Whoever belongs to a noble family, is proud of his origin. The members of the Old Testament called themselves the Children of Abraham, thinking that they could be justified by his blessings, and strengthened by his spirit. However, John called those who raced to him from everywhere the "brood of vipers", meaning the devil who poured of his spirit out on humans and misled them into doubting the love of God, and separation from him in obstinate haughtiness, so that men, poisoned with the spirit of hypocrisy and self-conceit, would not return to their source. What are you, my dear brother? Are you a repenting sinner, or an evil hypocrite? Which spirit reigns in you: pride, or humility?
Woe to the faiths, religions, and churches, which teach their followers that fanaticism, prayers, fasting, and own works justify those who are pious. Whoever builds himself on his own worthiness falls into the last judgment, for we are all idle, inactive, and even criminal in the rays of love of the Holy One. The Day of Judgment is certainly coming, when the Holy Lord uncovers all your faults. The hour of his wrath is at hand, as all faithful prophets testified (Malachi 4:1-5). Then you will stand shamefully without an excuse, for your heart is a nest of vipers, full of evil thoughts and bad recollections.
Do not think that the imaginations of your repentance, or the sorrows of your soul satisfy God, for the eternal Judge does not only require your feeling, wishes, and prayers; but a complete change which produces good works. God, in compassion to you, is prepared to change your entire life, knowing that you are unable to reform yourself. Then, do not think indifferently that the Lord will neglect your faults, for no prophet, even Abraham himself, will save you.
John said addressing the people of the covenant, "God has no need of you, or of your services, for he can raise to himself many children out of the many stones in this wilderness. If you do not repent, and turn to him completely penitent you will be destroyed. Whoever hardens his heart toward the call of God, makes his heart petrified; but he who listens to the word of the Creator receives a new heart and a divine power. Thank God who changes many, and renews millions all around the world.
Every nation that does not turn to God is like a barren tree whose owner is standing beside it with his ax in his raised hand to cut the idle tree. What good fruits does God find in you and your nation? Will the cutting ax fall on you, or it will be interrupted because the Highest sees your preparedness to repentance and knows your longing for purity and truth?
Many of John’s hearers truly repented, confessed their sins openly, and practiced the baptism of forgiveness as a token of God’s condemnation on them. The Baptist said to those brokenhearted, "Love is fulfillment of the law. If you love God, distribute your clothes, give the poor, share your bread and money with them, prepare work for them, and give the poor in your class auxiliary lessons freely. If you had to ask for money in the name of your company, or to sell goods and trade, do not ask for more than what is required indeed. Content yourself with the minimum in order that you should not fall into the pride of riches. The Baptist told the soldiers who defend their country not to be violent or false witnesses, but to live in contentment without pomp. The forerunner did not call them to leave their job in order to serve Christ in the unsociableness of wilderness, but sent them to their different jobs and commanded them to practice love, truthfulness, and humility so that they may prepare the way of the Lord in their practical life.