In the third chapter of Luke we find what may be called a first lesson on Baptism. This lesson centers around this requirement that John placed upon his baptism.
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.
John demanded that those who came to him to be baptized must first exhibit evidence of true repentance. I think that this can be accepted as a general condition of New Testament baptism.
One very important observation to be made regarding this is that this baptism did not bring any benefit to the individual, but rather was a physical testimony of a change in his life. It is also a lesson regarding true repentance. The lesson is that the evidences of repentance were not a means of achieving value from God, but rather a clear indication that the individual had come into an honest relationship with God through repentance that had led to a moral change in his life.
This is a great part of what is meant when we speak of a believer as one who has a personal relationship with Christ. Has your “religion” changed your life?
