fruit v. doctrine

Jesus never said, “you shall know them by their doctrine,” but rather, “you shall know them by their fruits.” Right doctrine, though essential for salvation, is never a sure sign of salvation. The fruit of a man, which we are instructed to examine, goes beyond a good theology. It is the outward evidence of doctrinal truths blossoming to life in the heart of a believer. It is possible, said Stephen Charnock, for a man to be theologically knowing while spiritually ignorant. Let us make sure that truth is constantly flowing from the Bible into our minds, from our minds into our hearts, and from our hearts into our lives. Because truth without works is just as dead as works without truth. - Symphony of Scritpure

HT:PC