fruit of salvation

Faith without works is dead. What does that mean? Sometimes, that phrase can feel contradictory. We understand we are saved by faith in Jesus ALONE...so how are works all of a sudden a part of our salvation. For some reason growing up, this concept was confusing to me, especially as someone who tried to earn salvation. This verse made the weight of earning salvation even heavier. 

But when we realize the truth of this scripture, it relieves confusion and brings peace and clarity. The misconception is that to be saved; we must perform good works. That will get us into trouble real quick. Now, that is not a license to sin. Some of us might want to take it and say: "Well, I guess I can live how I want to because I can't earn my salvation anyway." Not only is that wrong, but it's also dishonoring the gift that God has given us (salvation).

It's not that we must perform the works to be saved; if we are saved, we will naturally live out good works. True salvation is not just claiming to believe something, but it actually is a genuine change of our nature. We begin to live like Jesus. We love what He loves; we hate what He hates; we live how He would live. Why would we want to continue in a life of sin if that's not in our nature? 

Whenever I am tempted to live like my old self, I remind myself and say, "That's not who I am anymore." I am a changed individual, and so are you! So we should walk out our new salvation and produce good works. When we are saved and living a life of obedience, we can't HELP but produce fruit that glorifies the Lord. 

Don't make excuses! If you don't have fruit in your life, ask the Lord for guidance and help so that you can live a life that produces fruit. 

My prayer is that we, as believers walk in the power of the Holy Spirit! Not just the power to perform miracles but the power to say "no" to our flesh and yes to the Holy Spirit. 

We are saved by FAITH, but faith without WORKS is dead.