Luke 3v7

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?

Almost immediately after John’s ‘invitation phase’ seen above in verse 3 {30 }, we see that the multitude are now coming to John to be baptized by him.

Here again we see John comparing to a “generation of vipers” – the type of snake or serpent signifying the devil himself. John clearly saw that people were more inclined to follow the devil’s leading than God’s leading. Being warned to flee from the wrath to come was clearly be seen by John as being of God’s leading.

In the next verse we see John concluding that because they were that “generation of vipers”, and wanted to flee from the wrath to come, that they should therefore show and demonstrate the fruits of repentance (v8). This is in direct contrast to their previous way of thinking, where they presumed that God loved them because they had a certain background and upbringing – ie children of Abraham. John here is showing that there is something more important in order to be in God’s will, and receive His heavenly provisions. The thing more important was shown by John as true repentance that brought forth fruits and changes in lifestyle, allied to the water baptism that they were requesting.