Matthew 3:8 - "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:"The phrase "meet for repentance" is often overlooked. The word meet means fitting, suitable, proper, or corresponding. John the Baptist was calling for fruit that matched the repentance being professed. Notice that the verse does not say, "Bring forth repentance." It says, "Bring forth fruits meet for repentance." John was not teaching that fruit earns repentance, nor was he teaching that works purchase God's favor. Rather, he was teaching that genuine repentance produces responses that are fitting to the truth a person now acknowledges.A man may agree with God and still remain unchanged. He may confess his sin, admit his guilt, and acknowledge the truth. Yet agreement alone is not the fruit. The liar's fruit is truth. The proud man's fruit is humility. The rebellious man's fruit is obedience. The immoral person's fruit is purity. The dishonest man's fruit is restitution. The self-willed person's fruit is submission. These fruits do not purchase repentance. They are meet for repentance. They correspond to it. They are the fitting responses of a heart that has truly turned toward God.This is why John demanded fruit. Many can say, "I agree with God." Few are willing to bring forth that which is "meet for” repentance.The question is not merely, "Do I agree with God?"The question is: "What fruit has my agreement produced?”
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