Regarding the words of Christ - "by their fruits you shall know them".
I think this has been wrongly interpreted by many to mean just
"charity" If "fruits" means just "charity", then Muslims, Hindus, and
all the other anti-Christian religions out there could be said to be
producing good fruit.
But I think "fruit" means much more. It means true doctrine and a way
of living that would bring glory to God. I think these three aspects
go hand in hand.
For example, following false doctrine will cause you to be self-
centred and thinking that you can do something to repay Christ and
earn your salvation. That's why unregenerated (non-born again) people
(inside and outside of the churches) take pride in their good works
and think that it
is helping their case with God.
In the Bible, we have a teaching that "we are all as an unclean thing,
and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags". The Book of Mormon
echoes a similar teaching - "If ye should serve him who has created
you from the beginning ... if ye should serve him with all your whole
souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants".
Imagine yourself standing before Jesus one day and saying "Lord, I
believe in your atonement, BUT also consider all my good works
throughout my life when you give me eternal life".
I think many people are consumed with this prideful teaching.
What are you thoughts on the meaning of "fruits"?
Jeff
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