Matthew 3:7-10 NLT
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
Ah, the Pharisees and Sadducees, the legal religious of that time. They thought themselves to be so wise in the ways of God yet they didn't understand the simplicity of salvation. It was all about pomp and circumstance to them. They looked down their noses at anyone who was not one of them. They imposed restrictions on those around them but didn't follow their self made laws.
The Pharisees and Sadducees thought they were safe. John tells them they are not. Verse 10 describes their fate.
This hypocrisy still goes on today. Organized religion tells us we must be baptized to be saved. The thief on the cross wasn't yet Jesus said "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
Sabbatarians say we must go to church on Sunday to be saved yet Jesus told the woman at the well "Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:21; 23-24
Some say we must confess our sins to a priest to be saved yet I cant find one instance in the Bible where Jesus asked someone to openly confess their sins before He accepted them as His follower.
Don't let religious restrictions keep you from a relationship with Jesus. Go to Him with an open heart and let Him save you.
Blessings, Cecilia
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