Lesson 2510

(Lesson 2510)(11-03-18) 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.”

   In the last part of today’s quote, John the Baptist, when speaking to the Jewish leadership, is quoted as saying; “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.”
    In making that statement, John clearly established that the Jews were no longer to be considered the “chosen”, the literal maintainers of God’s eternal salvation. John made it clear that the “axe is now laid to the root”, meaning that God’s exclusive ties to the Jews had been forever cut allowing for grace and eternal salvation to be extended to the Gentiles as well as to those Jews who would repent and accept Jesus Christ. ~
(It is important to note that John, at that point, was speaking to JEWS ONLY.) There will be more on this subject as these lessons continue.