Evidence In The Fruit!

As John was baptizing and preparing the way for the beginning of Christ’s ministry, many were coming out to him to hear his preaching and to be baptized. However, John made it clear that this baptism was more than just getting wet as they were being immersed in water. It was a “baptism of repentance” he was proclaiming. ( Luke 3:3) Among those coming were some of the leaders ( Matthew 3:7) who placed their pride and salvation on their heritage rather than on living in a right relationship with God. With Christ’s coming was the change of the old order for the new ( Matthew 5:17; Romans 10:4; Hebrews 7:11-12) and that meant CHANGED LIVES as well.

John exhorted…
“BEAR FRUITS IN KEEPING WITH REPENTANCE. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. (9) Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not BEAR GOOD FRUIT is cut down and thrown into the fire.’” ( Luke 3:8-9 ESV)

John clearly pointed to the need for CHANGED LIVES! Some who understood this need asked John what they needed to do and John pointed them (among whom were tax collectors and soldiers) toward honest and righteous living. (note Luke 3:10-14) Should it be any surprise that Peter pointed toward the same need for CHANGE as the Lord’s church began?

To those who were ready to acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus, we read…
“And Peter said to them, ‘REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED every one of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF YOUR SINS, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” ( Acts 2:38 ESV)

Coming to Christ and being united with Him in baptism means A CHANGE has come to the life. Those in Christ have become “a new creation.” ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV) Repentance is necessary. Immersion in baptism should be accompanied by a life immersed in the ongoing CHANGE of turning more and more toward God and submission to His Will.

It is not always possible to make restitution for the sins of the past. Some wrongs cannot be righted. Remember these Peter spoke to had been charged with sending Jesus to the cross. ( Acts 2:23 & 36) We can only go from where we are right now. However, that moving on must be in the spirit of REPENTANCE and that spirit will be made evident by the CHANGED FRUIT of our life. May the difference Jesus has made in our life become more and more evident to those around so that they too may desire to have Him make the difference in them.

Have a great day PRESSING ON IN THE NEWNESS OF CHRIST!
Carl

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