7:20Matthew 7:20

By their fruits they are known is the test Christ gave in the Sermon on the Mount for recognizing false prophets who appear harmless but are inwardly destructive, just as a tree is known by what it bears and grapes are not gathered from thorns.Ms 85, 1909, par. 18–21+4
The fruit means the life revealed in character, actions, words, conduct and influence, not profession, claims, appearance, church membership or outward show.Ms 60, 1902, par. 40+4
Good fruit comes only from living union with Christ as the branch abides in the vine, producing obedience to the Father's will, a renewed holy life, and the graces of the Spirit in love, self-denial and service to others.Lt 103, 1905, par. 14+4
Evil fruit of selfishness, dishonesty, pride, strife, impurity and worldliness proves a corrupt heart, and mere profession, prophesying and wonderful works will not enter heaven, for God judges by deeds and not by knowledge, privilege or words.Ms 85, 1909, par. 18–21+4
The test is to be used first in humble self-examination and in proving prophets, messages, revivals, ministers and institutions by whether their results lead to repentance, truth, unity and Christlikeness.Lt 8, 1910, par. 14+4

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them stands in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus taught with heavenly authority in plain simple words that people of every level of learning could understand, and His followers are to copy His example and stay connected to Him so His spirit and power are revealed in them.5T 253.2–254.1 That sermon opposed the doctrines and practices of the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees.FE 309.1 It showed that God's law reaches beyond outward actions to the principles held in the heart, for the state of the heart regulates the life and the fruits by which people are known grow from within, so teaching the law rightly requires impressing those principles on the heart.Lt 7, 1886, par. 34 Living out its lessons makes a deeper and more lasting impression than speaking about them alone, and a person's character is recognized by the evidence of the life.6T 472.1

With verses 15-20 it gives the test for recognizing false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves: what they produce reveals what they are, despite an outward appearance of harmlessness or faithfulness.Lt 106a, 1896, par. 43+2 Like a tree a person produces fruit according to what he is, for a good tree brings forth good fruit and a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit, because the root, the heart, when purified bears good, while the corrupt cannot bear good.Lt 106a, 1896, par. 43+1 Men do not gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles, and conduct and message reveal whether the source is good or corrupt, so teaching and influence from a base deceiver cannot yield unadulterated truth and sanctifying power.CET 244.1–3+1 False teachers may first seem appealing, but their corrupt fruit exposes them, and this warning calls people to discern teachers by the results of their lives and work rather than remain in uncertainty, for all willing to seek truth have a basis for discernment.Lt 52, 1900, par. 17–18 It stands with entering the strait gate that leads to life, doing the will of the Father rather than only saying Lord, Lord while working iniquity, and building on the rock by hearing and doing His sayings so the house does not fall.Ms 115, 1906, par. 2–5

As a tree is known by its fruit, a good tree bears good fruit and a corrupt tree bears evil fruit, and every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.Lt 106a, 1896, par. 43+2 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit and a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit, and the predominant character of a person's acts is a certain index of the state of the heart.Lt 22, 1893, par. 20 This test distinguishes genuine obedience from religious words or claims to do miracles, for professed faith is not enough to establish a person as trustworthy, and genuine faith is shown in doing God's will.Ms 85, 1909, par. 18–21+2 It warns against deception and applies to God's people in the last days, for a person's actions reveal the character of the message he bears.Ms 25, 1906, par. 13–16+1 Hearing and obeying Christ's teachings builds character on Christ, the sure foundation that stands through trials, and entry into God's kingdom belongs to those who do the Father's will.Ms 85, 1909, par. 18–21 Evil bitter fruit must be put away and replaced with fruit leading to eternal life.Ms 85, 1909, par. 18–21

People are known by the character of the fruit they bear.8T 183.1 Men judge in accordance with finite judgment, but God looks at the character of the fruit borne and then judges the tree.Lt 215, 1899, par. 21+1 Human judgment is finite, while God examines the fruit and judges the tree.8T 183.1 This divine standard is to govern thinking about the work required to be done and how that work is to be sustained, so that the world as the Lord's vineyard is worked and memorials of truth are established to make a proper impression, rather than following one local pattern centered in large centers.Lt 215, 1899, par. 21 The passage concerns principles governing the kingdom of divine grace, but gives no further explanation of this particular verse.2SP 204.1

By their fruits people are known means character is revealed by actions, words, conduct, deportment, dress, life and the results of work, not by profession of faith, claims, appearance, outward show, church membership, prayers or exhortations.1T 416.1–417.1+4 Words, character, conduct and spirit are the fruits by which the tree is known, and the results of a life disclose its nature as fruit reveals a tree.Ms 19a, 1890, par. 19–20+2 Outward fruit proves whether Christ is within, and profession without corresponding fruit is false, for outward words and deeds show character while God alone sees the thoughts and motives hidden in the heart.Ms 60, 1902, par. 40+2 People can judge one another only when inward evil bears fruit in unlawful words or actions, and wrong choices may not appear evil at first until their results disclose their character and whether counsel comes from God or from an ungodly self-exalting spirit.Ms 61, 1893, par. 1–4+1 For Christians that fruit includes unselfish actions and good works seen in words, conduct and dress, and the fruit of commandment-keeping people should be of the best quality.Ms 70, 1897, par. 56–58+1 Gibberish called tongues, fanaticism, noisy excitement and emotional experiences that leave people spiritually worse are not evidence of divine gifts, while meetings that advance growth lead to solemn self-examination, humility and learning from Christ.1T 412.1

Fruits are words and works, for works testify to inner character as fruit testifies to the tree and words spoken decide the character of the treasure in the heart.Ms 60, 1902, par. 40+4 Speech reveals what fills the heart, just as the tongue of the just is choice silver while a wicked heart is of little worth, and since the same fountain cannot yield sweet and bitter water, spiritual conversation and conduct show whether a person is united to Christ.STA 48.2–50.1+1 Outward acts are a fair transcript of inward principles, and profession, prayer and religious talk do not prove character when conduct is boastful, self-righteous or dishonest, while consistent good works convict unbelievers that God is truly with His people.1T 416.1–417.1+1 Sour unpleasant fruit shows the life is not drawing from a pure source, while kindness and a meek lowly character show the life is hidden with Christ, and true fruit is talking of the power of Christ and bringing forth praise and thankfulness and honor to God from treasures of the heart rather than talking of the hellish shadow of Satan and how hard it is to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil.Ms 18, 1894, par. 3–4+1 Those professing sacred truths should be happier and holier, more earnest, self-denying and fervent than people of other denominations and ordinary religionists, with works corresponding to the sacredness of their faith, and just as farmers exhibiting products gather not the poorest but the best specimens of butter, vegetables, apples, peaches, apricots, oranges, lemons and plums whose attractive appearance does credit to the workers, Christians in the last days should reveal the most attractive fruit in the very best representation of good works.Ms 60, 1902, par. 40+1 Good words spoken from the pulpit alone do not prove a minister spiritually changed, for frivolous talk and a life contradicting the message reveal an untransformed heart, while those given a new heart and a new song bring forth treasures new and old because lifted from wickedness to sit with Christ in heavenly places.STA 48.2–50.1+1

Conduct makes known the character of the influence moving the heart and whether a person or work is of God or of the devil.Lt 63, 1896, par. 11+4 Those united with Christ act in keeping with Him, while those aligned with Satan act under his influence against the Holy Spirit, though the will is free and conduct makes that inward allegiance known.Lt 63, 1896, par. 11 A well-ordered life and godly speech quietly present Jesus, while dissension, alienation and strife show satanic agencies, and there is no neutral position.Lt 63, 1896, par. 11+1 Satan can disguise his influence as something good and flattering, but when his suggestions are followed they produce dangerous fruit exposing the deception.Ms 25a, 1891, par. 2–4 The evidence God gives is to be judged by those fruits rather than dismissed while demanding a sign, and present evidence of His working through chosen servants obliges belief rather than rejection, with people accountable for the evidence presently given.Lt 40, 1890, par. 11–12+2 Fruits shown in conduct and character reveal whether a person represents Christ or Satan, and the existence of counterfeit Christians does not disprove genuine Christianity, for Christ's faultless character is the pattern by which its true fruits may be recognized.Lt 30, 1895, par. 44–46

Deeds reveal motives and determine the value of actions, and the seed sown determines the harvest.Lt 27, 1901, par. 7+2 Fruits are one's course, influence and example, either leading others to Jesus in earnest seeking, repentance and obedience or leading away into neglect, disobedience and worldliness, showing whether actions serve God or oppose Him unto life or death.Lt 27, 1901, par. 7+3 Even small acts of service matter when done faithfully to win souls, for faithfulness in doing what one can in every circumstance is holiness to the Lord.Lt 27, 1901, par. 7 Sowing mistrust, suspicion, envy, jealousy and discord bears harmful fruit by unsettling others' faith and turning them from Christ.Ms 32a, 1896, par. 13–15 A church's approval of a wrong course does not make it right, just as thorn-berries cannot become grapes, and fruit showing harm rather than good reveals principles and motives despite claims of belonging to the Lord.5T 103.1 Harshness, lack of mercy and love, fault-finding and attempts to control others show Christ has not been revealed in treatment of brethren and show need for repentance and humbling, and a minister's first prayers and exhortations may impress while selfishness, harshness and taking advantage of others reveal true character and show he is not a good tree.5T 342.1+2

Good fruit comes only from living union with Christ as branch to vine, for apart from Him a person can do nothing.Ms 42, 1899, par. 10–12+2 The root, the heart, must be purified and surrendered and abide in Him, and those so united derive all fruit-bearing qualities and strength from Him.Lt 103, 1905, par. 14+2 They bear much fragrant fruit that glorifies the Father, proving discipleship and the right to the Christian name, while mere joining the church, outward fellowship, profession of piety, religious claims and impressive deeds including prophecy and miracles do not produce godly fruit.Ms 42, 1899, par. 10–12+4 Failure to bear fruit shows disconnection like a branch not grafted into the vine bearing inherited and cultivated evil tendencies for the world rather than for God, and brings removal as a dead branch cast into the fire, while fruitfulness brings purging to bring forth more fruit.Lt 103, 1905, par. 14+3 The quality of fruit is tested by whether it bears resemblance to the living vine, does good to souls, and buds and blossoms for God and His glory in working as Christ worked to save perishing souls.Ms 116, 1894, par. 1–3+1

True followers show the Spirit has worked in them in holy, elevated and pure conduct, with right actions as unmistakable evidence of true godliness.MYP 377.2+1 A renewed heart bears visible evidence of conversion in character, habits and pursuits clearly contrasting what was with what is, even when the Spirit's work is quiet and difficult to trace.MYP 377.2+2 Outward conduct harmonizes with inward meekness, peace and holiness, reflecting Christlikeness learned daily as God works inside to give strength and grace for hard places, putting away criticism and pride and refusal to learn.Ms 4, 1885, par. 12+1 This is orderly steadfast obedience in deed and truth with full consecration allowing no part of life to be controlled by Satan, including self-denial and using possessions for others and practical care and purity as effective witnesses of motives to unbelievers.ST Nov 25, 1886+2

The good fruit by which people are known is clusters of Christian graces growing upon the Christian tree as evidences in the heart developed in character, and no church membership, profession or experience gives standing as children of God and heirs of heaven without them.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57+2 They are the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control, long-suffering, gentleness, mercy, humility, forbearance and temperance — shown in self-denial, sacrifice, love for God and His truth and love for neighbor as self in deeds of love and usefulness in everyday contact.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57+2 This appears in self-forgetfulness, dying to self, sacrificing will and pride, humbling the heart before God, showing patience and kindness, and laboring for perishing souls especially youth, the homeless and needy with compassion for the discouraged and oppressed.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57+2 Such holy beneficent actions from highest motives of love and gratitude for Christ, controlled by wisdom from God alone with soul, body and spirit consecrated, following principle not impulse and the Word as guide, testify that profession is genuine and not spurious, perfecting character in obedience to God's commandments and doing the will of the Father.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57+2

Bearing good fruit means doing the Father's will, hearing and doing Christ's sayings built on the rock so the house stands through trials, keeping God's commandments and living the law as the transcript of His character.Ms 85, 1909, par. 18–21+2 High profession without practicing His teachings, merely saying Lord, Lord while working iniquity, does not lead to eternal life, and entering the strait gate and narrow way that leads to life requires obeying God and refusing to excuse disobedience though it involves self-denial and the cross.Ms 115, 1906, par. 2–5+2 At judgment each is judged by deeds, with character measured by God's holy law not by changing feelings, and the warning belongs to counting the cost to deny self, take up the cross and follow without living a life of deception that deludes the soul.Ms 79, 1906, par. 38–41+2

The evidence of genuine grace and acceptance with God is found in changed principles of life, not in feeling, impulse, excitement, stirred sympathies or powerfully exercised feelings.Ms 55a, 1910, par. 4–5+2 To base acceptance and Christian identity on feeling is a dangerous error, for impulse and a flight of feeling do not prove conversion when principles remain unchanged.Ms 55a, 1910, par. 4–5+1 Good works can never purchase salvation but are evidence of faith working by love and purifying the soul, with eternal reward not bestowed because of merit yet in proportion to work done through grace.DA 314.2+2 What is loved best and worked for most zealously determines character, for a good person brings forth good things from the good treasure of the heart, and fruit unpalatable and worthless proves the tree evil; professed faith acts itself out and is known by works not profession, form of godliness, name on the church record, solemn truths professed, or emotions, but by a heavenly-minded life speaking of Jesus with hope, comfort, peace and courage.DA 314.2+3

Christ's fruit, in contrast to Satan's work, is shown in bringing good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, freeing captives and comforting mourners to make people trees of righteousness.Ms 42, 1899, par. 10–12+1 Those in whom Christ abides reveal righteousness and the goodness, love and excellence of His character even through poverty, trial and temptation, displaying the heavenly source and worth of His teaching, while calling Him Lord without doing what He says shows He does not abide in the soul.Ms 42, 1899, par. 10–12+1 Christ Himself pleaded His fruit and works as evidence for faith that He is in the Father and the Father in Him, as the only-begotten Son and personal Saviour.ST Jan 20, 1898+1 True believers becoming Christlike in character bear the mark of God's children and endorse Him as the Teacher sent from God.ST Jan 20, 1898+1

By their fruits people are known means words and actions reveal character and test the right to bear Christ's name, for profession of faith, claims of religious achievement, church standing, or knowledge of truth cannot replace doing the Father's will, and good works tainted by corrupt motives are not accepted, with those bearing evil fruit facing rejection.Ms 108, 1901, par. 10–14+4 The fruit of a renewed heart is unlike the anger, malice, hatred, strife, ungovernable temper, impatience, fretfulness, jealousy and envy produced by the carnal mind, and harsh reviling speech, taking offense, retaliating, evil-speaking, accusing others, tearing down character, faultfinding, gossip and sowing dissension show a corrupt heart that must be reformed and proved by a changed life.Ms 108, 1901, par. 10–14+4 Selfishness, greed, dishonesty and injustice are evil fruit that corrupt professed service, wound others, turn people from truth and grieve God, while harsh unloving conduct corrupts others and kind loving conduct reflecting Christ shows a God-transformed character united with Him.Ms 108, 1901, par. 10–14+2 What a person says and does reveals whether action comes from principle or impulse, as in censurable flirtatious conduct and talk about marriage instead of truth testifying against the man.Ms 108, 1901, par. 10–14+2

Trifling, joking, flattering attentions, frivolous companionship, cheap conversation that is not elevating and ennobling, sport, ridicule, jokes, shameful folly, low fun and coarse jests are thornlike fruits revealing a corrupt source, showing a turning of the back upon Jesus and filing under Satan's banner.RP 14.2+2 When truth enters the soul it creates a pure moral taste, so such practices are recognized as denial of Christ and sin polluting the soul, and claiming to live for Christ while readily joining worldly entertainments with little restraint shows religion has little influence and draws others away from Christ's standard.RP 14.2+2 Matthew 7:16-20 gives the divine standard to be prayerfully consulted to learn what fruit the Christian tree must bear and what is right for Christians to do, for by fruits it is shown whether heart and mind have received the divine touch.SPBC 148.1+2 Professed Christians superficial in character and religious experience, always ready for gatherings for pleasure or sport, show by that fruit they have not received the divine touch and are used as Satan's decoys and his banquet to attract others, and young men and women seeking to be Bible Christians must use this test to refuse to follow example from fear of being thought singular, lest they become confused about right conduct, come under influence of those never touched by God, and be kept from the marriage supper of the Lamb and the white robe of Christ's righteousness.SPBC 148.1+2

Dishonesty and unfaithfulness in temporal matters are bad fruit showing a person will also be unfaithful in religious life, including withholding tithes and offerings from God, while deeds of daily life reveal connection with God and keeping of His law in truth.4T 311.2+2 Deceit, false weights, unfaithful work, dishonesty in business, sharp dealings exploiting the poor, unjustly taking money, deceptive business methods, misuse of entrusted goods, laziness and indolence are briars and thorns proving corruption of heart and denial of Christ in action, and children can recognize a father's disbelief in Christ's near coming from such conduct, which becomes a stumbling block.4T 311.2+4 Honest business dealing, unbending integrity and faithfulness in small temporal matters prove faithfulness toward God and uphold His law, and the world judges correctly when it estimates religion by business standards.4T 311.2+2 When people profess truth but love worldly gain more and sacrifice spiritual concerns for temporal interests, their fruit is not holiness and their example fails to convict sinners or turn them to truth.4T 311.2+2

Dress and its arrangement are generally an index of character, and habits of eating, drinking and dressing directly affect spiritual advancement, so Christians should shape character after the pattern in God's Word rather than make following changing fashions their chief study.AA 523.1–3+2 Putting on the best and most costly clothes for common going out to the office or down the street, centering the mind on outward appearance more than inward graces, bears bad foolish vain fruit and causes reproach, for true standing comes not from outward adorning but from the priceless inward adornment of a meek and quiet spirit of great price with God, of value in heaven and current among angels.AA 523.1–3+2 Those truly belonging to God bear purity and refinement shown in neatness and cleanliness in person, dress, home and surroundings, presenting an appearance above criticism that honors God and truth and prepares for a pure holy heaven, guided by the Holy Spirit and guarded against needless adornment and display yet never careless or indifferent.CH 101.4–102.2+2 Failure to change in words, deportment, dress and homes after receiving truth shows a life not renewed in Christ and living unto self, while every true Christian shows what the gospel has done by transformation of disposition, temper, heart and conversation into reverence and Christlike refinement, purified inside and out, humble enough to receive instruction, exerting Christian influence through which Christ manifests His Spirit, with unseen angels ministering to heirs of salvation.CH 101.4–102.2+2

Christ knows people by whether lives bear good fruit or evil fruit only, and He watches hungrily for good fruit and searches each life as carefully as He searched the leafy fig tree from topmost twig to lowest bough, so students are to examine whether the Lord sees them as trees bearing good fruit.Ms 131, 1902, par. 9–10+2 Good fruit is purity of thought, word and act produced under transforming grace as trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, bearing the fruits of the Spirit in purity, peace, gentleness, mercy and holiness when the heart is fully surrendered and the will in harmony with His will.Ms 131, 1902, par. 9–10+2 Evil fruit, or leaves without fruit, is outward profession and religious form with neglect of God's principles, vicious tendencies, unclean habits and unsanctified heart, and to bear it is to lose heaven.Ms 131, 1902, par. 9–10+2 A life occupied with self producing no good loving useful actions toward family and others reveals spiritual barrenness like a plant bearing only leaves, a heart hardened by temptation and ruled by natural disposition bears wild impoverished fruit rather than heaven's fruit, and profession of godliness without corresponding inward repentance and faith is like leafy foliage masking a barren tree, against which the curse of the symbolic fig tree warns with personal application.Ms 131, 1902, par. 9–10+3

People are known by whether they are pure holy children of faith born again sharing the divine nature and loving Jesus in meekness and humility like the early disciples, or whether they resemble the cunning scribes and Pharisees and lawyers, priests and rulers who watched to trap Christ in His words and combined to find fault against the light of the world because they did not love His doctrines and precepts and were displeased to see attention turned from themselves to Him.Ms 4, 1883, par. 66–68+2 Those who oppose God's reproving and warning message and seek to block its way and destroy its influence prove by that work they are not doing God service but serving another master and will be rewarded according to their work.Ms 4, 1883, par. 66–68+2 Claims of holiness or divine power are not reliable when actions break God's commandments and lead others to break them, for such fruit shows rebellion not holiness.Ms 4, 1883, par. 66–68+2 Treatment of God's warnings, reproofs and messengers is evidence discerning character and the source of work, the lives of opposers of the visions and how long they hold fast truth test their opposition, and published visions may be judged by good Christian character and effects, while persistent opposition harming others and leading the weak astray is itself bad fruit requiring the church to act with care.Ms 4, 1883, par. 66–68+3

False prophets and apostates are known by rebellion and apostasy called by their right names, by misleading the church, turning from established waymarks and prophecy, failing to distinguish precious truth from base error and the true Shepherd's voice from a stranger's, attempting to undeceive believers while branding God's messenger fraud and deceiver, leaving the true faithful people, fraternizing with opposers represented by Barabbas, voicing the dragon's words, and feeding the flock false provender instead of Scripture, by which the false is distinguished from the genuine and spurious holiness from experience bearing God's impress.9MR 360.1–363.1+2 Those who apostatize reveal character by actions and associations in leaving God's faithful people and joining His opposers.Ms 185, 1897, par. 11+1 Those who pronounce the Seventh-day Adventist Church Babylon, proclaim her fall, and call God's people to come out prove work on the enemy's side and not God's by misleading minds, increasing prejudice, hindering the warning to the world, closing doors against truth, and hedging up the way.1MR 348.1–349.1 Persons and teaching are known by fruits rather than by charge of association, as in prayers and talk accused of running in the channel with Dr. Waggoner, which are to be tested by results, while the same test exposes the true condition of brethren plainly told where they are and of their danger though they do not believe it.Ms 9, 1888, par. 8–9 Professed Sabbathkeepers and teachers of truth are known not by profession, pretensions to purity and holiness, personal influence, or skill in presenting clear arguments from evidence, but by corrupt mind, deceptive religion, lack of high reverence for God, choosing licentious life to suit natural perverse inclination, refusing the mirror of God's law to bring heart and character to His holy standard, misinterpreting Scripture to sustain iniquity instead of yielding corruption to become pure in heart and life, a course directly opposed to God's law and all Christ's teachings, mingling error with truth and teaching heresies, using influence to beguile souls into sin and make adultery and licentiousness appear harmless, and leading others to think lightly of God's positive commands, and such deceivers will multiply as the end nears so that only those rooted and grounded in all Bible truth, in living connection with God, in constant watchfulness and prayer, living near Jesus to partake His holy pure character, finding sin offensive and His purity exalted and desirable, will escape deception and infatuation.Ms 9, 1880, par. 18–22

God's work and His messengers are known by fruits, and present evidence of His working through chosen servants lays obligation to believe, so that casting aside warnings and reproofs as human wisdom leaves no excuse in the judgment for turning from evidence that God was in the work.ST2 8.2+2 Work God has given is to be tested and known by firsthand opportunity to observe its fruits, and right testing brings conviction and replaces doubt and unbelief with faith.Lt 11, 1883, par. 3–6 A corrupt tree cannot bear good fruit nor a good tree corrupt fruit, so fruits of work test divine approval, and spiritual gifts and testimonies to the church are to be examined on Bible grounds, truth being commended by the sanctifying spirit accompanying its advocacy that makes the receiver gentle, kind, forbearing, truthful, and Christlike, while a hostile unchristlike spirit and its results bear no divine marks.Lt 83, 1890, par. 11–12 The message since the Minneapolis meeting to prepare people to stand in the great day of God is to be judged by fruits, and its fruits show the Lord is in the work.Lt 61, 1893, par. 11–13 Claims about God's servants are to be decided by examining evidence and results rather than accepting accusations of fraud, and the long-term spiritual influence of the testimonies over seventeen years despite opposition is presented as fruit by which to judge charges that they are fraudulent, with patience toward those unfamiliar.Lt 1, 1897, par. 5–7+1

A revival work must be tested by results and not condemned from a distance, but by those with sound judgment and Christ's compassion attending and prayerfully investigating whether it produces confession of sin, repentance and turning to the Lord, conversion, and the Spirit working on hearts to transform life and cleanse from sin.Lt 10a, 1885, par. 8–10 The presence of fanatical ones going to extremes does not disprove the work, for such extremes always appear when God works specially, and a gathering bringing in both bad and good must not be wholly cast away because not all are of the right kind.Lt 10a, 1885, par. 8–10 Gibberish called tongues, fanaticism, noisy excitement, and emotional experiences leaving people spiritually worse are not evidence of gifts God placed in the church, while meetings advancing spiritual growth lead to solemn self-examination, humility, and learning from Christ.1T 412.1 The work at Healdsburg bore good fruit though genuine and spurious elements were mixed, requiring discernment and calm balanced influence without stopping the work.Lt 76, 1886, par. 5

Every claim to divine guidance, sanctification, new light, holiness, or revival is tested by the life produced and by God's word, for by fruits is known what manner of spirit people are of.Lt 61a, 1900, par. 22–23+2 The Spirit of Christ causes sober, righteous, godly living in this present world in perfect harmony through the whole word and with the whole tenor of God's law and book, while a spirit not producing that life is not Christ's but Satan's power in wild fanatical movements, the spirit of error leading from truth into the devil's snare, whereas God's Spirit leads into truth, and Spirit and word agree so that teaching conflicting with Scripture and God's law is error not truth.GC 396.2+1 Claims to the Holy Spirit or a message from God are insufficient without trustworthy fruit honoring God rather than misleading others.Lt 61a, 1900, par. 22–23 Professing holiness while disregarding God's commandments bears fruit exposing faith as unreal, for obedience evidences genuine discipleship, not mere claims of faith or love, distinguishing those living by light received from those knowingly boasting holiness while rejecting God's requirements.GW92 226.2–227.1 Claims of holiness or sanctification prove nothing without precious fruit, and stubbornness, self-righteousness, and words without such fruit expose claims not reflecting Christ the true pattern.BS 9.2 Religious revivals are known by fruits showing whether they are God's Spirit's work, and movements arising among churches neglecting or opposing God's warnings are not evidence He is working through them.4SP 295.2–296.1

Messages, teaching, plans, and enterprises are assessed by fruits not by the identity, position, or influence of the bringer, lest prejudice or passion distort judgment, directing hearers to examine results.Lt 19d, 1892, par. 15–18 Genuine truth sanctifies to gentleness, kindness, forbearance, truthfulness, and Christlikeness, while messages that mislead, increase prejudice, and close doors to sharing truth bear harmful fruit.Lt 83, 1890, par. 11–12+1 Methods and plans for church, schools, and other institutions are judged by the good they do under present circumstances, since God has not revealed every small detail but would have reason and experience used to choose what benefits, and where wrong ideas are held the remedy is searching Scripture with humble hearts and praying in belief that God hears and rewards earnest seekers, which belief brings needed help.Ms 8a, 1888, par. 5 Belief in Christ's soon coming is known by conviction of spiritual unreadiness, desire for purity and strength from God, and increased love for Jesus and fellow Christians, prayer, Bible reading, joy, peace, and hope, as seen when hope convinced Robert and Ellen they were unready to meet Jesus and must become pure in heart and seek grace.CET 36.4–37.2+1 The source and character of the Spirit dominating a life are determined by fruits both in teaching on vital fundamentals — God's sovereignty, Christ's divinity, the gospel's efficacy, Scripture's inspiration, the law's majesty, sin's character and deliverance from its power, human brotherhood with its relationships and responsibilities — and in a life of devotion to God and service to men.LSEGW 471.1 An outward act like burning pictures proves consecration only if it produces heavenly character, prayer, faith, and zeal.Ms 8a, 1888, par. 5+1

Ministers, elders, and workers are known by the Spirit's fruit in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, and by results of labor in souls brought to truth and baptized.Ms 71, 1907, par. 50–56+2 The fruit proving Elder Rice and his wife work on the Lord's side and God has accepted their labors is souls, including from higher classes, brought to knowledge of truth and baptized amid counterworking and strife of tongues, which settles worthiness to occupy place in God's work and to continue, requiring all to sustain them.Ms 71, 1907, par. 50–56 Preaching the Word and presenting Christ crucified as the world's Redeemer carries divine credentials, proved sacred when souls are converted, sealing the teacher as living oracle and Christ's apostle and demonstrating the work is of God, while large buildings for show give no character to the work.Lt 183, 1899, par. 3–4 Good fruit includes using entrusted gifts to communicate grace and win souls, for merely believing truth is not enough and even one talent must be put to work, and one won to Christ may in turn advance God's work.Ms 147, 1898, par. 5 Words and actions reveal thoughts and heart as an unfurling banner testifying what is within, so those joined to Christ have spiritual heart and conversation and cannot enjoy trifling cheap talk, much less engage in it, while dry Christless speakers not branches of the Living Vine drawing nourishment from Christ, with hearts untransformed by grace, are powerless even when pulpit words are good in themselves, explaining lack of vitality in churches better off without such men.STOM 39.1–2 A minister's character is known by conduct's fruit, for good principles and Christ's spirit produce kindness, holiness, and serious uplifting conversation in every part of life while fretfulness, unkindness, and frivolity reveal the opposite, and conduct outside the pulpit can undo preaching, with converts shaped by poor example showing only superficial conversion, whereas life should witness to truth taught and lead others toward it.GW92 250.2–251.3 Fitness for work is known by labor's results, for the unsent and unqualified scatter and confuse rather than gather and build up, and even converts through them may reproduce the same shortcomings.ASCOP 13.1–2 Claimants to preach are not entitled to church support until work bears good fruit, with willingness to work for own support testing genuineness, and those claiming to serve Christ without receiving nourishment from God's word are fruitless sapless branches driving people away.STOM 39.1–2+2 Those whose truth has no power and whose work separates from Christ should not be entrusted.STOM 39.1–2+1

The test detects disloyalty among claimants to loyalty to God's government, for a heart controlled by God's principles of goodness, mercy, love, truth, justice, and willing service will be loyal, while resorting to accusation and compelling force reveals adoption of Satan's crooked corrupting principles.Ms 57, 1896, par. 9–11 Trying to cast out Satan by Satan's own methods of accusation, coercion, and causing mental or physical suffering by setting self over another's conscience never works, and those in God's service acting on those principles are known by those fruits to be untrue and disloyal.Ms 57, 1896, par. 9–11 A self-sufficient overbearing desire to rule others is fruit of an evil source, and it is dangerous to trust those using power in that spirit or joining influences not Christlike.Lt 88, 1896, par. 11–13

Christ's test discerns true spirit and honesty by fruits including truthfulness of speech, freedom from false boasting and exaggerated claims, and trustworthy conduct, exposing as fraud a man making false impossible claims about marvelous cures, whose true spirit those with discernment will see and sense.Lt 30, 1888, par. 1–3+1 A faithful life and works seen by acquaintances expose false slander and prove faithful service, refuting lying charges, while those claiming integrity yet letting Satan control the mind become imperceptibly corrupted to act out his mind and do his works while claiming God's will, so only true conversion shown in works of repentance meets the test.Lt 11, 1883, par. 7–10 Tender treatment of others and self-denying sacrificial help, such as laboring all day then traveling miles at night to speak, is good fruit, and when one having seen such fruit still makes unreasonable inconsistent falsehoods against that labor, the falsehood is not in ignorance, raising the question of sin against the Holy Spirit.Lt 212, 1897, par. 2–3

People and claims to the Spirit's inspiration are known and judged by fruits of labor, where true fruit is work given by the Lord including telling truth and giving the Lord's word in love with reproof and warning when souls are in peril.Lt 212, 1897, par. 4–5 False fruit is wicked lying statements without grounds, despising warning, making truth of none effect, misleading God's flock while working under pretense of angel garb, and imbuing them with root of bitterness against the one warning them.Lt 212, 1897, par. 4–5

Religious profession alone, even prophesying, casting out devils, and doing many wonderful works in Christ's name, does not prove character, for entry into the kingdom belongs only to those who do the will of the Father.Ms 85, 1909, par. 18–21+4 Those who merely say Lord, Lord while working iniquity will be rejected with I never knew you, depart from Me, and each will be judged by deeds done in the body.Ms 85, 1909, par. 18–21+2 The test is the results of the life: good character produces good fruit and corrupt character produces evil fruit, distinguishing genuine obedience from religious words or claims to miracles.Ms 85, 1909, par. 18–21+2 Hearing and obeying Christ's teachings builds character on Christ, the sure foundation that stands through trials, while refusal of obedience and correction, persistence in one's own way, and clinging to hereditary and cultivated traits that can never enter the kingdom leave one unprepared for the holy city and forever lost.Ms 85, 1909, par. 18–21+1 Fruits that prove genuineness are good works, attaining the Christian graces, obeying God's commandments, perfecting character, showing patience and kindness, humbling the heart before God, dying to self, sacrificing will and pride, and diligent personal effort for salvation with deeper consecration.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57+1

Church membership, profession, baptism, outward fellowship, respected positions, praise, outward signs of holiness, or claimed experience gives no right to claim standing as children of God and heirs of heaven.Ms 1, 1880, par. 87–88+3 Only fruits give that evidence, namely clusters of Christian graces growing upon the Christian tree, present in the heart and developed in character, including love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control as the fruit of the Spirit in those who abide in Christ.Ms 1, 1880, par. 87–88+2 Bearing much fruit glorifies the Father and proves the right to the Christian name, shown in fruit unto holiness, resemblance to the living vine, doing good to souls, and working as Christ worked to save perishing souls in self-denial, self-sacrifice, meekness, patience, long forbearance, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness and goodness, while without this evidence a person is not Christ's.16MR 271.3+1 Outward profession or baptism alone does not show readiness when a person clings to old habits and follows worldly ideas and customs, for readiness requires inward grace from heaven, a deep work of grace with God's love in the heart expressed through obedience and a life reflecting Christ.16MR 271.3+1 The imperfect lives of professors do not excuse unbelief or refusal to serve God, and that excuse will not avail at the final judgment, for Christianity must be judged not by imperfect professors but by the Bible as the sure standard, holy examples of self-sacrificing lives, and Christ himself as the pattern.Lt 9a, 1891, par. 15–16

God judges by fruits, not by knowledge, privileges, or flattering words from others, which cannot cancel sin or change the record of works.Lt 65, 1897, par. 24+2 Each day's character is recorded in heaven, where work and conduct stand revealed.Lt 65, 1897, par. 24+1 The daily test distinguishes true religion from its counterfeit as precious coin from base metal: true fruits are love for God and His truth and love for neighbor as self, shown in self-forgetfulness and deeds of love and usefulness in everyday contact with others, not in mere external forms cloaking selfishness nor in a religion that must be shut away from life to survive.Lt 6, 1885, par. 6–10 Works, words, conduct, and results reveal whether profession is confirmed or denied, direct others toward heavenly or earthly things, and carry effects reaching into eternity, so a person need not defend position or mission with words when its fruits can be seen.Lt 70, 1886, par. 14+1 Eternal rewards, though purchased by Christ, will be in proportion to work done through His grace, and the weighing calls for reckoning with years passed in careless indifference without thought of service, years of self-seeking in struggle against God's will and way, measured against the perfect changeless law demanding obedience, with danger of being weighed in the balances and found wanting.Ms 52, 1902, par. 5–7

The righteous Judge weighing character in the sanctuary judges each person not by profession but by fruit borne in life.RCOC 37.1+1 That fruit is obedience to every word of God, doing justice and judgment, having the mind of Christ, and bringing every word and thought into captivity to Christ.Ms 13a, 1891, par. 26–30 It includes refusing guile and harsh words, speaking no selfish, guileful, harsh or unbecoming words, and refusing to retaliate when treated unjustly and unreasonably.RCOC 37.1+1

Wheat and tares remain mixed together in every age and are known only by fruit.ST Jul 15, 1897+2 Superficial faith, neglect of God's counsel, failure to reform character or die to self, clinging to character defects, and seeking temporal advantage lead farther from righteousness and truth, while uniting with Christ to do God's will gives spiritual life and understanding.ST Jul 15, 1897+1 The wise and foolish virgins cannot now be distinguished by men, because those holding truth in unrighteousness appear outwardly like the wise and tares closely resemble wheat.16MR 270.3–271.2 Men cannot read the heart and have no authority to separate wheat from tares before the door is shut, but the angels know them by fruits and, commissioned to counterwork those fighting the truth, will never mistake gathering wheat from among the tares.16MR 270.3–271.2

Genuine religion is more than church attendance, stirred emotions, tears, belief that Jesus is Savior, acceptable prayer, or speech, for temptation and trial reveal whether people are truly God's children.Ms 3, 1885, par. 22+1 It is shown in practical godliness, daily self-denial, and conflict against sin, and a life without corresponding good fruits fails to glorify God while a harmful example can lead the young into temptation.Ms 3, 1885, par. 22+1 Good fruits giving evidence of treading the narrow path to heaven are godliness, walking by faith, advancing from light to greater light, increasing in knowledge of the truth, and improving God-given talents.Lt 4, 1889, par. 55–57 Bad fruits showing lack of penetration to discern spiritual things, even where great light and forgiveness were received, are standing still, drawing back, ceasing to walk by faith, contentment with old discourses and stereotyped prayers, and failure to improve talents, which will be taken away, and superficial goodness will not stand when tested or at the final judgment.Ms 3, 1885, par. 22+1

The warning draws the deciding line for the last days when every deception will be practiced, everything will be in confusion, and Satan stealthily works to confuse minds that know the truth by misleading sentiments.Ms 62, 1905, par. 5–8+2 False prophets come in sheep's clothing with fair words but are selfish, watching for personal gain, working against God and misusing His goods, and are known not by profession, fair speech, or outward forms, even forms God commanded, but by fruit, which is true conversion shown in inward cleansing producing good works.Ms 79, 1906, par. 38–41+1 Claiming righteousness without that fruit is utterly worthless, outward works alone can never make a person perfect before God, and only repentance and faith can make an impure heart pure, while every tree not bringing forth good fruit is cut down and burned.Ms 79, 1906, par. 38–41+1 Those living divided lives, professedly serving the Lord while scheming their own plans that retard the very work Christ gave His life to accomplish, will be deceived unless repentant and converted.Lt 248, 1907, par. 6–8 The same test belongs to infidels and rationalists who refuse God's Word, dismiss Christ's miracles as idle tales, demand a new miracle before believing, and shut themselves in scientific delusions that are Satan's workings after rejecting great light.Ms 79, 1906, par. 38–41 It pronounces woe upon unbelief and criticism such as at Minneapolis and at Battle Creek, whose fruits are manifest unbelief offending God, unchanged by evidence at every step that God is at work, a self-erected barrier, seeking support for unbelief as the Jews did, inability to drink in the great salvation proffered, refusal of riches of divine grace, and hearts unbroken by God's longsuffering, goodness, love and wonderful forbearance because those favors are not appreciated.16MR 229.4

Bearing good fruit means honoring Jesus without keeping self in view, responding to great light and precious opportunity with good works, and becoming fruitful trees in the Lord's garden.Ms 21, 1889, par. 40–44 Bearing much fruit is the Father's good pleasure, brings glory to God, and makes angels rejoice, while worthless fruitless professors with no burden and no travail for souls greatly retard the work.Ms 21, 1889, par. 40–44 The whole seventh chapter calls members to read, understand and practice it, to awaken out of sleep, take hold of the work in earnest, watch and pray against temptation, stop criticizing the mote in a brother's eye while ignoring the beam in one's own, stop thinking evil, see one's own faults, and have faith working by love and purifying the soul, leading to understanding the golden rule and obeying the narrow way.Ms 21, 1889, par. 40–44 No matter how high the profession, bad fruit in words and deeds proves estrangement from God, an ungiven heart, truth not dwelling in the soul, and knowledge of God as a dead useless thing trifling with eternal realities, and ministers especially must have Christ's purity and holiness wrought in life and heart or they will not see sin's hatefulness and will misrepresent Christ.Lt 8b, 1891, par. 21 Conduct testifying against one despite surprise shows profession is not enough, for when truth takes hold it produces a reformed life marked by holiness and Christian qualities.19MR 33.2–34.3

A person, position, and mission are known by fruits, so no self-vindication with words is needed.Lt 14, 1897, par. 13+1 When opposed, the right response is sorrow of soul with peace and perfect rest and trust in Jesus, refusing even ten words to vindicate self or furnish evidence for the work, leaving fruits to provide the evidence.5MR 144.3

The instruction of the seventh chapter of Matthew is to be studied critically again and again, every word as for life, together with James 2 and James 4:5-12 and James 5:13-20, for personal enlightenment and to be practiced in daily life, with the work first done in the own heart.Lt 8, 1910, par. 14+1 It is not to be used to prove supposed faults discerned in other church members, and workers in the publishing house are to practice its principles.Lt 8, 1910, par. 14+1 A mind absorbed with the faults of others and gossiping about them reveals very serious defects and bad fruit requiring decided conversion, and those who think they are lights while bearing this fruit will be known by that fruit to be stumbling blocks.Lt 8, 1910, par. 14 Those who occupy responsible positions are required to maintain an elevated godly character, to shine as lights amid moral darkness, and to be representatives of Christ and patterns to all within their influence, for failure is guilt and unfaithful stewardship.Ms 14, 1891, par. 8 An indolent man in a position of trust reveals himself by that defective character, gives many minds an unfavorable impression of the truth, presents a distorted image of Christ, and becomes a stumbling block instead of leading men by good works to glorify the Father.Ms 14, 1891, par. 8 Those not in connection with God are known by words and actions, and the test guards a follower from being influenced and led astray by careless and reckless companions, from coming to view things as they do and losing the sense of what following Jesus means, calling for far higher ideas of Christian life and responsibility.Lt 71, 1893, par. 8 Life proves profession, so truth must be practiced and then the work given to reach lost souls will be known, instead of following the common course of the nominal churches to great disappointment.Ms 7, 1898, par. 17–20 Conduct that is selfish and harmful in a minister may lead others to judge that his teachings and life do not agree and that he does not believe what he teaches, and such bad fruits can discredit sacred truths and lead others to regard them as deception.2T 542.1–543.1

Character is known by the results it produces, and in probationary life choices shape character, which is tested in family life and church associations.Lt 26d, 1887, par. 14–15 Purity, virtue, and unselfish principle are revealed in conduct and reproduced in others, so dignified reserve and firm principle show the character formed.Lt 26d, 1887, par. 14–15 The fruit proving the condition is pure and undefiled religion, an experimental knowledge of Christ, meekness and lowliness of mind, freedom from self striving for the mastery and seeking own desires, and a burden of soul to seek the wisdom from above which is first pure, then peaceable, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits.Lt 15, 1868, par. 5–6 There is to be humble, fearful, trembling self-examination of past life over whether God has been glorified or self has occupied thought and attention.Lt 15, 1868, par. 5–6 Unless self-trust is laid aside and God is honored by the life, there is no happiness but drifting without an anchor, while conversion now while probation lasts by digging deep and laying the foundation sure gives hold on immortal life and true happiness in this life.Lt 15, 1868, par. 5–6 The test calls for close self-examination and faithful service, not a careless sense of security, for spiritual character is known by fruits shown in life.Lt 5, 1888, par. 13 Claims about motives can mislead, while the fruit test helps reveal character, and people without close, sustained acquaintance may be deceived and judge wrongly.Lt 106, 1895, par. 26–27 The fruit borne reveals character and religious experience, and Christ's standard of fruit is to be used to discern whether conduct and influence are truly Christian, for superficial people can lead others into choices that draw them away from Christ and from receiving His righteousness.Lt 57, 1895, par. 26–27

Attending religious meetings and appearing earnest, sincere, and prayerful do not establish character when conduct at home is marked by fretfulness, scolding, selfishness, and harm to others.Ms 3, 1861, par. 39–42 Sister Paine's treatment of her family reveals the character behind profession, and the Paine parents' examples with indulgence and retaliation likewise show unworthy example.Ms 3, 1861, par. 39–42 Parents' instruction and discipline plant seeds that bear good or evil fruit, and indulging children's wishes can produce selfish, overbearing character.SG4 291.1 A heart changed by the new birth produces pure, Christlike conduct and speech in everyday life, especially at home, not merely smooth words in meetings.Lt 26d, 1887, par. 20–23 Cheap, corrupt talk and wicked conduct show the heart is uncleansed and a claim to godliness is false.Lt 26d, 1887, par. 20–23

Spiritual connection is known by the character and conduct produced, and each professed follower is asked what fruit is borne and called to examine it.TBC1882 11.2 Those truly connected with God bear through His Spirit the fruit of harmony, love, and unity, while envy, strife, and jealousy are contrary fruit.TBC1882 11.2 Conduct and results show what kind of faith is possessed, for genuine faith produces unity and oneness with Christ, while false faith produces dissension and bitterness that defiles.Ms 95, 1898, par. 36–38 Continual contradiction and variance are unholy fruit of Satan, contrary to love and unity.TBC1882 11.2+1

True religion is recognized by the character it produces in teachableness and willingness to be led, spirituality instead of seeking the things of this world, a refined and elevated temperament instead of acting out unrefined natural temperament, attention to the common courtesies of life, true Christian politeness, and the graces that always accompany genuine faith.Lt 21, 1868, par. 2 Neglect of spirituality, self-willed character, and lack of courtesy and politeness show the genuine article is not possessed.Lt 21, 1868, par. 2 Persistently expressing views without regard for another's feelings, treating another's judgment as worthless, and refusing to respect differences are not fruits of the Christian life.2T 418.1–2 Good fruit is affection, kindness, courtesy and true politeness shown in voice, attitude and countenance, with refined temperament and attention to courtesies.2T 418.1–2+1

Circumstances put every person, whatever the position, to a practical test, and the actual results are offered to the world for inspection, so workers are known by their fruits.Lt 183, 1899, par. 10 Those living in connection with God show wisdom in dealing with human minds and reach out a hand warm with sympathy and earnest, intelligent love to help the ones Satan tries to secure, and are a help and blessing, while those not living in connection with God show indifference and failure to help.Lt 183, 1899, par. 10 A pure, forceful life is maintained through communion with God and a life hidden with Christ, and the more active a person is among others, the closer that inward communion should be.Lt 98, 1896, par. 22 People often fall into sin through unsuspected weakness, while humility, distrust of self, and trust in God bring grace and strength.Lt 98, 1896, par. 22 Whether a person is a Christian is known by actions, which speak louder than words or profession, and in every institution and every branch and department of work God tests the spirit actuating the worker to make manifest by test and trial who will stand connected with Christ in the great plan of salvation.1MR 202.3–203.1 He looks for the mind that was in Christ, earnest spirit and fervent devotion, purity and love, and fruits of self-sacrifice seen in the life of the divine Lord, with the heart enlisted to serve not merely for wages or honor but for the glory of God and the salvation of lost men, acting as reformers in every branch with Christ working with them.1MR 202.3–203.1

People are known by the fruit shown in deportment toward brethren, especially toward the erring.Lt 66, 1884, par. 2–6 Harshness, indifference, contempt, neglect, critical and Pharisaical judging and condemning, hard unforgiving oppressive treatment, determination to control minds, want of mercy and love, zeal without knowledge, revenge and retaliation, and saying I am holier than thou prove Christ is not revealed and Jesus is excluded, and reveal an untamable unsanctified nature.Lt 66, 1884, par. 2–6 Good fruit is being careful, kind, tender, merciful and loving while true to principle, sacrificing feeling, subduing self, and manifesting the meekness and lowliness of Christ at all times.Lt 66, 1884, par. 2–6 Failure toward one who may be nearer the kingdom requires hearty confession to God and to the bruised ones, restitution as far as possible, and prayer for healing and forgiveness.Lt 66, 1884, par. 2–6 Fruits are seen in conduct, not merely in confession of sin, for those cleansed and renewed show changed hearts through how they treat others, and having Christ's spirit is shown by earnest efforts to save the perishing, with the course followed revealing the measure of Christ's love within.ST Jan 28, 1886 Actions reveal whether reproof has truly changed the life, for those who continue the same course have not been affected, and their influence can mislead others who do not know they were reproved.LJAHS 38.2–39.1

People and the influence behind their teaching are recognized by results, and teaching that leads a wife and mother to neglect the duties immediately before her at home does not come from the Spirit of the Lord.Lt 28, 1890, par. 4–8 The heart is known by the actions it leads a person to perform, just as a tree is known by its fruits.Lt 55, 1887, par. 2–3+1 A physician's conduct, including whether he gives in to passion, shows what is in the heart and bears on the reckoning faced in the judgment.Lt 55, 1887, par. 2–3 For Christian physicians this calls for a life and character revealing the sanctifying power of truth, with example and earnest effort that roll back reproach, win souls to Christ, cheer the desponding and despairing, and relieve pain of the body.Lt 8, 1888, par. 26

A genuine Christian is known by the fruit of a useful life rooted in the grace of Christ and ripening under the sunshine of His righteousness to glorify the Father, in both home and foreign mission work rather than in a show of godliness.STMW11 643.2 That fruit is caring for the salvation of others, sharing received light, warning neighbors, persevering to turn them from sin to truth and righteousness, and using entrusted abilities to lead those nearby to look to Jesus as the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world; indifference and doing nothing leave one fruitless.Lt 13, 1878, par. 10+1 True teachers and workers are known by souls brought to truth and baptized even amid opposition, which settles worthiness and requires support, for preaching Christ crucified converts souls and demonstrates that the work is of God, while large buildings erected for show do not give character.Lt 186, 1907, par. 20

People are known by fruits rather than high profession, and faithfulness in caring for suffering humanity, doing life's common duties, and being faithful in what is least proves whose side one is on.Ms 3, 1878, par. 9–10 Selfishness, self-love, and neglect of Christ's suffering brethren prove Christ is not in the heart and place one on the enemy's side, while holy generous deeds from love to God and man, especially self-denying use of means to help others and advance the cause, testify that faith is genuine and can witness effectively to unbelievers.Ms 3, 1878, par. 9–10+2 Professed holiness without such daily doing bears bad fruit and gives ground for reproach, for fruit must be found in every life, with youth giving time, strength, and talents to God to glorify Him and do good to others.1T 337.2–338.2+1 The works marking true workers are making room at personal inconvenience for the homeless after the disaster in San Francisco, not turning the needy away but foremost in relieving distress, holding Bible readings night after night and answering every call, and taking the sick and those in strait places with nowhere to go into one's own house to care for them, which God approves and credits as labor of love requiring justice in standing by, recognizing, and honoring such workers rather than leaving them under suspicion and reproach.Ms 71, 1907, par. 58–60 Mere talk and living only for self do not produce this fruit, which brings happiness and spreads pure influence according to what is sown.ST Sep 2, 1886+1

The world knows whose side believers stand on by fruits made known to be seen, which are practical Christianity revealing God's will in word and action and uplifting the Saviour before men, learned by the humble worker who comes to the Lord in simple trust.Ms 141, 1907, par. 4–5 Lives, words, actions, conduct, and dealings are watched and judged by others and continually shape favorable or unfavorable impressions of Bible religion, especially when those serving in God's institutions claim advanced truth.7T 200.5–201.2+4 Those who believe must therefore show through self-denial, self-sacrifice, and a high holy life that Christianity is superior to worldliness, that truth has made them children of the heavenly King and channels of His love and mercy, and that God's word held in the heart appears in good works with power and purity, since sermons and professions without works give no such witness.CT 324.1–2+3 Good conduct in Christ can convince falsely accusing unbelievers, while selfish harmful conduct, particularly in a minister, discredits truth and leads others to regard it as deception.7T 200.5–201.2+1

As a branch bears good fruit only by abiding in Christ the true vine, so institutions must draw nourishment from Him and do their appointed work, for good fruit distinguishes faithful from corrupt work and failure brings judgment.Lt 64, 1896, par. 3–6 The fruit of publishing houses and conferences in conduct and management is therefore the evidence by which they are judged, and conscientiously performed labor accepted by God testifies to the worker's virtue even when method differs from another's preference.Lt 186, 1907, par. 20+1 Everything savoring of worldly policy, customs, and plans proves a snare and shows lowering of the high holy character that must always be maintained in God's institutions and never lowered to meet human minds, with waste of resources hindering His worldwide work.Ms 24, 1891, par. 85+1

Sabbath-school work proves to the world that it is not mere pretense by its fruits, and it is judged and estimated by the character and work of its pupils.TSSW 47.3 Genuine fruit is Christian youth who first give themselves to God and then are entrusted with responsibilities to develop abilities and gain spiritual power, who learn to plan and execute plans for the good of associates, who seek the company of those needing help not for foolish conversation but to represent Christian character, and who labor together with God to win those who have not given themselves to Him.TSSW 47.3

The fruit of each church is tested by God's law amid temptations to worldliness, self-security, pride, covetousness, false teaching, and immorality.Ms 143, 1901, par. 5–10 A church may have many forms, customs, privileges, and much religious machinery yet bear little fruit honoring God, so spiritual life must be examined by fruit rather than outward show.12MR 370.1–371.3 Disunion and strife are fruits warring against truth and against Christ, while wisdom from above shows itself in good works with meekness.Ms 39, 1887, par. 2 Leaders in sacred positions who bear no fruit God can accept but bear harmful fruit that misleads others and damages the flock fail to glorify God, their example and words revealing the character of their work.Ms 16, 1908, par. 13–14

Conduct of those entrusted with sacred responsibilities shows whether they are sanctified by the Spirit or unsanctified, and work and influence make it plain.ApRGC 24.9–12 Those whose character and influence show truth has no power in the heart, and whose work separates people from Christ instead of gathering to Him, are disloyal and should not be entrusted with sacred responsibilities.Ms 52, 1898, par. 10–14 Unworthy men connected with God's work will be tested and revealed by results, as Gideon's sifted army was proved by staying unbribed, unforced, and intent on the one great object, and by whether workers feel need of Jesus at every step, take time to pray and attend meetings, keep souls in God's love, and plan with Christ as Master Worker, or plead too much to do, neglect prayer, let Satan fill the vacuum with vain imaginations, and plan without Him; those failing this test should not be kept in position.Ms 25a, 1891, par. 30 Careless sinful living, impurity, self-sufficiency, impatience with counsel, and disregard for reproof show unfitness for responsible work or teaching until transformed by grace, and desire for display, extravagant ideas, patterning after the world, and desire for worldly policy testify against one, mar God's work, give wrong influence, prove unsafety as a leader, and give Satan advantage to scatter away from Christ.Lt 26d, 1887, par. 4–6+1

People are known by fruits that copy Christ in spirit and action and do their best to advance the cause, with personal self-denial to enter new fields and all bearing burdens instead of a few carrying them while all share favor, giving self to the Lord, working in trust as He directs, and practicing the Redeemer's self-denial and sacrifice, while selfish indulgence and refusal to bear burdens is bad fruit contrary to God's will.Ms 25, 1894, par. 8 The fruits making one known are self-denial and sacrifice for others' happiness and bearing temporal and spiritual burdens and cares, versus caring and looking out for dear self, shunning burdens, and seeking ease while others bear them, and reward is given as one has denied self, with no reward of well-doing without a changed course.Lt 10, 1863, par. 13–17 Profession of being children of God and laborers with Christ is nothing without tender love and compassion as Christ revealed, working as He worked with sympathy for those He bought with blood, especially believing little ones, youth, and those newly come to the Father needing watchcare to learn to serve, pray, and obey; heedlessness, unkindness, criticism, despising the weak and erring, careless example, and grafting in one's own say and dispositions prove absence of His Spirit, and without His Spirit one is none of His.Ms 165, 1898, par. 26–30 Lives entrusted with God's work should continually testify to consecration by producing as well as consuming, following Christ's pattern of self-denial, kindness, forbearance, and love that endorses Him as Teacher sent from God.Ms 40, 1903, par. 11 Fruit borne in abiding in Christ is unto purity and holiness, meek and lowly of heart, free from self-sufficiency, headiness, high-mindedness, envy, jealousy, evil-surmising, strife for supremacy and position, and esteeming self above the Lord's estimate; bearing the opposite over past years proves failure to abide in the light of the Sun of Righteousness, leaving one an unfaithful tree unready to close the account and needing examination of past fruit, watching, prayer, and training of thoughts, lips, and soul toward heavenly things.Lt 31, 1891, par. 31–34 Christ abiding is made evident in choices such as ceasing to spend on dress and needless things when His cause lacks funds, meetinghouse debts remain unpaid, and the treasury is empty, and a conference's actions must show whether prayers are matched by repentance and liberality.Ms 25, 1894, par. 8+2