Finding Real Fruit of Faith

Matthew 7:13&14 makes it clear that the way of salvation is narrow, with few finding it, but the way of destruction is WIDE, and many will be going in that way, instead. The shame of it all is that most people today seem to think that nearly everyone will end up in Heaven; the opposite of what scripture tells us!

Jesus wants us to distinguish between true & false brethren, and says that it's by their fruit we will know them. Being able to make these distinctions is vital for avoiding deception: both for ourselves, AND others; even those who may be doing deceiving unintentionally. Yet today people usually make such determinations on the thinnest of evidence, when God tells us that we ought to look deeper, because a quick glance may not tell the whole story. Jesus said we should,

“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” -John 7:24.

For discerning others by their “fruit”, Jesus emphasized both the edible part and the type of tree producing it, saying;

“16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” -Matthew 7:16-20.

You should also note that when the woman took the fruit in Genesis 3, it looked GOOD to her, but she already knew that the tree was bad; God had already told Adam in Genesis 2;

“ And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” -Genesis 2:16,17.

We later see that when the woman did give in to the serpent's temptation, scripture reads;

“ And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” -Genesis 3:6.

So let this be our example for considering the type of tree, not merely the appearance of the fruit that's on it. False religions may do visibly good deeds to attract followers, but their doctrines will only bring on spiritual death.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” -Proverbs 14:12, 16:25.

But as for those who falsely claim to be Christian (whether or not they realize it), testing them by their reaction when we share God's Word can be very revealing (1 John 5:3); do they express interest, or disdain for its authority? Those who love the Lord Jesus will come to its light, while those who don't will flee from it;

“20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” -John 3:20,21.

The Bereans in Acts 17:11 searched scripture daily to verify the teachings of the Apostles, and we're still promised the validity of this practice in the Bible today, where it tells us;

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit...and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” -from Hebrews 4:12. Bold type added for emphasis.

You might think it's easy to spot bad spiritual fruit, but the nature of it is deceptive, like our sinful hearts (Jeremiah 17:9), and the devil with his ministers will appear to be righteous (2 Corinthians 11:13-15); who would follow after those that are obviously wicked? Not many, and it wouldn't go very far. The next few verses shed light on the reality of spiritual deception we'll face. Jesus tells us here;

“21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” -Matthew 7:21-23.

In the opening verse, Jesus makes it clear that not everyone who calls Him Lord will be allowed into the Kingdom of heaven, just those who have done God's will, and these are His true family (Matthew 12:50).

Yet MANY will protest at the time of judgment, testifying of the good works they've done in His name; how they have prophesied, cast out devils, and done many other wonderful works in Jesus' name; only to be cast aside as those He's never known in the end.

But how can such a thing happen? Doesn't the success of these works honor Jesus, and show His blessing? For the first work mentioned, false prophets have long been among God's people (Jeremiah chapter 28), and these honestly think they have insights from God, when in fact their hearts are deceived. Phony prophecies usually flatter, and promise unconditional prosperity, without ever mentioning the need of repentance from sin.

“13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. 14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” -Jeremiah 6:13,14.

“24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before.” -Matthew 24:24,25.

As for the work of casting out devils, remember that such evil spirits are liars (John 8:44), and would readily go along with any apparent exorcism in order to promote phony men of God.

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” -2 Timothy 3:13.

And as for any other wonderful works this group may lay claim to, are such really exclusive to Christians? To provide things like food, clothing, or homes, are certainly good works believers may be involved with, but non-Christian organizations also do them! One close friend I had turned to a group known for their generosity when she needed financial help; yet they DENY Jesus is the only way of salvation, deceiving the souls of their followers.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” -John 14:6.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” -Acts 4:12.

But even IF individuals look to Christ alone, were their “wonderful works” done to impress God, or to obey Him? The Bible shows this example with King Saul in 1 Samuel chapter 15, where God tells him through the prophet Samuel,

“ Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice...” -from 1 Samuel 15:22.

Jesus said there would be many of this type from Matthew 7:21-23, but for us it's a warning; because those who were finally in this state at judgment were deceived into thinking all was well between themselves and God, and this example is given that we might be diligent not to let this same mistake overtake us, as well.

Our way of escaping such is both simple, and sure; seek to do God's will in the light of His Word, even if our lot is seemingly small, or unusual. Rest in the finished work of our Savior, knowing that HE won't judge according to appearance alone (John 7:24) but will judge righteously.

“33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” -Romans 8:33,34.

Here are links to some short YouTube videos that I did on this subject Judging By the Fruit and Many Will Say Lord, Lord.

Beware this Soul-Stealing Deception

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” -Jeremiah 17:9,10. Bold type & underlining added for emphasis.

When we consider this scripture, we know it's not without cause the Bible tells us to examine ourselves to be sure we're in true faith (2 Corinthians 13:5), or warns us not to be overconfident of our salvation, lest we end up falling short of the glory of God;

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” -Romans 3:23.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” -Proverbs 14:12.

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” -1 Corinthians 10:12.

These verses represent deceits of the heart, which can lead into eternal damnation. Jesus told us the way of salvation is straight & narrow, and only few would find it (Matthew 7:13,14), but then gives an example of a type that seem to be strong Christians, yet really never knew Him at all. We've looked at these verses previously from Matthew 7:21-23, and noted how those cast away totally believed they were in right relationship with God when judgment came, and Jesus said there are MANY like this!

And truly the devil's destructive deceptions are legion (many) in the world today, but the Lord showed me by His Word, that the Last Days' departure from TRUTH will bring upon us the disease of delusion; further cementing the reign of that Man of Sin (2 Thessalonians 2:3,4).

Please remember the importance of TRUTH in God's eyes, primarily because it's how we need to worship Him, and you see here that He seeks those who'll worship Him in spirit & in truth, and not just through vain appearances;

“23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” -John 4:23,24.

Consider the following scriptures for God's emphasis on truth;

“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” -Psalm 145:18.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life.” -from John 14:6.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” -John 17:17.

“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” -2 Corinthians 13:8.

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour.” -from Ephesians 4:25.

And we need to see how lies will have no part of God's eternal kingdom;

“and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire.” -from Revelation 21:8.

“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that...maketh a lie.” -from Revelation 21:27.

“they that do his commandments... may enter into the city. For without are... whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” -from Revelation 22:15. Bold type is added.

Most Christians would quickly claim they always try to be truthful, and are against dishonesty and lies (Proverbs 20:6), but our adversary has subtly snared both the world and the church with the practice of lying; we've come to see, & expect it in the leaders we elect; we're entertained by it through TV and movies; the news media force feeds us with it, shifting our views; and the business world lies in many ways for monetary gain, yet claiming their products and services are for our benefit. Mentally, we may know how evil it is to be untruthful, but its practice has overtaken us; to the point that we can no longer even distinguish lies from the truth, and we're seldom offended when we do recognize it.

But NOW let's look at our key passage regarding the handling of truth, and the delusion God brings; this ought to be sobering, if not downright SCARY. Jesus told us we'd have to account for every word we speak, and He knows our hearts, as we saw in the opening verses (Jeremiah 17:10).

“36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” -Matthew 12:36,37.

Our key passage is taken from 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, but only v.9-12 printed here to focus on;

“9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Bold type was added to emphasize.

This passage is about the Antichrist, or Beast, and the deception he will bring; this deceit is able to prevail because the people hadn't received the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Perhaps they liked some parts of the truth, but not all, or maybe they didn't like any of it. Further prophecy expands on this idea here;

“Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” -Romans 1:25.

Isn't this what we're seeing today, even amongst professing believers? Christmas is one such example, which we celebrate as Jesus' birthday; even though we know Dec.25^th isn't that day (Luke 2:8 briefly verifies), and is pagan in origin. Jesus said that worshippers of God must do so in TRUTH, but this holiday's uncleanness overshadows any truth that may come with it.

Many also love the story of David & Goliath, but David's often portrayed as a mere boy, when the Bible clearly describes him as a man before even meeting King Saul (1 Samuel 16:18); why do so many believers prefer the lie of his boyhood to the truth of scripture? And some actually declare the sin of lying (Exodus 20:16) to be good at times, which becomes a presumptuous sin (Psalm 19:13) they don't repent for.

And church leaders are constantly changing God's Word, retranslating, and replacing faith in it with question marks. New Bible versions (all, but the King James Bible) often attack the person of Jesus, overthrow doctrine, and introduce lies; bringing confusion, which is not of God.

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” -1 Corinthians 14:33

“5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” -Proverbs 30:5,6.

The Bible says that in the end, God will send strong delusion, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. They don't love it enough to be honest about Christmas, or about David, or to turn away from Bible versions that subvert Christian doctrines; they loved the truth only enough to try and claim that Jesus is their Lord (Luke 6:46), but not enough to actually make it true in their lives.

Brethren, when we knowingly promote something that's not fully true, it is a LIE in God's eyes, and we must seek His forgiveness; for those dying without it cannot be saved. Take time to examine every part of your life before God, to be extra sure you're walking truthfully in His eyes.

“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.” -Romans 7:21.

“But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” -John 3:21.

“23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” -Psalm 139:23,24.

You may also be interested in my short YouTube videos on this subject; Why Only Few are Saved and Being Truthful With God.