The Reformers creed, declaring salvation by grace through “faith alone,” requires a very important asterisk. While its true that salvation is in no way earned or contrived through our effort or works, it is only through the evidence of the “fruit of repentance” that our faith is shown to be genuine.

The pronouncement of belief, church attendance, baptism or any other act of piety, if not coming from faith, is insufficient and devoid of righteousness. Furthermore, these acts have no merit for salvation in and of themselves, but serve only as evidence of genuine faith. Therefore, we are in agreement with James when he says, “so faith without deeds is dead” (Ja 2:26).

Lets see how John the Baptist addresses the difficult question of “how should a child of God live?”

3 Examples
Example #1 – don’t be heartless – be generous: give to those in need

Example #2 – don’t be selfish – be fair and honest

Example #3 – don’t be greedy – be content

Conclusion
He doesn’t say repent, he says “prove it”
Real repentance manifests itself in concrete action

Application
The Christian life:
(1) begins with repentance
(2) is proven true by the fruit of repentance

What is the common thread? Each example centers around how you treat your neighbor.

Matthew 22:36-40

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”