by:
08/18/2025
0
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (v8). John told those responding to his message that the Messiah’s kingdom was about radical life transformation. Being Abraham’s children was not enough (v8). The Messiah was not coming to affirm traditional structures or to offer a mystical spiritual experience. He was coming with “the Holy Spirit and fire” to change hearts completely (v16). John urged those listening to demonstrate their repentance by making the first steps toward practical holiness – being honest, fair, and generous (v10-15).
“All people will see God’s salvation” (v6). Just as people saw God’s salvation in the real deeds and words of Jesus Christ, our lives matter too. As we follow Christ, others see that his kingdom is real.