To which act of deliverance and judgment is John the Baptist referring to with the image of stones being raised and trees being cut down?
John the Baptist uses the images of stones being raised and trees being cut down to refer to both comings of Christ, as did many Old Testament prophets. Jesus’ ministry of both grace and judgment started with his first coming, and will be gloriously fulfilled in his second coming (1 Corinthians 15:1–58).
John the Baptist is here simultaneously referring to both comings of Christ, as was also common for Old Testament prophets. There is one great work of God in Christ, comprehended under the paradise promise, which guides all of history and which culminates in the final judgment. When the public ministry of Jesus then commences, it signifies his coming, but so does his final return in glory—whereby the judgment which until now had remained hidden will be revealed (1 Corinthians 15:1–58). In this sense we can speak of one coming of Christ which brings both grace and judgment, and which none can escape.1
9 And do not presume 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.