A People After GodSample

John the Baptist - Faith is Not Something You Inherit

What does a life of repentance look like? Luke situates John the Baptist in real history, then shows him preaching “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3 CSB). John prepares people for the Messiah by calling everyone to return to God.

Salvation is not inherited through family or tradition; it is received through repentance and faith. “Do not start saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’” (Luke 3:8 CSB). Faith is not something you inherit; every person must come to the Lord for themselves.

John’s warning is sharp because the stakes are real. “Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Luke 3:9 CSB). No one is good with God who does not repent. Trying to stack up good deeds cannot erase sin. Only turning to God in confession and trust can.

The crowds ask the right question: “What then should we do” (Luke 3:10 CSB)? John gives concrete, everyday answers that reveal a changed heart. Share clothing and food with those who lack them. Refuse to cheat at work, even if you can get away with it. Treat people with dignity and refuse to use power for personal gain (Luke 3:11–14 CSB). Repentance is not a slogan; it bears fruit in generosity, integrity, and justice.

As people wonder if John might be the Messiah, he points away from himself to Jesus. “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I am is coming” (Luke 3:16 CSB). The Messiah brings the Spirit to all who believe, and he brings judgment on all who refuse him. John announces good news: the Savior is here, and there is still time to turn. Will we repent and trust Christ, or are we heading towards judgment?

John models the very repentance he preaches when his own platform declines. Some of his disciples feel threatened by Jesus’ growing influence, but John rejoices: “You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ … He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:28, 30 CSB). A repentant heart desires God’s glory, not its own. It is glad to see Jesus honored, even when that means we step back.

Where does God need to increase in your life? Perhaps you need to confess a hidden sin and ask for help. Perhaps you need to make a wrong right at work or at home. Perhaps you know the next faithful step the Lord is prompting, and it is time to obey. Repentance is not a one-time doorway; it is the daily path of God’s people, and on that path there is life.

Would we follow the example of John, and desire that God would increase in our lives?

Reflection Question: What specific fruit of repentance is God inviting you to pursue this week: generosity, integrity, or humility? What concrete step will you take today?

Prayer: Father, thank you for sending John to prepare the way and for sending Jesus to save. Search my heart and show me where I need to repent. Lord Jesus, increase in my life, my motives, my words, and my work. Holy Spirit, form in me the fruit of repentance so that my life points to your glory. Amen.