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When a person truly comes to Jesus Christ, this relationship will dramatically transform his or her life. We may see this transformation more immediately in the lives of some than others. For those whose lives are characterized by pronounced bad habits and blatant immoral living, the change in lifestyle will show other that something profound has indeed happened within that person's life. For others who may not be known for blatantly sinful living, the change may not be as outwardly pronounced, but it is just as significant. Remember all of us were separated from God by sin, which was dealt with and atoned for at the cross of Jesus. Our conversation will show itself in both fruit and works. Bearing fruit is not an option. It is the natural result of a person coming into union with God. Sometimes there is confusion in this area of fruit bearing, or works. See what the Bible has to say about the issue. Our Lives Should Show That God Is at Work in Our Hearts. God desire that we demonstrate our spiritual growth through our outward actions. Romans 7:4 We Must Live Out Our Faith. Faith without deed is incomplete. James 2:15-17 God Saved Us for a Purpose. While God himself gave us salvation, he planned that our salvation would lead to good works. Ephesians 2:10 Our Walk Should Match Our Talk. God isn't as concerned with what we say we believe as with how we live what we believe. Matthew 7:21-23 Check Out The Facts! Throughout this page we've shown you some of the verses in the Bible that back-up our text. Part of your growing relationship with Christ is checking out these facts for yourself. Romans 7:4 "So this is the point: The law no longer holds you in its power, because you died to its power when you died with Christ on the cross. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, you can produce good fruit, that is, good deeds for God." James 2:15-17 "Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all--it is dead and useless." Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Matthew 7:21-23 "Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as `Lord,' but they still won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven. On judgment day many will tell me, `Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' But I will reply, `I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized." Excerpts from the New Living Translation |