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.
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