1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ~ John 15:1-8
I saw a video where a guy taught that the fruit that we are told to bear is words, not works. He condemned anyone who taught or believed otherwise. This is a prime example of teaching doctrine, not Bible. See, you have to not know Scripture in order to believe Jesus is speaking about words and not works.
Here’s the thing, you don’t have to be saved to say Jesus is LORD. You don’t have to be saved to say that The Father is God Almighty. You don’t have to be saved to say anything Christian or profess Christianity or its doctrines. Salvation is not mandatory for those things. That’s why God weeps over His people, saying:
8 This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
9 in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 15:8-9
God doesn’t desire lip service from us. He isn’t an egotistical god. He isn’t like the other gods. He’s not like Allah, who just wants your praise and honor, caring not about your actions and sin. No. The LORD despises sin. He is holy. Unrighteousness in His presence is an abomination to Him. This is why we are told to be transformed by the renewal of our mind. This is why we are told to keep His commands. This is why we are told to turn away from sin and sin no more.
It’s not about empty words, but your heart. From your heart come your thoughts, words, and actions. It’s about bearing the Fruit of the Spirit.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Unless you bear fruit, good fruit, the Fruit of the Spirit, you will be cut off from the Vine. Because it’s not about lip service. It is about the condition of your heart, which manifests not just in words, but thoughts and actions.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Bear His Good Fruit.