Fruit From The Tree

September 2022 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Fruit From The Tree

Fruit is the result or product of something. Probably the most common thought when anyone hears the word “fruit” is a food that is good for us to eat, such as an apple, orange or banana. In creation, God specifically spoke about fruit from trees as being “for food” (Gen. 1:29, see vv.11-12 NKJV ). In the garden, “the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food” (2:9). He told Adam, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat” (vv.16-17). By his disobedience, sin entered into the world (Gen. 3).

Both Peter and Paul described the cross where Christ hung as “a tree” (Acts 5:30, 10:39; Gal. 3:13). When we consider that tree, we ponder over all that took place, out of man’s sight, to produce fruit, which is great indeed! The list might be endless as we think of how God was satisfied through the obedience of the Son (1 Jn. 4:10). We are reminded of that “sweet-smelling aroma” that rose to God (Eph. 5:2). Everything in relation to the sin and sins of those with faith through all of man’s history was addressed on that tree. Therefore, believers have peace with God and the peace of God, joy beyond measure and knowledge of the nearness of God – and so much more. All is through the manifold grace of God, just as the innumerable kinds of fruits which God has created for us to enjoy.

Fruit does not just come from trees, even in Scripture. The Bible says there is also fruit “of the ground” (4:3), “of the womb” (30:2), “of your labors” (Ex. 23:16), “of your vineyard” (Dt. 22:9), “of your body” (28:4), “of their own way” (Prov. 1:31), “of the righteous” (11:30), “of his mouth” (12:14), “of her hands” (31:31), “of their doings” (Isa. 3:10), “of the arrogant heart” (10:12), “of taking away his sin” (27:9), “of the lips” (57:19), “of their thoughts” (Jer. 6:19), “of lies” (Hos. 10:13), “of righteousness” (Amos 6:12), “of their deeds” (Mic. 7:13) and “of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22). It is this last one on which this magazine focuses.

While all mankind partake of some of the listed fruits, the last can only be through faith. Are you a believer, trusting in Him? This is the most important question – ever!

By Paul Alberts