Results 1 - 4 of 4
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Fruit vs. Works: the same or different? | Gal 5:22 | Hiskid84 | 129875 | ||
AO, I'm sorry. I'm afraid I don't know what it is other people believe about the fruit mentioned in John 15:5. I only know what I believe based on my understanding so far. Before I say what that is though, I would like to explain that I have posted as I've tried to reason this out. This means that everyone that reads my posts will be seeing the process I've gone through to arrive at the point where I am right now. (It also means that perhaps I should work it all out before posting) With that said, here goes: I wouldn't say they (fruit) are "righteous attributes" in and of themselves. I think it has more to do with how those attributes affect how we interact with others. The fruit (attributes) on a branch (me) may look lovely but they serve no real purpose until they are plucked and eaten (i.e., put to use in my relationship with others). In fact, how can attributes even be visible unless they are exhibited in my interaction with others? If I am patient in dealing with others, if I am loving and kind, if I exhibit peace and joy, if I put others before myself, I am being Christ-like. I, as the branch, am an extension of the vine, Christ. I cannot produce this "fruit" within myself. I am dependant upon Him to produce it in me. The fruit He produces in me is an extension of His relationship with me and mine with Him. I believe that somehow this is all tied together with John 15:10. Jesus abides in the Father's love for Him. We abide in Jesus' love for us. As the Father loves the Son and the Son loves us, we are to "love one another" (John 15:12). On our own, we are unable. With His life flowing through us (as the vine) we are able (we exhibit His fruit-- His life within us). This has become much longer than I anticipated when I started. Because of the lateness of the hour I am going to try to sum up what I am trying to say (so far). Any "fruit" within our lives has to come from God. He produces it within us. The same with "works". I believe our works are directly related to our relationship with Him. These things come from Him and therefor, bring glory to Him. They are simply the evidence of His working in us. So whether fruit or works or any good thing...they are all His handiwork so that it is He who is glorified and not we. What is your opinion regarding your question? In Him, Karen |
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2 | Fruit vs. Works: the same or different? | Gal 5:22 | Aspiring Overseer | 129888 | ||
Hi Karen, Thank you for your quick response. Is God then unjust? John 15:1-2 15:1"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2"Every branch in Me (in Christ) that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes (disciplines) it, that it may bear more fruit. If people wish to be part of the "true vine" must they not be "in Christ"; that is to be covered by the atoning sacrifice of His blood? Why does John 15 tell us that some of those very people, who were in the "true vine"; those branches already "in Christ"; were taken away? These branches (Christians) were "in Christ" (i.e. saved and having full knowledge of the goodness of God) yet they did not bear fruit and thus lost their salvation! Why did they bear no fruit? Was not God able to perform all the works necessary in them? John 15:8-10 15:8 "By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 9 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. NAS Should not Christians put forth the effort to prove themselves as Christ’s disciples just as Christ put forth the effort to obey God the Father? AO |
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3 | Fruit vs. Works: the same or different? | Gal 5:22 | Hiskid84 | 129986 | ||
Hi, AO. I'm sorry I didn't reply to your questions today. I hope to do so tomorrow. I'm sure you must know what my answers will be if you are a regular reader of this forum. I do not hide the fact that I believe any/all of our (Christ-like) works are EVIDENCE of our salvation, not the MEANS of (keeping) salvation. However, I want to give your questions appropriate consideration when answering and appreciate the chance to exercise my ability in defending what I believe to be true. In Christ, Karen |
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4 | Fruit vs. Works: the same or different? | Gal 5:22 | Aspiring Overseer | 130000 | ||
Hi Karen, I look forward to continuing our discussion when you are ready. AO |
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