Fruit refers to the produce of a tree, vine, or plant. In Scripture, fruit also symbolizes the results and consequences of human behavior and spiritual life. As we examine the concept of fruit in Scripture, we will see how it relates to a man’s works, words, and relationship to Christ through his actions.
Fruit is described as good, proper for use, that comes from a good tree, or malignant fruit from a rotten tree (Matthew 7:17). This analogy is used concerning men. During the Tribulation period, false prophets will come to Israel. They will appear to be devout Jews but are actually ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruit (Matthew 7:20).
In the upper room, Jesus uses the concept of the vine and the branches. He explains how those who are part of the Church will relate to Him (John 15:1). The branch cannot produce fruit unless it abides in the vine. Likewise, we cannot produce the character of Christ in our lives unless we feel at ease in Christ (John 15:3–2).
The fruit we produce from our sin nature brings shame. Its end is death (Romans 6:21). Since we have been crucified and raised with Christ, we are set free from slavery to the sin nature. This freedom and our connection to Christ enable us to have fruit unto holiness. Its end is a manifestation of eternal life (Romans 6:22). As we approve the things that differ, so we live sincerely and blamelessly, we are filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:9–11). This fruit pertains to wisdom that is from above. It is pure, gentle, of good persuasion, full of mercy and good fruit, and without hypocrisy (James 3:17).
When we forget we have been washed from our former sins, because are are now legitimate children of God—for His seed abides in the believer—we are child-trained to return to walking in righteousness (Hebrews 12:8). Even though no child-training is joyful for the present, it yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).
Fruit serves as a metaphor for what our actions produce. Because we are in Christ, we are able to produce fruits unto righteousness that manifest the life we have in Him. This type of fruit cannot be produced by an unbeliever or a Christian who is carnal. Both the unbeliever and carnal Christian relate to their souls. Through this, the things of God cannot be understood (1 Corinthians 2:14). When the grace believer learns to feel at ease with his position in Christ, and is filled up where he lacks by the Holy Spirit, he is able to produce good fruit (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22–23). As we live out who we are in Christ, even the fruit of our lips will be unto the praise of the character of God (Hebrews 13:15).
