In Matthew 7, as Jesus warns of false teachers, he states, “by their fruits ye shall know them.” Physically, we know what kind of tree bears an apple or peach. We likewise know the results of eating a juicy, ripe apple or peach – pleasure for our senses – and the great discomfort that can come from eating a soured, rotten piece of fruit. False teachers bear fruit that are unpalatable and dangerous to our spirtual health.
One type of fruit would be the unsubstantiated sense of hope that may be receive through the doctrine of “faith only.” This doctrine has been described as “full of comfort” and indeed it is, but deceptively so, since the Bible clearly states that much more is required for salvation. Many live their lives devouring this poison fruit. It can lead to complacency and in extreme instances, even to destruction of the very fiber of morality.
“Once saved, always saved” is a fruit as deadly. Again, it is contrary to the inspired word of God which teaches that one who has known salvation can “fall.” When one believes that he can-
not fall, any despicable way of life could be engaged in and no dire results would be feared. Some false teachers would even deny the very authority of the Word of God substituting “traditions of men” as a “religious” fruit. The most alarming aspect of this fruit is that it spreads and fosters the growth of “new traditions.” The plethora of denomination is the world today bear this out.
The sad end of all of these fruits is the same– a final home without God. Many are led astray as they fail to study or accept the Bible as God’s word; they believe they are living lives pleasing in God’s sight without actually doing so. When Jesus warned of false teachers, he also stated, “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
--- S. Scott Richardson ~via Gospel Guide