EVIDENCES - FRUIT AS EVIDENCE

There is some value in being able to counter the pseudo-scientific attacks upon the Genesis record of creation. This helps us be stronger in our faith and thereby to teach others. However, we may become expert (I am not) in this field and lose our souls. Jesus has something to say about fruit bearing. Saints need to recognize and produce fruit pleasing to the Lord. Our faith must be "—in the power of God."

Jesus said, in Matthew 7:17 that "every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit." By the Lord's own words we recognize two types of fruit or produce. One is good. It is good in every respect. It not only looks good but is in fact nutritious. On the other hand there is an evil fruit. A literal rending of "evil" is "rotten." Nothing is more distasteful than rotten fruit!

In the early stages one must take care concerning the produce or fruit of the harvest. A variety of plants may grow in the same environment. This well known fact is the basis of the parable of the tares in Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. The seed sown is all important. Different seeds produce different plants. In the parable both the wheat and tares flourished. In the harvest the tares were separated and burned.

In the context of our first passage we hear the defense, in Matthew 7:22, of those the Lord rejects, "—have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?" Twice, in verses 16 and 20 Jesus has made the point that fruits identify the false teacher and those who follow them. Their fruit, not appearance, manner or deportment, identifies them. They claimed what they had done was "—in thy name." Still, like Simon of Acts 8:22 their hearts were not right with God. They "worked iniquity." Literally they acted outside of or without law! Jesus, knowing all things, reveals them as they are inwardly, "—ravening wolves." They called Jesus "Lord, Lord." Jesus does not question their zeal or fervor which are marks of sincerity, he rather identifies the basis of their actions. They were without law, consequently; their fruits were evil. Fruits can be identified.

Christ's ambassador, the apostle Paul, wrote in Galatians 5:22 that "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Here is fruit that is within law. There is no law prohibiting it. Like the false teacher they have said "Lord, Lord." The difference is that they loved and obeyed the Lord. Love for God is inseparable from obedience. Consider Exodus 20:6. Moses wrote that God shows "--mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments." Reading of 2 Peter 1:5-10 is helpful in examining our fruits. Our faith or belief in God derived from the scriptures is shown in virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity or love. This list does not put love last. Indeed the order is not of particular significance for all of these descriptions of character and behavior are a consequence of faith. Love for God and his word results in an active, saving faith.