂，祂就给他们兴起拯救者。根据先知的预言，他们认为上帝所定弥赛亚降临的时候已经来到。当祂来到的时候，他们必得到上帝旨意明确的启示。他们的道理必摆脱那些破坏他们信心的遗传和不必要的礼仪。虔诚而年老的犹太人日夜等待弥赛亚的降临，祈求在他们未死之前能看见救主。他们也渴望能从百姓心中驱散无知和固执的乌云。{2SP 41.2}[2]
§6
The pious Jews were looking, believing, and earnestly praying, for the coming of the Messiah. God could not manifest his glory and power to his people through a corrupt priesthood. The set time to favor his people had come. The faith of the Jews had become clouded, in consequence of their departure from God. Many of the leaders of the people brought in their own traditions, and enforced them upon the Jews, as the commandments of God. The pious Jews believed, and trusted in God that he would not leave his people in this condition, to be a reproach to the heathen. He had, in time past, raised them up a deliverer when in their distress they had called upon him. From the predictions of the prophets, they thought the time appointed of God had arrived when Messiah would come. And when he should come, they would have a clear revelation of the divine will, and that their doctrines would be freed from the traditions and needless ceremonies which had confused their faith. The pious, aged Jews waited day and night for the coming Messiah, praying that they might see the Saviour before they died. They longed to see the cloud of ignorance and bigotry dispelled from the minds of the people. {2SP 41.2}[2]
§7
撒迦利亚和伊丽莎白“在上帝面前都是义人，遵行主的一切诫命礼仪，没有可指摘的。”他们都年纪老迈了。撒迦利亚担任祭司的圣职。“撒迦利亚按班次在上帝面前供祭司的职分，照祭司的规矩掣签，得进主殿烧香。烧香的时候，众百姓在外面祷告。有主的使者站在香坛的右边，向他显现”（路1:6,8-11）。{2SP 42.1}[3]
§8
Zacharias and Elizabeth were both righteous before God walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. They were far advanced in years. Zacharias ministered in the holy office of the priesthood. And it came to pass that while he executed the priests office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priests office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. {2SP 42.1}[3]
§9
撒迦利亚一看见上帝的使者，就惊慌害怕。这位谨慎尽责敬畏上帝的人心想自己是不是得罪了上帝，所以这位神圣的使者才来到，要责备他，或审判他，定他的罪。天上的使者便安慰他说：{2SP 42.2}[4]
§10
And when Zacharias saw the angel of God, he was surprised and troubled. This conscientious, God-fearing soul questioned whether he had himself offended God, and that this divine messenger had come to reprove, or in judgment, to condemn. The heavenly messenger cheered him with these words: {2SP 42.2}[4]
§11
“撒迦利亚，不要害怕，因为你的祈祷已经被听见了。你的妻子伊丽莎白要给你生一个儿子，你要给他起名叫约翰。你必欢喜快乐；有许多人因他出世，也必喜乐。他在主面前将要为大，淡酒浓酒都不喝，从母腹里就被圣灵充满了。他要使许多以色列人回转，归于主他们的上帝。他必有以利亚的心志能力，行在主的前面，叫为父的心转向儿女，叫悖逆的人转从义人的智慧，又为主预备合用的百姓”（路1:13-17）。{2SP 42.3}[5]
§12
Fear not, Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. {2SP 42.3}[5]
§13
在上面的话中，天使加百列嘱咐撒迦利亚：要使约翰养成严格节制的习惯。这是要保障他获得身体、心智和道德的健康，使他有资格从事为主预备一班百姓的重要使命。为了完成这项大工，主必须与他同工。只要约翰顺从天使的要求，上帝的灵就会与他同在。{2SP 43.1}[6]
§14
In the above words the angel Gabriel enjoined upon Zacharias that John should be brought up with strictly temperate habits. This was to secure to him physical, mental, and moral health, that he should be qualified for the important mission of making ready a people for the Lord. In order to accomplish this great work, the Lord must work with him. The Spirit of God would be with John if he should be obedient to the requirement of the angel. {2SP 43.1}[6]
§15
一项大工摆在约翰面前，为了让他拥有健全的体格和智力与道德力好做这项工作，他必须控制食欲和情欲。约翰是要开始作为一名改革家开展工作，藉着他有节制的生活和简朴的服装斥责人们不节制的习惯和有罪的铺张浪费。放纵食欲，贪享奢侈的食物和饮酒正在削弱人们的体力，弱化人们的智力，以致过犯和滔天罪行在人们看来不那么有罪了。天使加百列给约翰的父母一些关于节制的特别指示。关于健康改良的教训是由上天宝座那里来的最崇高的一位天使所传的。约翰将要在以色列人中掀起改革，使他们转向主。他有上帝要与他同工的应许。他要“叫为父的心转向儿女，叫悖逆的人转从义人的智慧，又为主预备合用的百姓”（路1:17）。{2SP 43.2}[7]
§16
A great work was before John, and in order for him to have a sound physical constitution, and mental and moral power, to do this work, he must control appetite and passion. John was to lead out as a reformer, and by his abstemious life, and plain dress, rebuke the intemperate habits, and the sinful extravagance, of the people. The indulgence of appetite in luxurious food, and the use of wine, were lessening physical strength, and weakening the intellect, so that crime and grievous sins did not appear sinful. The angel Gabriel gave special directions to the parents of John in regard to temperance. A lesson was given upon health reform by one of the exalted angels from the throne of Heaven. John was to reform the children of Israel, and turn them to the Lord. He had the promise that God would work with him. He was to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. {2SP 43.2}[7]
§17
约翰预表上帝末日的子民。上帝把严肃的重要真理交给他们。世人普遍喜好暴饮贪食，放纵低级的情欲。健康改革的亮光今日已展现在上帝的子民面前，使他们认识到必须将自己的食欲和情欲控制在心智的高级能力之下。这是必需的，好使他们的心智清明有力，可以看清一连串神圣的真理，转离泛滥世界、蛊惑人心的错谬和悦耳的虚言。他们的工作是把纯净的圣经道理摆在人们面前。因此健康改革在为基督的第二次显现作准备的工作中是有其地位的。{2SP 44.1}[8]
§18
John was a representative of the people of God in the last days, to whom God has committed important and solemn truths. The world at large are given to gluttony and the indulgence of base passions. The light of health reform is opened before the people of God at this day, that they may see the necessity of holding their appetites and passions under control of the higher powers of the mind. This is also necessary, that they may have mental strength and clearness, to discern the sacred chain of truth, and turn from the bewitching errors and pleasing fables, that are flooding the world. Their work is to present before the people the pure doctrine of the Bible. Hence health reform finds its place in the preparatory work for the second appearing of Christ. {2SP 44.1}[8]
§19
撒迦利亚对天使的显现和话语感到震惊。他看自己很卑微，想不到会这样被主看重，便问道：“我凭着什么可知道这事呢？我已经老了，我的妻子也年纪老迈了”（路1:18）。撒迦利亚一时之间忘了上帝的能力。对祂来说没有什么事是不可能的。他没有想起亚伯拉罕和撒拉的事，忘记了上帝所应许他们之事的实现。{2SP 44.2}[9]
§20
Zacharias was as much astonished at the words of the angel, as he was at his appearance. He had so humble an opinion of himself that he thought it could not be possible that he was thus to be honored of the Lord. He inquired, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. Zacharias for a moment forgot the unlimited power of God, and that nothing was impossible with him. He did not call to mind the case of Abraham and Sarah, and the fulfillment of the promise of God to them. {2SP 44.2}[9]
§21
天使对撒迦利亚确认了他的信息：“到了时候，这话必然应验；只因你不信，你必哑巴，不能说话，直到这事成就的日子”（路1:20）。他不久就会认识到这个神圣使命的真实性了。天使一离开，他就成了哑巴。{2SP 44.3}[10]
§22
Zacharias received a confirmation of the angels message, Behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words which shall be fulfilled in their season. He was soon made to realize the verity of the divine mission. The angel had no sooner departed than he was struck dumb. {2SP 44.3}[10]
§23
撒迦利亚的特别职责是为百姓祷告，为公众和国民所犯的罪祈求赦免，并且恳切祈求他们所久已期盼的救主降临。他们相信祂必定救赎祂的子民。当撒迦利亚试图祈祷时，他却不能说话了。百姓等撒迦利亚出来等了许久，要知道上帝是否给了他们什么可见的记号，表示祂的嘉许。他们开始担心，他许久在殿里或许是因为上帝表示了不悦。撒迦利亚走出圣殿时，他的容貌反射出天使照在他身上的荣光。但他却不能向百姓说话了。他用手势告诉他们有一位天使在殿中向他显现。由于他的不信，他被剥夺了说话的能力，直到天使的预言应验。{2SP 45.1}[11]
§24
The particular office of Zacharias was to pray in behalf of the people, for pardon of public and national sins, and to earnestly pray for the coming of the long-expected Saviour whom they believed must redeem his people. When Zacharias attempted to pray, he could not utter a word. The people waited long for the appearance of Zacharias, to learn whether God had given them any visible token of his approbation. They began to fear from his long tarry that God had manifested his displeasure. When Zacharias came out of the temple, his countenance was shining with the light which the heavenly angel had reflected upon him. But he could not speak to the people. He made signs to them that an angel had appeared to him in the temple, and because of his unbelief he was deprived of the power of speech, until the prediction of the angel should be fulfilled. {2SP 45.1}[11]
§25
约翰出生之后不久，“撒迦利亚的口立时开了，舌头也舒展了，就说出话来，称颂上帝。周围居住的人都惧怕；这一切的事就传遍了犹太的山地。凡听见的人都将这事放在心里，说：‘这个孩子将来怎么样呢？’因为有主与他同在。他父亲撒迦利亚被圣灵充满了，就说预言。……那孩子渐渐长大，心灵强健，住在旷野，直到他显明在以色列人面前的日子”（路1:64-67，80）。{2SP 45.2}[12]
§26
Soon after the birth of John, the tongue of Zacharias was loosed, and he spake and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them; and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all that heard them, laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him; and his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts until the day of his showing unto Israel. {2SP 45.2}[12]
§27
先知约翰离开亲友，住到旷野去。他舍弃了日常生活的舒适，他的饮食也很简单。他穿的是毛衣，腰间束着皮带。他的父母以极其庄严的方式从他出生时就把他献给了上帝。{2SP 45.3}[13]
§28
The prophet John separated himself from his friends and kindred, and made his home in the wilderness. He denied himself of the ordinary comforts of life. His food was simple. His clothing was a garment made of hair-cloth, confined about the waist with a leather girdle. His parents had in a most solemn manner dedicated him to God from his birth. {2SP 45.3}[13]
§29
约翰的生活虽是在旷野度过的，却不是无所事事的。他与社会隔绝并没有使他变得阴郁乖僻，也没有使他不甘于艰难困苦的独居生活。脱离奢华的生活和堕落的社会是他自己的选择。骄傲、猜疑、嫉妒和败坏的情欲似乎控制了人心。约翰却与这些事的影响隔绝，且以有辨识力的眼光和奇妙的鉴别力读懂了人的品性。他住在旷野静修之地，有时候也与社会接触；但不会久留在道德气氛似乎已被污染的地方。他唯恐自己耳闻目睹的事会扭曲他的心灵，使他丧失罪之为罪的感觉。一项大工摆在他面前，他必须养成一种不因任何环境影响而产生偏见的品格。他的德、智、体必须处在高尚的状态，好使他有资格从事需要坚定正直才能从事的工作，以致当他出现在人们中间的时候，他能开导他们，作主的器具赐下新的指示，指导他们的思想，使他们觉悟到必须培养正直的品格。约翰要使人们达到上帝完全的标准。他研究了人心的特性，好知道如何使他的教导适合百姓。{2SP 46.1}[14]
§30
The life of John, although passed in the wilderness, was not inactive. His separation from society did not make him gloomy and morose, neither was he unreconciled with his lonely life of hardship and privation. It was his choice to be secluded from the luxuries of life, and from depraved society. Pride, envy, jealousy, and corrupt passions seemed to control the hearts of men. But John was separated from the influence of these things, and, with discerning eye and wonderful discrimination, read the characters of men. He lived in the quiet retreat of the wilderness, and occasionally he mingled in society; but would not remain long where the moral atmosphere seemed to be polluted. He feared that the sight of his eyes and the hearing of his ears would so pervert his mind that he would lose a sense of the sinfulness of sin. A great work was before him, and it was necessary that he should form a character unbiased by any surrounding influence. It was necessary that his physical, mental, and moral conditions should be of that high and noble type that would qualify him for a work which required firmness and integrity, that when he should appear among men he could enlighten them, and be instrumental in giving a new direction to their thoughts, and awakening them to the necessity of forming righteous characters. John would bring the people up to the standard of divine perfection. He studied the peculiarities of minds, that he might know how to adapt his instructions to the people. {2SP 46.1}[14]
§31
约翰觉得自己没有足够的力量对抗他在社会所要遇到的试探重压。他担心自己的品格会受犹太人流行的风俗所影响，所以他拣选旷野作为他的学校。在这里，他的心灵可以从上帝伟大的自然课本中得到正确的教育和训练。约翰在旷野更容易自制和控制食欲。他可以穿自然朴素的服装。在旷野里没有什么事物能干扰他的默想和祷告。虽然他关闭了撒但藉以进来的每一条通道，撒但还是接近了他。但他的生活习惯十分纯洁和自然，他能看清仇敌，并拥有精神的力量和品格的果断去抵挡他。{2SP 47.1}[15]
§32
John did not feel strong enough to stand the great pressure of temptation he would meet in society. He feared his character would be molded according to the prevailing customs of the Jews, and he chose the wilderness as his school, in which his mind could be properly educated and disciplined from Gods great book of nature. In the wilderness, John could the more readily deny himself and bring his appetite under control, and dress in accordance to natural simplicity. And there was nothing in the wilderness that would take his mind from meditation and prayer. Satan had access to John, even after he had closed every avenue in his power through which he would enter. But his habits of life were so pure and natural that he could discern the foe, and had strength of spirit and decision of character to resist him. {2SP 47.1}[15]
§33
大自然的课本向约翰展开其用之不竭的各样教训的宝库。他寻求上帝的恩惠。圣灵降在他的身上，使他心中火热从事伟大的工作，呼唤百姓悔改，过更高尚更圣洁的生活。约翰经历了隐居生活的艰苦和贫困，造就自己能控制体力和智力，站立在百姓中间，不为周围的环境所动摇，就如旷野的岩石与群山一般，达三十年之久。{2SP 47.2}[16]
§34
The book of nature was open before John with its inexhaustible store of varied instruction. He sought the favor of God, and the Holy Spirit rested upon him, and kindled in his heart a glowing zeal to do the great work of calling the people to repentance, and to a higher and holier life. John was fitting himself, by the privations and hardships of his secluded life, to so control all his physical and mental powers that he could stand among the people as unmoved by surrounding circumstances as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness that had surrounded him for thirty years. {2SP 47.2}[16]
§35
约翰开始工作的时候，公共事务处于动荡状态。在冲突与暴动盛行之际，约翰发出了声音，犹如号角一样响彻旷野，以一种新奇的能力振奋了众人的心。约翰无畏地斥责百姓的罪恶，说：“天国近了，你们应当悔改”（太3:2）！群众响应了先知的呼声，云集到旷野。他们在这位先知独特的服装和外表上，看出了与古时的先见相似之处，人们普遍认为他是古时的一位先知从死里复活了。{2SP 47.3}[17]
§36
The state of public affairs when Johns work commenced, was unsettled. Discord and insurrection were prevailing, when the voice of John was first lifted up, like the sound of a trumpet pealing forth from the wilderness, thrilling the hearts of all who heard with a new and strange power. John fearlessly denounced the sins of the people, saying, Repent ye; for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Multitudes answered to the voice of the prophet, and flocked to the wilderness. They saw, in the singular dress and appearance of this prophet, a resemblance to the description of the ancient seers, and the opinion prevailed that he was one of the prophets risen from the dead. {2SP 47.3}[17]
§37
约翰的目的是要惊动和唤醒百姓，使他们因自己的大恶而战兢。他简明地指出了人们的错误和罪恶。他的话语有力量，人们虽不愿意听他谴责他们不圣洁的生活，却不能抗拒他的话。他不奉承任何人；也不接受任何人的奉承。人们好像达成了一致意见似的，都来到他面前悔改，承认自己的罪，并在约旦河里受他的洗。{2SP 48.1}[18]
§38
It was the purpose of John to startle and arouse the people, and cause them to tremble because of their great wickedness. In simplicity and plainness he pointed out the errors and crimes of men. A power attended his words, and, reluctant as the people were to hear the denunciation of their unholy lives, yet they could not resist his words. He flattered none; neither would he receive flattery of any. The people, as if with common consent, came to him repenting, and confessing their sins, and were baptized of him in Jordan. {2SP 48.1}[18]
§39
君王和官长也来到旷野要听先知的话，他们很感兴趣，并且深深地知罪，因为他无畏地指出他们各自的罪恶。他对品格的洞察力和属灵的眼力看透了那些来到他面前之人的意图和内心，便无畏地告诉贫富贵贱的人：若不悔改他们的罪并且彻底转变，尽管他们可以自称为义人，却不能享有上帝的眷爱，也不能在他所宣布要来的弥赛亚的国里有份。{2SP 48.2}[19]
§40
Kings and rulers came to the wilderness to hear the prophet, and were interested, and deeply convicted as he fearlessly pointed out their particular sins. His discernment of character and spiritual sight read the purposes and hearts of those who came to him, and he fearlessly told, both rich and poor, the honorable and the lowly, that without repentance of their sins, and a thorough conversion, although they might claim to be righteous, they could not enjoy the favor of God, and have part in the kingdom of the Messiah, whose coming he announced. {2SP 48.2}[19]
§41
约翰本着以利亚的心志和能力怒斥犹太人的腐败，扬声责备流行的罪恶。他的言语是明确，尖锐并折服人心的。许多人都悔改他们的罪，在约旦河受他的洗，作为他们悔改的凭据。这是在为基督的服务作准备。许多人信服，是由于这位忠心的先知所说简明的真理。但是如果他们拒绝真光，就会陷入更深的黑暗之中，以致完全准备好不接受证明耶稣是真弥赛亚的凭据。{2SP 48.3}[20]
§42
In the spirit and with the power of Elijah, John denounced the corruptions of the Jews, and raised his voice in reproving their prevailing sins. His discourses were plain, pointed, and convincing. Many were brought to repentance of their sins, and, as evidence of their repentance, were baptized of him in Jordan. This was the preparatory work for the ministry of Christ. Many were convicted because of the plain truths uttered by this faithful prophet; but, by rejecting the light, they became enshrouded in deeper darkness, so that they were fully prepared to turn from the evidences attending Jesus, that he was the true Messiah. {2SP 48.3}[20]
§43
约翰展望基督的服务和奇迹时呼吁百姓说：“天国近了，你们应当悔改”（太3:2）！他的传道工作是成功的。贫富贵贱各阶层的人都顺从了先知的要求，他们若要与他来所宣布的国有份，就必需这样。许多文士和法利赛人也来到他这里，承认他们的罪，并在约旦河里受了他的洗。法利赛人的认罪令先知惊讶；因为他们曾高抬自己比别人好，并自视非常虔诚和尊贵。当他们谋求使自己的罪恶得蒙赦免，暴露了一直隐瞒着不让众人看见的生活秘密时，先知就感到吃惊。“约翰看见许多法利赛人和撒都该人也来受洗，就对他们说：毒蛇的种类！谁指示你们逃避将来的忿怒呢？你们要结出果子来，与悔改的心相称。不要自己心里说：‘有亚伯拉罕为我们的祖宗。’我告诉你们，上帝能从这些石头中给亚伯拉罕兴起子孙来”（太3:7-9）。{2SP 49.1}[21]
§44
As John looked forward to the ministry and miracles of Christ, he appealed to the people, saying, Repent ye; for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand. He was successful in his ministry. Persons of all rank, high and low, rich and poor, submitted to the requirements of the prophet, as necessary for them in order to participate in the kingdom he came to declare. Many of the scribes and Pharisees came to him, confessing their sins, and were baptized of him in Jordan. The confessions made by the Pharisees astonished the prophet; for they had exalted themselves as better than other men, and had maintained a high opinion of their own piety and worthiness. As they sought to obtain remission of their sins, and revealed the secrets of their lives, which had been covered from the eyes of men, the prophet was amazed. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth, therefore, fruits meet for repentance. And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father; for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. {2SP 49.1}[21]
§45
约翰的使命似乎影响了犹太全国。由于他们的罪，先知所重申上帝的警告一度令他们感到惊慌。约翰知道他们自以为是亚伯拉罕的子孙，肯定会蒙上帝的眷爱，其实他们的行为令祂厌恶。他们所作的在许多方面甚至比他们觉得低得多的外邦人还要恶劣。先知如实地告诉他们，上帝能够兴起那些取代他们的人，那些人会更加配作亚伯拉罕的子孙。他明明白白地告诉他们，上帝并不依赖他们去实现祂的旨意；因为祂能在他们之外提供各种方法和手段去推进祂的大工，这工作是要本着纯正和公义完成的。约翰进一步说：“现在斧子已经放在树根上，凡不结好果子的树就砍下来，丢在火里”（太3:10）。他使他们铭记，树所结的果子可以确定树的价值。一棵树虽然可以有尊贵的名称，但它若是不结果子，或者果子名不副实，那个尊名就没什么用处，不能挽救这棵树被砍掉的命运。“人不是从荆棘上摘无花果，也不是从蒺藜里摘葡萄”（路6:44）。{2SP 50.1}[22]
§46
The whole Jewish nation seemed to be affected by the mission of John. The threatenings of God on account of their sins, repeated by the prophet, for a time alarmed them. John knew that they cherished the idea that, because they were of the seed of Abraham, they were securely established in the favor of God, while their course of action was abhorred of him. Their conduct was, in many respects, even worse than that of the heathen nations to whom they felt so much superior. The prophet faithfully presented to them the ability of God to raise up those who would take their place, and would become more worthy children of Abraham. He told them plainly that God was not dependent upon them to fulfill his purposes; for he could provide ways and means independent of them to carry forward his great work which was to be accomplished in purity and righteousness. John further adds: And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees; therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. He impresses upon them that the value of the tree is ascertained by the fruit it produces. Though a tree may bear an exalted name, yet if it produces no fruit, or if its fruit is unworthy of the name, the name will avail nothing in saving the tree from destruction. Of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramblebush gather they grapes. {2SP 50.1}[22]
§47
上帝的先知受圣灵感动，知道许多要求受洗的法利赛人和撒都该人并没有真的悔改他们的罪。他们怀有自私的动机。他们以为要是成了先知的朋友，就会有更好的机会亲蒙要来之王的恩宠。他们盲目地以为祂要来建立一个现世的国度，将尊荣和财富赐给祂的国民。{2SP 50.2}[23]
§48
The prophet of God was impressed by the holy Spirit that many of the Pharisees and Sadducees who asked baptism had no true convictions of their sins. They had selfish motives. They thought that if they should become friends of the prophet, they would stand a better chance to be personally favored of the coming Prince. In their blindness they believed that he was to set up a temporal kingdom, and bestow honors and riches upon his subjects. {2SP 50.2}[23]
§49
约翰斥责了他们自私的骄傲和贪心。他警告了他们的不信，谴责了他们的伪善。他告诉他们，他们这方面并没有履行圣约的条件，这些条件会使他们有权利承受上帝向忠心顺从之人所发的应许。他们骄傲地自夸为亚伯拉罕的子孙，这并不能真的使他们成为那样的人。他们骄傲的表现、他们的专横的傲慢、嫉妒、自私自利和残忍无情，使他们品格的印记象毒蛇的种类，而不是亚伯拉罕公义顺从的子孙。他们的恶行使他们没有资格要求上帝向亚伯拉罕的子孙所发的应许。约翰断然地告诉他们：上帝能从石头里给亚伯拉罕兴起子孙来，祂能向这些人实现祂的应许，而不必依赖亚伯拉罕肉身所生的那些已经拒绝了上帝所赐亮光的儿女，他们已因自私的动机和邪恶的不信而变得心肠刚硬了。他告诉他们，要是他们真的是亚伯拉罕的儿女，他们就会行他们的父亚伯拉罕所行的事。他们就会有亚伯拉罕的信心、爱心和顺从。但他们却没有结出这种果子。他们没有权利称亚伯拉罕为他们的父，也没有权利要求上帝向亚伯拉罕的子孙所发的应许。“凡不结好果子的树就砍下来，丢在火里”（太3:10）。他们虽然自称是上帝守诫命的子民，他们的行为却否认他们的信仰，他们若不真心悔改自己的罪，就必在基督的国里无份。公正、仁慈、怜悯和上帝的爱要成为上帝守诫命子民的生活特色。他们日常的生活中若是看不到这些果子，他们一切的信仰表白就毫无价值，象糠秕一样要被火吞灭。{2SP 51.1}[24]
§50
John rebuked their selfish pride and avarice. He warned them of their unbelief, and condemned their hypocrisy. He told them that they had not fulfilled the conditions of the covenant on their part, which would entitle them to the promises God made to a faithful and obedient people. Their proud boasts of being children of Abraham did not make them really such. Their exhibitions of pride, their arrogance, jealousy, selfishness, and cruelty, stamped their characters as a generation of vipers, rather than the children of obedient and just Abraham. Their wicked works had disqualified them to claim the promises God made to the children of Abraham. John assured them that God would raise up children unto Abraham from the very stones, to whom he could fulfill his promise, rather than to depend on the natural children of Abraham who had neglected the light God had given them, and had become hardened by selfish ambition and wicked unbelief. He told them that if they were really the children of Abraham, they would do the works of their father Abraham. They would have Abrahams faith, love, and obedience. But they did not bear this fruit. They had no claim to Abraham as their father, or the promises God made to the seed of Abraham. Every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. While they were professing to be Gods commandment-keeping people, their works denied their faith, and without true repentance for their sins they would have no part in the kingdom of Christ. Justice, benevolence, mercy, and the love of God would characterize the lives of his commandment-keeping people. Unless these fruits were seen in their daily life, all their profession was of no more value than chaff which would be devoted to the fire of destruction. {2SP 51.1}[24]
§51
犹太人自欺，误解了主藉先知所说论到祂永远爱祂的子民以色列的话。{2SP 52.1}[25]
§52
The Jews had deceived themselves by misinterpreting the words of the Lord through his prophets, of his eternal favor to his people Israel. {2SP 52.1}[25]
§53
“那使太阳白日发光，使星月有定例，黑夜发亮，又搅动大海，使海中波浪砰訇的，万军之耶和华是祂的名。祂如此说：这些定例若能在我面前废掉，以色列的后裔也就在我面前断绝，永远不再成国。这是耶和华说的。耶和华如此说：若能量度上天，寻察下地的根基，我就因以色列后裔一切所行的弃绝他们。这是耶和华说的”（耶31:35-37）。{2SP 52.2}[26]
§54
Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; the Lord of hosts is his name: If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me forever. Thus saith the Lord: If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 31:35-37. {2SP 52.2}[26]
§55
犹太人把这些话用在自己身上。而且因为上帝曾向他们表示那么大的眷爱和怜悯，他们就自鸣得意地以为，尽管他们的罪恶和罪孽，祂仍会保留他们为祂所眷爱的子民，向他们倾赐特别的福气。他们误用了耶利米的话，把自己的得救寄托在被称为亚伯拉罕的子孙上。他们若是真的配得亚伯拉罕子孙之名，他们就会效法他们的父亚伯拉罕公义的榜样，行亚伯拉罕所行的。{2SP 52.3}[27]
§56
These words the Jews applied to themselves. And because God had shown them so great favor and mercy, they flattered themselves that, notwithstanding their sins and iniquities, he would still retain them as his favored people, and shower especial blessings upon them. They misapplied the words of Jeremiah, and depended for their salvation upon being called the children of Abraham. If they had indeed been worthy of the name of Abrahams children, they would have followed the righteous example of their father Abraham, and would have done the works of Abraham. {2SP 52.3}[27]
§57
这一直是上帝历代子民的危险，特别是生活在接近末日之人的危险。使徒向我们引证希伯来人的不信、盲目、反叛和屡犯的罪，作为一个警告。保罗明确地指出：“他们遭遇这些事，都要作为鉴戒；并且写在经上，正是警戒我们这末世的人”（林前10:11）。在末后危险的日子，要是为了鼓励身负重责的人，上帝本着怜悯赐给他们眷爱的证据，他们往往就变得飘飘然，看不到自己的短处和软弱，依赖自己的判断，自以为上帝若没有他们特别帮助就无法完成祂的工作。他们倚靠自己的智慧；主就暂时让他们在表面上兴旺，好显明人属肉体之心的软弱和愚昧。但主必在祂自己的时间，以祂自己的方式摧毁这些受骗之人的骄傲和愚妄，显明他们的真情实况。他们若是愿意接受降卑，藉着认罪和真诚的悔改转向主，敬畏上帝，得以成圣，祂就会重新爱他们。但他们若是闭眼不看自己的罪，象犹太人所做的一样，并决定偏行己路，主就会任由他们心思盲目，心肠刚硬，看不见上帝之灵的事。{2SP 52.4}[28]
§58
This has been the danger of the people of God in all ages; and especially is this the danger of those living near the close of time. We are cited by the apostle to the unbelief, blindness, rebellion, and repeated sins of the Hebrews, as a warning. Paul plainly states that all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. If, in these last days of peril, for the encouragement of persons in responsible positions, God in mercy gives them a testimony of favor, they frequently become lifted up, and lose sight of their frailties and weaknesses, and rely upon their own judgment, flattering themselves that God cannot accomplish his work without their especial aid. They trust in their own wisdom; and the Lord permits them, for a time, to apparently prosper, to reveal the weakness and folly of the natural heart. But the Lord will, in his own time, and in his own way, bring down the pride and folly of these deceived ones, and show to them their true condition. If they will accept the humiliation, and by confession and sincere repentance, turn unto the Lord, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, he will renew his love to them. But if they shut their eyes to their own sins, as did the Jews, and choose their own ways, the Lord will give them up to blindness of mind, and hardness of heart, that they cannot discern the things of the Spirit of God. {2SP 52.4}[28]
§59
上帝无法为人做更多的事，因为人曲解祂的福气，断定祂是因人自己有某种良善才眷爱人。赞扬必死的凡人是不安全的；因为他们承受不了。撒但的特别工作就是奉承可怜的人，而且在这件事上他无需上帝仆人们的帮助。很少有人认识到人性的软弱和撒但的狡猾。在这些末后的日子，许多人因为骄傲和自以为义正在预备自己遭受痛苦和悲伤，使自己完全与上帝的眷爱隔绝。他们必因自高而失败。{2SP 53.1}[29]
§60
God cannot do much for man, because he misinterprets his blessings, and concludes that he is favored on account of some goodness in himself. It is not safe to speak in the praise of mortals; for they cannot bear it. Satan has the special work to do of flattering poor souls, and he needs not the help of the Lords servants in this matter. How few realize the weakness of human nature and the subtlety of Satan. Many in these last days are preparing themselves for affliction and sorrow, or for complete separation from the favor of God, because of their pride and self-righteousness. They will fall through self-exaltation. {2SP 53.1}[29]
§61
先知约翰使百姓铭记，他们的信仰表白必须有好行为相伴。他们的言语和行为将是他们的果子，会决定树的性质。他们的行为若是恶的，上帝的真理就会作见证反对他们。上帝决不会原谅一班一直蒙光照之子民的罪，即使祂在他们忠心纯洁的时候爱了他们并且赐给他们特别的应许。这些应许和福气总是以他们的顺从为条件的。{2SP 54.1}[30]
§62
The prophet John impressed upon the people the necessity of their profession being accompanied with good works. Their words and actions would be their fruit, and would determine the character of the tree. If their works were evil, the truth of God would testify against them. God would in no wise excuse sin in a people who had been enlightened, even if he had, in their days of faithfulness and purity, loved them, and given them especial promises. These promises and blessings were always upon condition of obedience upon their part. {2SP 54.1}[30]
§63
主藉摩西的口宣布了顺从的福气和悖逆的咒诅。上帝吩咐说：“你们不可做什么虚无的神像，……你们要守我的安息日，敬我的圣所。我是耶和华。你们若遵行我的律例，谨守我的诫命，我就给你们降下时雨，叫地生出土产，田野的树木结果子”（利26:1-4）。祂列举了上帝要赐的许多大福气，然后祂在其它一切福气之上应许说：“我要在你们中间立我的帐幕；我的心也不厌恶你们。我要在你们中间行走；我要作你们的上帝，你们要作我的子民。”“你们若不听从我，不遵行我的诫命，厌弃我的律例，厌恶我的典章，不遵行我一切的诫命，背弃我的约，我待你们就要这样：我必命定惊惶，叫眼目干瘪、精神消耗的痨病、热病辖制你们。你们也要白白地撒种，因为仇敌要吃你们所种的。我要向你们变脸，你们就要败在仇敌面前。恨恶你们的，必辖管你们；无人追赶，你们却要逃跑”（利26:11,12,14-17）。{2SP 54.2}[31]
§64
The Lord pronounced, by the mouth of Moses, blessings upon the obedient, and curses upon the disobedient. Ye shall make you no idols, was the command of God. Ye shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary. I am the Lord. If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Many and great blessings are enumerated, which God would bestow; and then, above all the other blessings, he promised, I will set my tabernacle among you; and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; and if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant, I also will do this unto you: I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart; and ye shall sow your seed in vain; for your enemies shall eat it. And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies. They that hate you shall reign over you, and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. {2SP 54.2}[31]
§65
犹太人正在经历着所警告的上帝咒诅的实现，因他们背离祂，犯罪作恶；可是他们不把这些事放在心上，也不在上帝面前刻苦己心。一个憎恨他们的民族统治了他们。他们却在要求上帝曾应许要是他们顺从而且忠心就会赐给他们的福气。然而同时他们却因不顺从而处在上帝的咒诅之下。约翰向他们宣布，他们若不结出果子来，就会被砍掉，丢在火里。{2SP 55.1}[32]
§66
The Jews were experiencing the fulfillment of the threatened curse of God for their departure from him, and for their iniquity; yet they did not lay these things to heart, and afflict their souls before God. A people that hated them ruled over them. They were claiming the blessings God had promised to confer upon them should they be obedient and faithful. But at the very time they were suffering under the curse of God because of disobedience. John declared to them that unless they bore fruit, they would be hewn down and cast into the fire. {2SP 55.1}[32]
§67
他详细说明了他们若要成为基督的国民就必须结出的果子；就是仁爱、怜悯和慈善的行为。他们必须拥有贞洁的品格。这些果子将是真悔改和信心的结果。他们若是拥有许多东西，却见到别人穷困缺乏，就应该分给别人。他们必须作工人。“有两件衣裳的，就分给那没有的；有食物的，也当这样行。又有税吏来要受洗，问他说：夫子，我们当做什么呢？约翰说：除了例定的数目，不要多取。又有兵丁问他说：我们当做什么呢？约翰说：不要以强暴待人，也不要讹诈人，自己有钱粮就当知足”（路3:11-14）。{2SP 55.2}[33]
§68
He specified the fruit they were required to bear in order to become the subjects of Christs kingdom; which were works of love, mercy, and benevolence. They must have virtuous characters. These fruits would be the result of genuine repentance and faith. If blessed with plenty, and they saw others destitute, they should divide with them. They must be workers. He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 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. {2SP 55.2}[33]
§69
约翰传给他的门徒实际敬虔方面的教训。他们向他们说明，在他们日常生活中必须见到真正的善良、正直和忠诚，他们应该凭无私的原则行事，否则他们就不会比一般的罪人好。{2SP 56.1}[34]
§70
John gave his disciples lessons in practical godliness. He showed them that true goodness, honesty, and fidelity, must be seen in their daily life, and that they should be actuated by unselfish principles, or they would be no better than common sinners. {2SP 56.1}[34]
§71
别人若不因在他们的影响范围内而变得更好，他们就会象不结果子的树。他们的财富不应仅仅用于自私的目的，而是要救济贫民的需要，并向上帝作乐意的奉献，好推进祂的圣工。他们不应滥用自己的特权去欺压别人，而应保护无依无靠的人，补偿受伤害亏待的人，从而给下属和家眷树立一个仁爱、怜悯、善良的高尚榜样。他们若是在自己的行为上不作任何改变，而是继续奢侈、自私、不讲原则，就会正确地代表不结好果子的树。这个教训适用于所有的基督徒。跟从基督的人应当向世人证明自己在生活上有了更好的改变，并藉自己的行为表明上帝之灵改变他们内心的感化力。然而却有许多人没结出果子来荣耀上帝；他们没有拿出生活上有了根本改变的证据。他们尽管有高尚的信仰表白，却没有感到必须亲自获得个人的经验，以爱心从事基督徒的义务，被自己神圣的新责任所强化，在殷勤乐意地做主的工作时感觉不到责任的重负。{2SP 56.2}[35]
§72
Unless others should be made better within the sphere of their influence, they would be like the fruitless tree. Their wealth was not to be used merely for selfish purposes. They were to relieve the wants of the destitute, and to make free-will offerings to God to advance the interests of his cause. They should not abuse their privileges, to oppress, but should shield the defenseless, redress the wrongs of the injured, and thus give a noble example of benevolence, compassion, and virtue, to those who were inferior and dependent. If they made no change in their conduct, but continued to be extravagant, selfish, and void of principle, they would correctly represent the tree bearing no good fruit. This lesson is applicable to all Christians. The followers of Christ should evidence to the world a change in their life for the better, and by their good works show the transforming influence of the Spirit of God upon their hearts. But there are many who bear no fruit to the glory of God; they give no evidence of a radical change in their life. Although they make high profession, they have not felt the necessity of obtaining a personal experience for themselves, by engaging in Christian duties with hearts of love, intensified by their new and holy obligations, feeling no weight of their responsibility in doing their Masters work with readiness and diligence. {2SP 56.2}[35]
§73
人们以为约翰可能就是所应许的弥赛亚。他的生活无私，谦卑和克已。他的教训，劝告和责备是热情，诚恳而勇敢的。他在履行自己使命的时候，既不偏右也不偏左去追求博得人的好感和称赞。他不追求属世的尊荣或威严，只在心中和生活上保持谦卑。他并不贪图那不属他的尊荣。他对他的门徒明说他不是基督。{2SP 57.1}[36]
§74
The people thought that John might be the promised Messiah. His life was so unselfish, marked with humility and self-denial. His teachings, exhortations, and reproofs, were fervent, sincere, and courageous. In his mission, he turned not to the right or to the left to court the favors or applause of any. He did not aspire to worldly honor or worldly dignity, but was humble in heart and life, and did not assume honors that did not belong to him. He assured his followers that he was not the Christ. {2SP 57.1}[36]
§75
约翰作为一位先知和上帝的代表站出来，阐明律法与先知和基督徒体制之间的关系。他的工作和服务往前指向律法和先知，同时又往后向百姓指出基督为救世主。他扬声向百姓喊叫说：“看哪，上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的”（约1:29）！{2SP 57.2}[37]
§76
John, as a prophet, stood forth as Gods representative, to show the connection between the law and prophets, and the Christian dispensation. His work and ministry pointed back to the law and the prophets, while he, at the same time, pointed the people forward to Christ, as the Saviour of the world. He raised his voice and cried to the people, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. {2SP 57.2}[37]
§77
群众到处跟随着这位奇特的先知，许多人舍弃了一切要顺从他的教训。君王、世上的贵族都受到上帝这位先知的吸引，并且高兴地听他。当约翰看到民众的注意力竟朝向他，以为他就是那要来的一位时，便寻找每一个机会把民众的注意力指向比他大的那一位。{2SP 57.3}[38]
§78
Multitudes followed this singular prophet from place to place, and many sacrificed all to obey his instruction. Kings, and the noble of the earth, were attracted to this prophet of God, and heard him gladly. As John saw that the attention of the people was directed to him, thinking that he might be the Coming One, he sought every opportunity to direct the attention of the people to One mightier than himself. {2SP 57.3}[38]