BY THEIR FRUITS SHALL THEY BE KNOWN

You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:16-20 ESV)

If the qualities of the Christian faith were all equally apparent in the lives of the saints, it would be very easy to tell who is a Christian and who is not. The truth is, however, that love, faith, obedience, and piety will often vary during different stages of the Christian’s life. The process of Christian sanctification is by degrees. A Christian may be a baby in grace and knowledge and his faith and love may be weak. He has, nevertheless, passed from death unto life. His spiritual growth may not be consistent. There are successes and failures as he navigates the path.