Tree is to be recognised through fruit. What is the intention behind this bible remarks.

The tree = people

Fruit = behavior.

In the same way that we can identify a tree by the fruit it gives, we can identify people as either good or bad by their behavior. The intention is to have us apreciate that behavior is important for Christians since it can affect our status before God.

I agree and will add that we are often pruned by tragedy and temptations so that we can produce more and better fruit.

I agree with the first part of starman's post. It isn't about good and bad behavior though. As a Christian we are given the fruits of the Holy Spirit... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. IF one is a Christian, they should be displaying those traits or "fruit" in their lives. If you live in the flesh, you will act fleshly, if you live in the Spirit you won't. IF one is a Chirstian, your status before God is secure, through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross no matter how you act. Having said that, the Lord can make you pretty miserable until you get back living the fruits of the Spirit.

I will also add something.

A tree that has good roots, bears good fruit. We must also have good roots. Roots are just where you "plant" yourself in life.

The Bible tells us to be rooted to two things, Christ and His Body(meaning the church, or the Family of Christian Believers)

You can tell when A Christian is well rooted because he or she begins to exibit the Fruits of the Spirit that Tessy777 mentioned.

Jesus clearly tells us what the consequences are if we wilfully choose a life of sin.

Luke 3:9
And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

In his post-ressurection Revelation to John he again tells us that sinful behaviore canlead to losing out on life.

Revelation 22

14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.


Here is more information on the consequences of producing bad fruit.

Eternal Security is FALSE (once saved always saved, perseverance of the saints)

Starman... I'm not going to debate you on this issue. I think you are DEAD wrong... you will think I am wrong. Here is the thing... IF you are saved... look me up in heaven. I'm not above saying I told you so. In the mean time, keep working and trying your hardest to keep your salvation. (it is an arrogant thought... if you think about it.)

Lacey-
Read what I said... it is arrogant to think that YOU or anyone can work hard at keeping themselves saved. What part of my statement did I say obedience is arrogant? I didn't. I said keeping yourself saved by good works is arrogant. If we could have KEPT the commandments of God... we wouldn't need a savior. Either HE finsihed the work or HE didn't. That is my point. And yes, working and trying to keep your own salvation is extremely arrogant and a slap in the face of the Lord Jesus.

I take it as the tree is the Earth, it is the life we are given. We are the precious fruits of this fine creation. If we sin and taint our souls and denounce God, then we are to be cut down as rightfully so. With an unpure heart, we are equal to bad fruit which we cannot eat.

Good answer, there is a need to matching the religious principles with our own commonsense, more than just to swallow. Here the answer is very good and right. Thanks