And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. – Luke 3:9

Unless our religion makes us holy, it has not done anything for us that is really worth doing. Unless we hate sin, and love righteousness, our religion is a sham and a lie. John stated that truth very plainly; and that is the way to drive men to Christ. He told them also that the trial of a life would be by its weight as well as by its fruit. “Look,” said he, “at the heap that lies on the threshing-floor. He that hath the fan in His hand begins to winnow it; that which is light and chaffy is blown away, that which has wheat in it remains on the floor. So,” said he, “there must be weight about your religion-stability, reality, sincerity. There must be heart-work in it, it must be no pretence; it must be true from beginning to end, or else it shall no more avail you than a heap of chaff would avail the husbandman when it is blown into the fire.”

Then John taught his hearers that Christ Himself would be the great Trier of human hearts; not ministers or fellow-professors, but, Christ Himself. When men feel this to be true, then they begin to say to themselves, “There is more required than we at present possess. There is more demanded than we can ever manufacture of ourselves. Let us go to Him that hath it, and ask Him for it. Let us go to Christ, who hath grace to bestow upon the poor and needy.” ~ C.H. Spurgeon

https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/spurgeon_charles/sermons/2404.cfm