Knowing The Word in Matthew 7:15-19

A Tree and Its Fruit

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. [There is an ethical test for discovering false prophets. We should see radical change in people’s lives.] Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [If the change is real, there is not just a new profession of faith but a new life. There are professed disciples who God will reject.] 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.