Matthew 3:8-10

Matthew 3:8-10 (ESV): “8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume 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. 10 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.”

The true sign of Christian sonship is a changed life. One can say they are a believer, but unless they bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit, their claim is false. Transformation is the evidence of our salvation.

When John the Baptist showed up on the scene, the people of Israel were stunned. He dressed, ate, and spoke like Elijah. For you see, Elijah was a prophet of the Law. He called people to repent of their sin while combating the wickedness of Ahab and Jezebel. John (the Baptist) was combating the religious leaders in the same way, calling them a brood of vipers. He confronted them about their insincere repentance and false assurance of faith. Their lineage could not save them; thus, if they did not truly repent, they would one day be chopped down like a useless tree and thrown into the fire of hell.

Are you truly saved? If so, your life will bear the fruit of salvation. You will see evidence of the born-again life. Our assurance is in Christ alone, but the evidence that we have been transformed is found in the fruit of a changed life (2 Cor. 5:17). You don’t hold your salvation in your hand—Jesus does. The question is, do you belong to Him? Is He the Lord of your life? Don’t lie to yourself like the Pharisees. Seek the truth and respond accordingly. Amen?

Father, You are the God of salvation. If I am not genuinely saved, show me. If I am, give me full assurance and help me to live like it, I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.