"By their fruits, you sahll know them"

[New Hope]

Hey guys, sorry if my questions on this thread seem kinda stupid, but I'd really like answers to 'em. On the board from time to time, I've seen the phrase "by their fruits, you shall know them" tossed around (especially in threads discussing salvation), and I have two quick questions:

a) Where in Scripture is it found? I've looked all over for it and can't find it.

b) If it is a salvation verse, doesn't it fly in the face of Ephesians 2:8-9 by implying that salvation is based on works?

YBIC,
Justin

[cindyw]

Mt. 7:20...:):

[BarbT]

Matthew 7:16
You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?

And our good works are the result of salvation, they don't cause our salvation. :thumb

[sunshine4jesus]

Justin,
There are no stupid questions.:):
BarbT put it nicely. Salvation is by grace. It is the grace through faith that allows us to have fruit. Cause and effect.
Some are more effectual than others, but they are not more saved.

[onsolidrock]

GAL 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.