Worthy Fruits

Luke 3:7-8 “Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”

When we sin, we often deceive ourselves of its importance, excuse our way out of it, or sweep it under the rug. But, if you are a saved child of God, you cannot escape the Holy Spirit’s conviction and urge toward repentance.

Many falsely think that to only confess sin is enough to wash it away. Our enemy knows that if we leave off repentance, the door to that sin is still open and available for us to take up again and again.

Proverbs 28:13 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

In today’s passage, I am reminded that sin and its pleasure also have a price tag. John was warning the people and showing the good and right way to avoid the consequences of sin. It was the turning, leaving off, and forsaking sin that broke the bonds that held them.

Sin will sap us of the courage to come clean. It will amplify fear’s voice to the place we think staying hid is far better than suffering the consequences. Yet, honest and sincere confession of sin coupled with true repentance can sever sin’s bonds and allow proper healing to take place.

The guilt and shame associated with our sin stand front and center to accuse us of our unworthiness. Before we came to Christ, we were unworthy. By God’s grace, we received the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ to make us worthy.

Pride and selfishness are at the root of what keeps us from true repentance. 

The fruit we bring worthy of the cleansing we need is not just a choice to turn; that is the start. Fruit implies that a seed has been planted, watered, grown, and bearing fruit.

Confession and the decision to turn is the start of the journey.

Repentance is committing to ‘stay the course’ if you will, no matter the consequences.

Our testimony as children of God becomes magnified when our humanity is revealed, takes the steps God directs, and allows Christ to shine through it all. Easier said than done. 

We may think we are alone, but that is not true. God said He would never leave us nor forsake us and never more than in the worst storm of our life. 

Owning up will cost us here on this earth. I would rather stand before my Savior knowing that I owned up to all the sin that sent Him to the cross and bear the chastening to continue being used than living a life of selfishness and pride.