(Mat 7:20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall

[tbenitez]

(Mat 7:20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
I know that this is probably a bad question but I am confused. Does this passage mean that we cannot be children of God unless we are successful at sharing God's word? I know that God is the one who calls people to Himself but are we judged by how many people we share the Word with? For example is a pastor who shares the Word with millions of people more likely to be saved than one who goes through his entire life and only shares the Word with a handful of people?

 

[jari]

Hi tbenitez,
the only thing actually is faith.

have you read joh 3:16 ?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.


.... so you dont have to be a pastor to have anymore secured salvation, they have great reward, otherwise than people who do not serve. In this verse Paul speaks about courage in Christ:

1Ti 3:13 KJVA For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

[Mustard_Seed]

(Mat 7:20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

I know that this is probably a bad question but I am confused. Does this passage mean that we cannot be children of God unless we are successful at sharing God's word? I know that God is the one who calls people to Himself but are we judged by how many people we share the Word with? For example is a pastor who shares the Word with millions of people more likely to be saved than one who goes through his entire life and only shares the Word with a handful of people?

I don't think there is any such thing as a bad question! :shade:

Galations 5: 22-23

<sup id="en-NIV-29169" class="versenum" value="22">22</sup>But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, <sup id="en-NIV-29170" class="versenum" value="23">23</sup>gentleness and self-control. (NIV)

Those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit produce 'good fruit' - ie, they become more and more Christ-like.

You cannot earn your place in heaven - no matter how many souls you win for Christ and His Kingdom! We are saved by Grace, not on points. (I hope that helps )

Blessings to you

 

[Coconut]

(Mat 7:20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Does this passage mean that we cannot be children of God unless we are successful at sharing God's word?

It will help to understand any scripture passage if you keep it within the context in which it is written.

The scripture you quoted above, is preceded by these words:

GNB Mat 7:15 "Be on your guard against false prophets; they come to you looking like sheep on the outside, but on the inside they are really like wild wolves.You will know them by what they do."

What Christ is saying here, in simplest terms, is how a man lives (day by day) is the real proof of his character.

By their fruits you shall know them, is similar to the Western saying "the proof is in the pudding"

Blessings

 

[rlowe]

1 John 2:9 (NIV)
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.

Read This Chapter @ 1 John 2 - NIV - without Study Tools - Online Study Bible

 

[Paul83]

(Mat 7:20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
I know that this is probably a bad question but I am confused. Does this passage mean that we cannot be children of God unless we are successful at sharing God's word? I know that God is the one who calls people to Himself but are we judged by how many people we share the Word with? For example is a pastor who shares the Word with millions of people more likely to be saved than one who goes through his entire life and only shares the Word with a handful of people?

Tbenitez IMPO there are two kinds of fruit that are mention in the Bible 1) the fruit you mention; "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." Proverbs 11:30
2) the fruit which Mustard seed refer to in Galatians 5:22-23.
And yes we as christians should produce fruit, but what is important is knowing Christ Jesus as personal Lord and Savior.

I John 5:11-13
11) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12) He that has the Son of God hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
13) These things have I written to you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.


Paul told a jailer from Philippi these words: "...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31

 

[Davy Boyd]

Hi

This passage is about false prophets, peopl who like to "profit" instead of PROPHET.

Blessings
Davy