Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionIn the Bible, fruits are often used symbolically and literally to convey spiritual truths, blessings, and the abundance of God's creation. The division of fruits into "new" and "old" can be understood through various scriptural references, highlighting both the physical and spiritual significance of fruits in biblical times. Old Fruits Old fruits, in a biblical context, often refer to the produce of past seasons, symbolizing the blessings and provisions that God has already bestowed upon His people. These fruits can represent the faithfulness of God in providing for His people throughout history. 1. Symbol of God's Provision: In the Old Testament, fruits are frequently mentioned as part of the blessings of the Promised Land. For example, in Deuteronomy 8:8, the land is described as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey." These fruits symbolize the abundance and fertility of the land given by God. 2. Offerings and Sacrifices: Fruits were also used in offerings and sacrifices, representing gratitude and devotion to God. In Leviticus 2:14, the Israelites are instructed, "If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD, offer crushed heads of new grain roasted in the fire." This practice underscores the importance of dedicating the first and best of one's produce to God. 3. Spiritual Lessons: The concept of old fruits can also be seen in the spiritual lessons taught by Jesus. In Matthew 7:16-20, Jesus uses the metaphor of fruit to describe the evidence of a person's character: "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" Here, the "old fruits" can be understood as the established patterns and behaviors that reveal one's true nature. New Fruits New fruits symbolize renewal, hope, and the ongoing work of God in the lives of His people. They represent the fresh blessings and spiritual growth that come from a relationship with God. 1. Symbol of Renewal and Hope: New fruits are often associated with the promise of new beginnings and the hope of future blessings. In Isaiah 65:21-22, the prophet speaks of a time when God's people will "plant vineyards and eat their fruit," symbolizing a future of peace and prosperity. 2. The Firstfruits of the Spirit: In the New Testament, the concept of firstfruits takes on a spiritual dimension. Romans 8:23 states, "Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." Here, the "firstfruits" represent the initial work of the Holy Spirit in believers, a foretaste of the full redemption to come. 3. The Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These new fruits are the evidence of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, reflecting the character of Christ in believers. 4. Eternal Fruits: In Revelation 22:2, the vision of the New Jerusalem includes the tree of life, "bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding a fresh crop for each month." This imagery points to the eternal and ever-renewing blessings of God in the new creation. Conclusion The division of fruits into new and old in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding God's provision, faithfulness, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Whether through the literal harvests of the land or the spiritual fruits borne in the lives of believers, fruits in the Bible are a testament to the abundant life that God offers to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 7:13The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for you, O my beloved. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws Methodists, or the Methodist Episcopal Church. Whether Men are Bound to Pay Tithes under a Necessity of Precept? A Provision Ground On the Sacrifice of the Mass Traditionalism, Its Origin, Character, and Literature - the ... New Uses for Old Trophies Necessity of the New Birth. Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... The New Nature Resources Should Christians judge the teachings of their leaders? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between tithes and offerings? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-discipline? | GotQuestions.org Fruits: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fruits of Converts to the Church Fruits of Effects of Repentance Fruits of the Example of the Godly Fruits of the Reward of Saints Fruits of the Reward of the Wicked Fruits: (Bad) of the Conduct and Conversation of Evil Men Fruits: Called The: Fruit of the Earth Fruits: Called The: Fruit of the Ground Fruits: Called The: Increase of the Land Fruits: Divided Into: Evil or Bad Fruits: Divided Into: Hasty or Precocious Fruits: Divided Into: New and Old Fruits: Divided Into: Pleasant Fruits: Divided Into: Precious Fruits: Divided Into: Summer Fruits Fruits: First of, Devoted to God Fruits: Often Destroyed by Blight Fruits: Often Destroyed by Drought Fruits: Often Destroyed by Enemies Fruits: Often Destroyed by Locusts Fruits: Often Destroyed in God's Anger Fruits: Often Sent As Presents Fruits: Preserved to Us by God Fruits: Produced in Their Due Seasons Fruits: Require: A Fruitful Land Fruits: Require: Influence of the Sun and Moon Fruits: Require: Rain from Heaven Fruits: To be Waited for With Patience Related Terms Contributions (19 Occurrences) Heave-offerings (13 Occurrences) Grain-cutting (19 Occurrences) Wave-offering (22 Occurrences) Responsibility (17 Occurrences) |
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