Lesson 2507

(Lesson 2507)(10-31-18) Luke 3:7-9
    “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. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

    There is an ultra-important lesson to be taken from the first sentence of today’s quote. Therein, John addressed those who had come to “be baptized of him”. He was clearly referencing those who had heard of him and had come to hear his message. Also, John was prepared so that if any of them accepted his message and repented themselves before God, they could be ritually “baptized”, or immersed in water, as per Hebrew Law and tradition.
    This information is very important to the bible student because almost all “Christian” scholars erroneously leave the impression that when referencing “the baptism of John”, one is to accept it as ONLY a reference to the water immersions (baptisms) John was charged to perform, when in fact, the phrase refers primarily to the message John was sent to preach.~
NOTE: Tomorrows lesson will also be taken from today’s quote.