EVIDENCE OF A CHANGED LIFE
Luke 3:8 – “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.”
John the Baptist’s fiery preaching was direct and to the point. He didn’t seem to be concerned at all about being politically correct, which landed him in prison and ultimately cost him his life.
In today’s devotional John is telling his listeners, which by the way commanded a tremendously diverse audience, that repentance demands more than a confession. There must be evidence of a changed life. He also told them to guard against relying upon your heritage for a safe haven.
This type of preaching caused a response from those listening, which all really good preaching should do. Three groups came to him and asked him what they should do. The people generally, the publicans or tax collectors, and the soldiers all came to John wanting to know what they needed to do. It’s interesting as you look at John’s answer that each group was told to do something related to possessions. This is consistent with Jesus’ comment when Zacchaeus declared to Him that he would disperse his wealth. Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house.”
Our conduct, behavior, and relationships should all be evidence of a changed life. Then we have truly repented.