Luke 3:8-14
Suggested further reading: James 2:14-26
John uses some strong words to correct the common assumption that having a relationship with godly people can save us. This strongly held assumption grows easily in the fertile ground of the fallen and sinful nature that we received at birth. Countless numbers of people have lived and died believing the illusion that because they were related to holy people or by church membership that they will be saved.
John made it clear that salvation is by personal faith in the heart of the individual. The line into heaven is single file, not by bus loads. My faith in Christ saves only me, not anyone else by proxy.
John demands that repentance requires a change in one’s lifestyle. A profession of faith on the lip without evidence in the life weakens one’s assurance of salvation and causes others to doubt our salvation if it does not indeed indicate a total lack of regenerating grace in the life. To confess our sins is important but if it is not accompanied by a forsaking of our sins, we indulge in a verbal profession that our Lord has condemned on many occasions. Genuine repentance requires a change of mind and life. God and the world hear our words but closely watch our actions, for actions reveal what is truly believed.
John commanded everyone who made a profession of repentance to begin by quitting those sins that he knows he does. This is the only way to grow spiritually. To condemn the sins of others, especially those we are not tempted to commit, is not repentance nor spiritually helpful to our own maturity. Let us deal with own sins and wage continual warfare upon them if we seek truly to repent and please the Lord.
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!
