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Luke 3:8
ESV Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
NIV Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
NASB Therefore produce fruits that are consistent with repentance, and do not start saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children for Abraham.
CSB Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. And don't start saying to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.
NLT Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.
KJV Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

What does Luke 3:8 mean?

It's sometimes said that Christianity is a relationship, not a religion. That's oversimplified, but it raises the important difference between trying to earn one's salvation versus having a sincere interest in God. John the Baptist is not shy about calling out those who come to hear his preaching (Luke 3:7). Those who think the ritual of baptism can save them from God's judgment are desperately wrong. Rather, what people need is an attitude of humility and submission to God, demonstrated by repentance. Legitimate baptism is a public profession of someone who has chosen to turn from their sin. John encourages his audience to live in ways demonstrating sincere faith (Luke 3:10–14).

John also addresses the myth that merely being Jewish is enough to obtain God's favor. Or, that God's judgment was reserved for Gentiles alone. This is a topic Jesus would also address (John 8:39–40). The main purpose of John the Baptist's ministry is preparing people to understand the role of Messiah (Luke 3:4–6). Reminding them of the reality of sin, and the need for a right relationship with God, is key to that message.
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