The Forerunner

“Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, “we have Abraham as our father.” For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones” (Luke 3:8)

John the Baptist was sent by God as a forerunner to Jesus in order to prepare the hearts of the people. His mission was in fulfillment of the prophesy of Isaiah. “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a high way for our God” (Isaiah 40:3)

The whole multitude went to John for baptism and he warned them to repent for the kingdom of heaven was closing on. (Matt. 3:2). Not merely repenting but bearing fruits that are worthy of their repentance is what the Lord requires because “the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Luke 3:9). But what does John mean? Repentance to Christ and through Him to God is essential as we are enjoined. “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray to God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:22). The repentant soul must approach God’s mercy throne through Jesus whom John came to announce “… I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

The decision to turn from sin and to salvation in Christ involves accepting Christ not only as Saviour from the penalty of sin, but also as Lord of one’s life. Thus repentance involves a change of lords – from the lordship of Satan to the Lordship of Christ and His word. “To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:18).

Repentance is a free decision on the part of the sinner, made possible by the enabling grace given to him as he hears and believes the gospel. “And the hand of the Lord was with them (who came to listen to the word of God) and a great number believed and turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21)

The definition of a saving faith as mere “trust” in Christ as Saviour is wholly inadequate in the light of Christ’s demand for repentance. To define saving faith in a way which does not necessarily involve a radical break with sin is to dangerously distort the biblical view of redemption. Faith which includes repentance is an indispensable condition for salvation “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel (Mk 15:1 See also Lk. 13:3,5, Acts 2:38, 3:19, 11:21).

Repentance was a basic message in the preaching of Old Testament prophets. “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in the land” (Jere. 7:3).   “Repent and turn from your transgressions so that iniquity will not be your ruin (Ezek. 18: 30b, see also Joel 2:12-14, Mal. 3:7).

Jesus Christ’s message of salvation centered on genuine repentance. “From that time Jesus began to preach and say “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17, see also Matt. 18:3, Lk 5:32).   Repentance was also the basic message of the New Testament preachers. “Then Peter said to them “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, cf. Acts 8:22, 2 Peter 3:9). The preaching of repentance must always accompany the gospel message (Lk 24:47).

It is equally important to note that genuine repentance will be accompanied by the fruit of righteousness (Matt 23:23; Lk 3:10-14; Acts 26:20) which is what John the Baptist demanded from his hearers (Lk 3:8) True saving faith and conversion must become evident through lives that forsake sin and bear godly fruit. In John 15:16, it is evident that all Christians are chosen “out of the world” to bear fruit. This fruit-bearing refers to: spiritual virtues such as the fruit of the spirit mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Galatian church Gal. 5: 22-23 – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control (cf. Eph. 5:9; Col. 1:6; Heb 12:11; Jas 3:`6) and conversion of others to Christ (Jn 4:36, 11:24)

Brethren, those who say they believe in Christ and are God’s children, yet do not live lives that produce good fruit, are like trees that are cut down and thrown into the fire (Matt. 3:8-10,12). Let us heed the warning of John the Baptist to his hearers. The essence of sending a forerunner is to warn the people ahead of time. John’s message is straight and simple “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand” God does not want any of us to perish rather He wants us to inherit His eternal kingdom through our belief in His Son Jesus Christ. However, we must turn away from every form of sin to be able to inherit this kingdom.

Have a joyful celebration as you heed to warnings of the forerunner He has provided for you!

Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon

1. Igein Isemede.