Matthew 3:16-17 KJV, “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 17:5 KJV, “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”
Ellen G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol 2, 1877, p. 61, “The heavens were opened, and beams of glory rested upon the Son of God, and assumed the form of a dove, in appearance like burnished gold. The dove-like form was emblematical of the meekness and gentleness of Christ. While the people stood spell-bound with amazement, their eyes fastened upon Christ, from the opening heavens came these words; ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ The words of confirmation that Christ is the Son of God was given to inspire faith in those who witnessed the scene, and to sustain the Son of God in his arduous work. Notwithstanding the Son of God was clothed with humanity, yet Jehovah, with his own voice, assures him of his sonship with the Eternal. In this manifestation to his Son, God accepts humanity as exalted through the excellence of his beloved Son.”
Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, 1858, p, 40, writing about the transfiguration of Jesus, “Instead of choosing angels to converse with his SON, GOD chose those who who had an experience in the trials of earth.”
Christ’s baptism by John and His transfiguration with his disciples in the mount are very important moments in the gospel. Why? God the Father spoke directly and His voice was heard by witnesses. During baptism the teaching of the Holy Spirit as another-third person of the Godhead is denied. The dove like form was the Spirit of God.
In the transfiguration, Elijah and Moses appeared (Matthew 17:3). Elijah represents both the prophets and those believers who have not seen death and was translated. Moses represents both the law and those believers who have died and were resurrected. Two witnesses with earthly experiences were chosen to be with Christ. When Christ comes both believers who died and are alive will be taken up with Him in the air.
In both declarations God said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” It takes pure faith to believe these moments in the gospels are literal. I believe.
People are skeptical of the supernatural and miraculous moments of the Scripture while easily fooled by man made traditions like Christmas (Christ’s DOB) and Easter (egg hunting) as literal Bible truths. Satan had cunningly obscured the real from the fake.
Let us enjoy Bible truths and discard unbiblical lies.
Sincerely in the Blessed Hope.