The Fruit Inspector

Matthew 7

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

These verses of scripture have created there own religious cult. Followers of this cult are referred to as works salvationists or fruit inspectors Their belief is that a person is worthy of heaven by their good works. This is in direct contradiction to the Bible. The Bible clearly says that we are saved by grace. In fact Genesis through Revelation is one big picture of God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The only way to heaven is by believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as payment for your sins. We can get into that later. Now, lets take a closer look at the fruit inspectors. These people only believe that evidence of a changed life is the way to heaven. You basically have to stop sinning to get to heaven. So if someone believes on Christ for their salvation and they start doing drugs afterwards, they were never saved or they lose their salvation. These people are always examining peoples lives to see who is going to heaven. You can never tell who is going to Heaven. Lets say that a person is a perfect gentleman or lady out in public, but behind close doors they are abusive monsters. What about a person you believes on Christ, but they are the town drunk? God knows every person who believes and who doesn't, it is not our job to try and figure that out. The fruit inspector mocks Gods free gift of salvation, by calling it greasy grace. They say it will make people sin. You don't have to make people sin, they do it anyway. The good news for a works salvationist is: all you have to do is never commit another sin and you can go to heaven. I would say that is the worst news ever, because no one has a chance to get to heaven if that were the case. Then they say that, you must confess accidental sins to God, to be forgiven. What if you forget one of the dozens of sins you commit everyday trying your best to be good? Eternal Hell?

Isaiah 64

6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Romans 3

10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

The bible says our good works are as filthy rags in the eyes of God. Being good will not get you into heaven. The only way to heaven is by being perfect. No human that has ever existed has been perfect, except one. That is the Lord Jesus Christ. It is only through him that a person can get into heaven. Once you believe on Christ, the Holy Spirit comes into you and you are baptized into the body of Jesus Christ. By joining into Christ's body you are allowed into heaven, because your sins are covered.

I Corinthians 12

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Galatians 3

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

A water baptism is merely symbolic of this. The works salvationist might say, I will get to heaven because I have been water baptized or I had my communion, or catechism. They may also say, I go to church on Sunday and give an offering. Another one may be, I celebrate lent or help out at a Christian charity center. None of these are worth anything when it comes to salvation.

Ephesians 2

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

John 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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

This is salvation plain and simple. Now as far as works go, they are worth much when it comes to fellowship. If you get saved and commit habitual sin God will punish you for it. If you want a life that is a total nightmare, habitually commit sin against God. I am not talking about sins someone is trying to break or accidental sin, but habitual sinning. Such as, fornication or partying. Good works and abstaining from sin bring you into fellowship with God. That is where blessings and rewards come from. If you want a hard life of misery, commit sins after being saved. If you want a joyous, peaceful, and blessed life, live in obedience to God. The fruit inspectors have it all backwards, it is them who are going to hell. They will be in shock when they get there. Judgement day won't be any better either.

Matthew 7

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.