Topical Bible: Good Works: Called: Fruits Meet for Repentance

◄ Good Works: Called: Fruits Meet for Repentance ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, "fruits meet for repentance" refers to the tangible evidence of a transformed life that aligns with the principles of repentance and faith. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament, where good works are seen as the natural outgrowth of a genuine repentance and a living faith in Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "fruits meet for repentance" is derived from the words of John the Baptist, who, in his call to repentance, admonished the Pharisees and Sadducees to "produce fruit worthy of repentance" (Matthew 3:8). This exhortation underscores the expectation that true repentance will manifest in actions that reflect a changed heart and mind.

Nature of Good Works

Good works, as fruits of repentance, are not merely external acts of charity or morality but are deeply connected to the inner transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." This passage highlights that good works are part of God's divine plan for believers, prepared beforehand for them to walk in.

Relationship with Faith

The relationship between faith and works is a central theme in the New Testament. James 2:17 asserts, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This indicates that genuine faith is inherently active and productive, resulting in good works that testify to the authenticity of one's faith. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes this connection in Galatians 5:22-23 , where he lists the "fruit of the Spirit," which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Role in Salvation

While good works are a vital aspect of the Christian life, they are not the means of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 clarifies, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith, and good works are the evidence of that salvation, not the cause.

Examples in Scripture

The New Testament provides numerous examples of individuals whose lives bore the fruits of repentance. Zacchaeus, the tax collector, demonstrated his repentance by pledging to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay those he had defrauded fourfold (Luke 19:8). Similarly, the early church in Acts is depicted as a community devoted to good works, sharing their possessions and caring for those in need (Acts 2:44-45).

Practical Implications

For believers, producing fruits meet for repentance involves a continual process of spiritual growth and maturity. It requires a commitment to living out the teachings of Christ in everyday life, characterized by love, humility, and service to others. The call to bear good fruit is a call to reflect the character of Christ and to be a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in a fallen world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 3:8
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Scripture Way of Salvation
... appearance of evil," and are "zealous of good works," as we have opportunity, doing
good to all ... reliance, adherence, or whatever else it be called, is not ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 43 the scripture way.htm

Nothing but Leaves
... we have a right to look for the same blessed fruits of the ... purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works." Why have we been called but that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/nothing but leaves.htm

On Laying the Foundation of the New Chapel, Near the City-Road ...
... Methodism, so called, is the old religion, the religion of the ... us, " as the fountain
of all the good we have ... century, it was found in the works of Chrysostom ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 132 on laying the.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vi. 19, "Lay not up for ...
... 9. For this have I at divers times called to your ... ought, if it should be barren of
works of mercy. ... above, "Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon x on the words.htm

On Repentance
... accessory to him, and that is, the world, of which he is called "the prince ... Acts
5:31; Romans 3:24) (2.) On our part, the fruits are good works, which are ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 17 on repentance.htm

Concerning the Words Ascribed to John by all the Four Evangelists ...
... John to have replied to them with a statement of good works as the fruits of repentance ...
of them may introduce something which he does not feel called upon to ...
/.../the harmony of the gospels/chapter xii concerning the words ascribed.htm

Orthodox Creeds.
... genuine unless it bring forth fruits meet for repentance ... faith is saving unless it
produce good works. ... a threefold distinction, commonly called persons,"the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/orthodox creeds.htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... writers when they speak of the fruits of repentance. ... it is not without cause we are
called God's "workmanship ... created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

John the Baptist
... he did against John, who was called the Baptist ... not let ceremonies pass in place
of "fruits meet for repentance ... theories of the law, no new good works, no belief ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/vi john the baptist.htm

Articles of Religion of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America. ...
... So that now in him, and by him, every true Christian man may be called a fulfiller
of the law. ... Of Good Works. Good works, which are the fruits of faith ...
/.../articles of religion of the.htm