Discuss Matthew 3 Page 3

I think this is an interesting statement Jesus said before he was baptized. Notice he didn't say I by myself will fulfill all righteousness. Matthew 3:15 "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him". For a true "personal relationship" it takes both parties contributing to the relationship. We need to yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit walking uprightly and not just trust in the righteousness of Christ.

Gigi.

Part 2.The transition.

Israel was the only Nation given a God given religion, they were asked to repent. Here you have a great transition, the veil was rent earlier and now we see a transition from law to grace, No more circumcision of the flesh but of the heart. that's why John the baptist said in Matthew 3:8-10 "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

And think 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.

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Paul says it in Romans 1:16. "Chronology" it is to the Jew first. This conversation of repentance can only be given to a God given Nation and religion. (JUDAISM.) No longer Identified by circumcision of the flesh but Identified with Christ and THEN carry the message to the ends of the earth.

They were to repent and be baptized believing on the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we are saved we are baptized by water to give a witness that we are baptized by the Holyspirit and Identified with Christ. So all throughout Acts these steps were highlighted.

There was an beginning of a new covenant.

John the baptist was preparing the way for the Lord for Israel. He came in screaming prepare the way for the Lord

Announcing a kingdom "Before " the King was rejected, This was the baptism of John.

When Jesus sent the Desciples out to teach all baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holyspirit, That speaks of the working power of his Death and Resurrection to those who believe.

See Part 3.

Hi Gigi.

I believe you are responding to my response to Texsis.

Here's what's noted.

Qs...I've heard 2 different things about baptism. What is your opinion? I believe that once Christ resurrected for us and we are spiritually baptized once we except Him in all that apply, there is no need to get water baptism. can yet not necessary. Yet I keep getting flack for it.

The root of this debate is requirement and always have been. On this thread the evidence is in the parties participating, Adam and Bro Dan has always made it clear that it's a requirement. You have been part of that debate in the recent past also. I know you say you don't believe it does but you argue along side them so you should know.

Secondly, salvation is death and a new birth "AND" sanctification. Not just Positionally where we're hidden in Christ. but practically where he lives in us. We've recieved the earnest of the spirit. This takes us to Romans 6:4. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

Baptism means Identified.

We are Identified with the death meaning the penalty and the power of the old nature is to be recognized as crucified. And we are Identified with Christ resurrection in where we walk in newness of life. That's why the chapter opens up like this- Romans 6:1-4.

So I don't hold the view water baptism symbolizes cleansing of the sins because that notion doesn't complete the Identification. "Baptized into his resurrection.

So I believe When the scripture says believe and be baptized it don't necessarily mean water baptism. It means what takes place once you believe. The baptism John spoke of which is not of man but the Holyspirit. Matthew 3:11.

God bless.

According to Christ; "His sheep hear His voice." ( John 10:27). 2 Tim. 2:24-26 indicate that repentance indeed is a gift from God.

The basic premise is that we are all "children of wrath" by nature under condemnation apart from Christ. ( Eph. 2:3). If we cannot understand that man's heart is estranged from God; and that at best we try to avoid the consequences of sin rather than have any true remorse for offending a Holy; righteous and just God then we simply are living out a works based theology. Titus 1:15 shows further how our best actions are contaminated and defiled.

Human love only shows true affection for those who love us ( Matthew 5:46-48). To love those who "despitefully use us" ( Matthew 5:44) takes a change of heart; a Divine intervention and infusion of the Holy Spirit again which is given by God ( Ezekiel 36:26).

From OUR perspective we see ourselves drawn to the one from all eternity who created all things. ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This verse shows again how even THIS is instigated in man's conscience by God. We need to realize that there is a process involved; as the parable of the seed and the sowers indicates. The seed from God (again planted on His initiative) is introduced; and ultimately must progress until "fruit is produced" (see also Matthew 3:8). TRUE repentance will overcome temptations that the Lord uses to prune us; as He "chastises all those He loves" ( Heb. 12:6; etc). God therefore initiates salvation; and the whole sanctification process ultimately leading to glorification ( Romans 8:17).

When we are saved; we have new desires to serve God and rejoice in the thought of service to Him now and in eternity. We begin a process of mortification of the deeds of the flesh ( Romans 8:13). From our perspective; we need to accept the truth about ourselves and our utter hopelessness apart from Christ in our own strength. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom ) Proverbs 9; Psalm 111; etc). Jeremiah 32:40 shows God gives that

Dear Texsis

Having in mind scripture like the following:

1 Peter 3:21

"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:"

Mark 16:16

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

Matthew 28:19

'"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

Acts 2:38

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Acts 2:41

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

Matthew 3:13-15

"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him."

If Jesus had to be baptized John's baptism to "fulfill all righteousness" and John had to step back to allow that, what about us been baptized the christian baptism to fulfill God's righteousness? Baptism is not symbolic, it is essential for fulfilling God's righteousness, essential for our salvation.

GBU

The lack of Baptism submersion, doesn't appear to be an unpardonable sin.

Let's address why wouldn't someone want to be Baptized? Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:2-7, Romans 6:3-13,

Is it fear that keeps one from baptism? 1John 4:18, trust? Psalms 56:11, that person may possibly be about to ask another gentle close friend in the Body of Christ to be the person submersing with people of close relation in there nearby or helping, while the Church leader prays or recites scripture. I've seen many believers like youth outreach baptize with Pastor helping. Depending on the fellowship. Matthew 28:18-20,

If the reason is medical, or because of very difficult situation. Luke 23:38-46,

Matthew 10:33, 2Timothy 2:12, Matthew 16:24, Matthew 3:13-17,

Hopefully these are all helpful

Acts 2:38 states to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins; and then you will be filled with the Holy Ghost. On the surface it may seem that not only is baptism required; but also it along with repentance is needed for forgiveness. Clearly; this is not the case as is seen from John the Baptist himself who told the Pharisees to repent BEFORE the baptism was given. At that time the Spirit did not dwell with us permanently after salvation after it did after Pentacost and the upper room experience.

This could be compared in a way to confessing with our mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord to be saved. ( Romans 10:9-10). Believing in the heart is a necessary condition; lest we simply have a mantra that is some intellectual acceptance of Christ as Lord; who He actually is to every person; whether or not they have been given a new heart post conversion or are still unregenerate.

The clear example is the thief at the cross. ( Luke 23:39-43). He didn't have time to be baptized; but clearly Christ was going to be with him in paradise. Therefore; baptism is as an outer confession; it demonstrates our public affirmation of becoming part of the Body and Christ and symbolizes in some ways the death; burial and resurrection in our own lives mirroring that of Christ; our head. It is clearly a command; hence it should be done ASAP after conversion. One could say that if a person does NOT seek to be baptized and goes on a long time without it it is likely there is no evidence that they have truly repented. If we love Him; we obey His commands. ( John 14:15). Obviously we should test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5-6); or as a Pastor see if there are any fruits indicating true repentance ( Matthew 3:8; etal). Matthew 5:19 shows if we break the least of the commandments and teach others to do so we shall be least in the Kingdom of Heaven. That should be a sobering warning of losing rewards for disobedience for elders and laypersons alike

Sons of GOD : Genesis 6:2, Job 1:6, Job 2:1, Job 38:7, Revelation 12:10, John 1:12 "But as many as receive him, to them gave he power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on his name:"

Romans 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of GOD, they are the sons of GOD."

Philippians 2:15 "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of GOD, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."

1John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of GOD: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

Matthew 5:16, Luke 8:19, Matthew 23:9, John 20:17, John 4:23, John 16:28, Matthew 6:7-34 did you notice how many times GOD is referenced as "our, your Father " in that portion of chapter 6? Matthew 7:11,

Mark 3:33-35,

1John 3, Romans 8:29,

Contrast = John 8:41-47, 1John 2:23, Matthew 3:9

Hopefully these are all helpful in your study

Do Not take away or add to the word of god. If the bible says ( Baptize ) it means Baptize. BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be ( baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,) and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 1 Peter 3:21 Mark 16:16 Acts 22:16 and this scripture explains this very clearly! John 3:5 "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,( Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ) Romans 6:4 - Therefore we are ( buried with him by baptism into death:) that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Galatians 3:27 Acts 10:48 Matthew 28:19 Acts 10:48 Matthew 3:16 Acts 8:36-39 ( And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain ( water:) and the eunuch said, See, here is ( water;) what doth hinder me to be baptized? Gods word says Baptize it means baptize ( there is no scripture that NULLIFYS WATER BAPTISM ) Further more ( Revelation 22:19

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. God has a plan for salvation and we have no right to change it by our interpretation of the word 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: These are not my word, they are scripture By Which we as CHRISTIANS must live by. I submit this in the love of Jesus and the hope of seeing his will, that NO MAN SHOULD PARRISH !

Isaiah 40:3 (The Prophet)

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Mark 1:3

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Matthew 3:3

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Luke 3:4

As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

John 1:23

He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

Sister Kay:

Hell: the Hebrew word sheol, a place of no perception were the dead go, the grave.

Deuteronomy 32:22 For a fire is kindled in my anger .....

Is this fire literal, started with a match, of the fire of the Lord.

Luke 12:49 And I have come to send fire on the earth; and what will I (be), if it (the fire) already be kindled?

Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Luke 12:50 And I have a baptism (fire), to be baptised with, and how am I straitened till it BE ACCOMPLISHED.

Matthew 3:11 ...he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire.

1 Corinthians 3:15 .....but he himself shall be save, as yet by fire.

Psalms 86:13 For great is thy (the Father's) mercy toward me (Christ): and thou (the Father) shall deliver my (Christ's) soul (body) from the lowest hell (sheol, the grave).

Isaiah 5:14 Therefore hell (sheol, the grave) hath enlarged herself, and open her mouth without measure ....

Mark 9:43

I have never seen a Christian that believed these verses, if they are literal, otherwise they would have cut off their hands and feet to keep from going to hell.

It's an analogy.

You believe in a literal heaven and a literal hell.

Hebrews 12:27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the REMOVING of those (literal and physical) things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things (SPIRIT) which cannot be shaken remain.

God Bless YOU!

Greek translation of Biblical in the Gospels= (Internet research ) Greek = "Metaonia" - "meta" = "after", bears the concept of "shift", or "change",

Repent= the act of leaving what GOD prohibited & returning to what HE commanded.

Revelation 2:5, Matthew 3:2, Luke 13:3-9, Exodus 20:14,

Where does it say to be sorry, because of our trespass?

Remember the woman: John 8:1-12, Psalms 130:4,

James 2, Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 33:11,

Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Romans 8:13, Matthew 10:28, Colossians 1:10-23, Ephesians 5:1-20, Jude 1:24-25,

Hopefully these are helpful

David himself had respect unto GOD & who GOD anointed even when that anointed saught to kill David continuously 2Samuel 1:14, 1Samuel 26:9,

John 11:2,

This, Psalms 2, seems to me, to point to JESUS The MESSIAH, Promised one the one Savior to save all mankind, who will believe, Psalms 2:2

Psalms 2:7, look at JESUS during His baptism, Mark 1:11, Matthew 3:17, & Acts 13:33, Hebrews 1:5, Hebrews 5:5,

Psalms 2:8, JESUS when He was taken to the high place to be tempted, Matthew 4:8-10,

Psalms 2:2, when the rulers, the kings set themselves against Him, Acts 4:25-27, Luke 4:18,

JESUS coming to HIS own people, rejected by them Isaiah 53, Matthew 21:37-39,

Revelation 21:7

Hope this helps clarify

Kelly,

I will attempt to answer your questions with guidance from the HOLY Spirit. With scripture.

Hebrews 4:12-15, Matthew 25:31-46,

Matthew 3:7, Matthew 16:1, Matthew 16:6, Matthew 16:12,

Romans 14:12, Matthew 18:23, 1Peter 4:1-19,

Hopefully these are helpful.

Very interesting question. Only God can forgive sin; but we are told to "confess our sins to one another". ( James 5:16). We are told to reconcile with a brother before "offering a gift before the altar" ( Matthew 5:24). If we bear unforgiveness in our hearts; then the effectiveness of His grace is stunted; for the woman who put the perfume on Christ was forgiven much so she loved much ( Luke 7:47).

All of us individually are accountable before God. We can forgive "seventy times seven" ( Matthew 18:22); and Ephesians 4:32 indicates that we are to forgive others even as God has forgiven us. If we don't forgive others then God won't forgive us according to Matthew 6:14-15. This wouldn't necessarily indicate that we are nonbelievers; but if we don't bear fruit "worthy of repentence" ( Matthew 3:8-10) then we have to seriously test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5).

So the short answer is that God can only forgive others if they are wanting forgiveness. Each of us is judged individually; and since we are not God we don't have the authority as Christ did to forgive sins as the Pharisees stated only God can forgive sins ( John 20:23). Confessing our sins to one another can allow transparency so that the Lord can possibly speak a word of wisdom which in turn gives someone a better understanding of themselves; as well as clearing up what can be a stone wall in relationships ( Prov. 18:19). The best we can do is a formulaic process to give a partial assessment of sins in others as only God knows the intentions and motives of the heart even if the Spirit gives us a glimpse into such things. It is the same as asking can we save anyone by "confessional regeneration". The words are only effective if God grants one repentance first ( Acts 11:18; etc). Indirectly then; forgiving one another allows God to repair the sin or estrangement with Him.

I don't believe he did, Albert. John probably knew of his Divine mission & the zeal & spirit of Elijah would have spurred him on in his endeavours, but when he saw Jesus coming to him at the Jordan, he expressed great surprise (maybe some consternation) that Jesus wanted to be water baptized by him ( Matthew 3:11-15). He knew that Jesus would baptize others with the Holy Spirit, just as John was baptizing in water those indicating contrition & repentance of their sins, but for John to baptize Jesus in water would have seemed unfathomable to him.

Luke 1, Luke 2, note Luke 1:15,16,17, Luke 1:41-45, Luke 1:76,

Hopefully these are helpful.

did john know that he was born to baptize jesus?

The scripture tells you: Luke 3:1-22, note Luke 3:16, Matthew 3:1-17, note Matthew 3:11-17, John 3:27-36,

Romans 6:3, Mark 10:38,

Acts 8:12-17, Acts 11:16, Acts 19:1-5, Acts 2:38,

Genesis 4:1, Genesis 4:16,23,24,

Genesis 4:25,26, Genesis 5:1-3, Genesis 5, Genesis 6:1-13, Genesis 7, & 8, Genesis 9:8-9, Hebrews 11:1-7, 1John 3:12,

Romans 5:14, 1Corinthians 15:45, Deuteronomy 32:8, Matthew 3:21-38, Romans 5:14, 1Corinthians 15:22,45,

Jude 1,

Hi Paul. 'Repent' in the Bible is from the Greek word, Metanoeo, which essentially means, 'changing one's mind or direction'. So when someone repents of having offended a person by word or deed, it means that he is sorry for his actions & determines in his mind to no longer offend in that way; he wants to take on a new path, not only towards that person but also towards not committing that offence again.

When we see it in the biblical view, repentance towards God can be one of two types: a simple sorrow (or, even a show of sorrow) for committing a sin yet without any desire to deal with that sin; and secondly, a deep sorrow, brought about by the Holy Spirit's conviction upon that person. In Matthew 3:7-10, we read of some religious leaders coming to John the Baptist to be baptized. They might have come because of the hype of the moment or even a sense of adding to their attempt to please God. But John questioned their motives, saying that their hearts weren't right & their coming was hypocritical & not to demonstrate repentance.

Whereas the repentance that Jesus & the apostles spoke of is the true understanding of repentance: of a change of heart & mind towards sin, turning away from it & turning to God. Only after Jesus' Death & Resurrection & the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell men, did men pre & post-Cross, receive a conviction of their sin & urging to turn away from anything that brought eternal damnation. Luke 13:1-5; John 16:7-11; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 3:19. So today, when one truly repents, he acknowledges that he is a sinner, having offended God by his carnal lifestyle & rejection of God; then under the moving of the Holy Spirit, he can do nothing but fall at the Cross of Christ in sorrow & seek forgiveness only through Jesus' Sacrifice. When that heart has truly turned away from the 'old' & now cleaving unto the Lord, God forgives - forgiving completely - sending His Holy Spirit to indwell him & give him new life, a new joy & a new hope.

Hi Bruce.

No there isn't any scripture that says he baptized anyone with water.

I often hear some say they

"believe" he did but that is conjecture.

But ww do know by way of scripture he baptizes today!

Matthew 3:11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

God bless.

I could not finish. "NEVER MIND THE KJV?" If you feel and believe what you are, than you are in the wrong place! All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God. There is none righteous, no not one! Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

The word of God is this word you see! This is the word that said let there be light! This is the word that said this is my beloved Son, hear ye Him!

Without faith it is impossible to please Him. We are saved according to his righteousness found in those who believe his words . NOT OUR WORDS!

Hi Donna. You may get other views on this passage ( Matthew 3:13-15), & no, yours is a very good question & nothing to be ashamed of, because the reasons for His Baptism are not given, except that He had said that "it (this special baptism) becometh us to fulfil all righteousness".

So we see that both John the Baptist & Jesus are included in His statement. John too was involved in this great & mysterious act. I see several things that are in Jesus' Mind & it certainly wasn't that He needed to be baptized for repentance, as you wrote. As people who were conscious of their sins & in response to John's call came to be baptized, Jesus comes along as well. As people looked inwardly to their sin-sick hearts, Jesus was looking upward to doing His Father's Will & to prepare for the long road ahead that ultimately meant the securing of those people's salvation, by faith in Him.

So I see that Jesus' baptism was that first step - a public declaration to John & others present, receiving the Father's Approval & the Spirit's empowering, the water being the medium to signify His death & burial ( Mark 10:38), a vivid testimony to Himself that there was no turning back - the Cross was before Him, & for the institution of baptism for believers to declare this same testimony of death to self, a new life in the risen Christ, & a walk of faith till the end. At that moment in time, as John was using water towards repentance, Jesus was there using water towards salvation.

And as John was a witness to all these things, so all sinners coming to Jesus for salvation, must be witnesses to His offering of Himself (a witness from the Word and the Spirit). Many, for other reasons, come to Christ & do not truly believe in the full Personhood of Christ, even some Church ministers as we have read of. Unless every sinner coming to Jesus believes the Jesus as shown in the Word & confirmed deep in the heart by the Holy Spirit, then salvation is spurious & maybe just a wishful crutch to hang onto.

Child, get off that backslide and come on over to the frontslide. Get yourself a new routine, like working out, self discipline. You can do it with God in your heart, you'll be OK.

The testing of our faith is done by seeing if there are "fruits meet for repentance." Never mind the KJV word; basically the things which come out of our inner being should demonstrate that the Spirit is at work with love; joy; peace; patience; longsuffering etal. These are in contrast to the BAD fruits of our old nature (adulteries; fornications; anger; strife; dissentions; greed; etc). The test first of all is whether we have truly been saved. That is evidenced largely by whether we have genuine remorse for our sins because we love God and have offended Him; or if we simply wish to be as Judas Iscariot and avoid the consequences. He even went so far as to realize that Christ was a "righteous man"; but never acknowledge Him as God in the flesh and worship Him. If we love God; and truly have that Agape supernatural all encompassing type affection for Him; then we realize that the Spirit of God inside us grieves at our sin (as the Spirit lives within us). Romans already indicates the "done deal" for the regenerate; those who are justified are sanctified then glorified (I'll let you find the verse). For the elect; the corridors of time are already seen with the end from the beginning; as these good works have been predestined for us since before the beginning of time (another verse to find in scripture). Another KEY concept and command is that we love one another (the brethren) and others will know we are Christians that way. What we do; whether sins of commission or omission probably have far more collateral effect on others than in our own lives. As part of His Body; we should esteem others above ourselves; and see ourselves as "unworthy servants" merely doing our duty and working to help fulfill the Great Commission ( Matthew 28 I believe). It does help to confess our sins to one another to have accountability; and also as a believer the Lord has those He wishes us to disciple and to build us up in the faith. If we are His; we "hear His voice".

Dear Lisa,

Please know that Jesus will always receive one who returns to Him in faith and repentance. he will not cast anyone away no matter how many times we backslide and return to Him.

I will pray for you today.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for sister Lisa and the move of Your Holy Spirit within her to change her ways and return to You from a backslidden condition that has not honored You or helped her one bit. We ask that You will restore to Lisa assurance of salvation, strengthen her when she is tempted to return to her sin, fill her with the joy of knowing You receive her when she calls on You, build her up in faith and knowledge of You and Your Word. We ask these things from You Lord Jesus, in Your name. Amen.

Hi Lisa. You've probably read the whole of Matthew chapter 3, where the view there is of John the Baptist baptizing in the Jordan River & many folk coming to him in response to his message to repent. Amongst those coming to him, were some of the religious leaders (the Pharisees & Sadducees). Did they come with the same understanding as the others, stating that they were sinners in need of such declaration? But John looked at them sternly & stated those words of condemnation in Matthew 3:7-10 to them.

Those religious leaders came physically to be baptized but their hearts did not align with John's message of baptism with repentance. They came in pride of their heritage in Abraham, that their salvation lay in being God's elect & not because of a personal heart examination. They came with their own interpretation of the Scriptures & adding more rules & regulations that bound a heavy yoke on the people & so made themselves superior by giving those extra requirements. They came pretending to show piety whereas their hearts were full of themselves & not full of self examination. They should have been exercised in heart in how far they had strayed from God's pure Word & ought to be lovingly teaching & guiding the people by it.

So John was questioning the motives of these leaders, that they ought to bring forth fruits (evidences, demonstrations) that come with a penitent heart, & not dead decaying evidence to which God's Axe would one day come to that tree of death, to destroy it.

From your testimony of a backslidden life, the first step forward is recognition of your sad state, the weight of unforgiven sin you feel, & the grief that brings to a Holy God Who has given His all to secure you into His family. When you humbly come to Him, & not as those religious leaders, He will forgive you, accept you without reserve, fill you with His Spirit, & give you joy for this life & hope for the life to come. Luke 15:10; 1 John 1:9; John 1:11-13. Bring all this to God in prayer.

Out on the red page where you came into this site, is a Link: BECOME A BELIEVER.

It will walk you through sound doctrine on how to become a Christian, or to renew your commitment.

You have to make a stronger commitment to read the Bible (Gospels through to the End). Visiting Proverbs and Psalms also ( Psalm 51).

It's helpful to attend church, listen to church programs on the car FM radio in gridlock. You'll like Greg Laurie on YouTube. I do.

It's easier to come back if you'll draw close to the Lord. Begin to say no to the world and that voice that makes us despair. Come away from it for a while. We all deal with it; so we are here For You. Someone's here day or night.

Explore the other links or the boxes. You'll like Testimonies.

Mishael

explain if you will, (The fruits meet for repentance)

I am asking for a clearer understanding. I am backslider who wants to return to Christ through Repentance.