Bearing Fruit: The Significance of the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Parable of the Fig Tree
3. The Context of the Parable
4. The Teaching of Jesus on Repentance
5. The Doctrine of Seeking
6. The Importance of the Church in Conversion
7. Fruitfulness as Evidence of Conversion
8. Classical Dispensational Theology and its Flaws
9. The Need for True Repentance
10. A Call to Repentance and Conversion

🌳 The Parable of the Fig Tree

In the Gospel According to Saint Luke, Chapter 13, Jesus tells a parable about a certain man who planted a fig tree in his vineyard. After three years of seeking fruit from the tree and finding none, the man wants to cut it down as it is using up valuable space and nutrients. However, the keeper of the vineyard pleads with the man to give the tree one more year, promising to dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit in that time, it will be saved, but if not, it can be cut down.

🌍 The Context of the Parable

This parable follows Jesus' teaching on the tragedies that had befallen Jerusalem, such as the slaughter of worshipers by Pilate and the falling of the tower in Siloam. Jesus warns the people that unless they repent, they will likewise perish. The parable of the fig tree serves as an amplification of this teaching, emphasizing the importance of bearing fruit and true repentance.

👑 The Teaching of Jesus on Repentance

Throughout his ministry, Jesus emphasized the need for repentance. He made it clear that unless one repents, they will face the wrath of God. Repentance involves a genuine sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. It is not simply a fear-driven desire to escape punishment but a heartfelt recognition of having offended God and a sincere desire for reconciliation.

🔎 The Doctrine of Seeking

In response to those who expressed concern about their lack of genuine repentance, theologian Jonathan Edwards developed the doctrine of seeking. Edwards understood that true repentance and saving faith are the result of the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. He encouraged those who were uncertain of their conversion to continue attending church, where they would have the opportunity to hear the word of God and be convicted by the Holy Spirit.

⛪️ The Importance of the Church in Conversion

While God can save people outside of the church, the concentrated means of His saving grace are found within the visible Church. It is in the church where believers have the privilege of hearing the word of God, which He uses as the primary means to bring people to faith. Attending church regularly and being exposed to the preaching of God's word increases the likelihood of conversion.

🍇 Fruitfulness as Evidence of Conversion

Jesus, in the parable of the fig tree, illustrates the importance of bearing fruit as evidence of true conversion. Just as a fig tree planted in a vineyard should bear fruit, a genuine believer should manifest good works and a transformed life. While good works do not justify a person before God, their absence can indicate a lack of genuine faith. The presence of fruit is essential in assuring the reality of one's conversion.

🌵 Classical Dispensational Theology and its Flaws

Classical dispensational theology, which teaches that a person can be saved and still live in the flesh without any evidence of change, is seen as a serious distortion of biblical truth. This teaching undermines the necessity of repentance and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. True repentance always leads to a changed heart and a transformed life.

💔 The Need for True Repentance

Repentance is not just a one-time event but an ongoing attitude of heart for believers. It entails genuine sorrow, contrition, and a turning away from sin. Without true repentance, there is no justification. It is essential to examine our lives and ask ourselves if we are truly bearing fruit and manifesting the evidence of repentance.

📢 A Call to Repentance and Conversion

Jesus' teachings on repentance and the parable of the fig tree serve as a call to action for all individuals. We are urged not to delay in turning to God and seeking His forgiveness. Today may be our last chance to respond to the mercy and grace that God extends to us. The fruitfulness of our lives, as evidence of genuine conversion, should be our ultimate goal.

Highlights

• The parable of the fig tree illustrates the importance of bearing fruit and true repentance as evidence of conversion.
• The concentrated means of God's saving grace are found within the visible church.
• Good works do not justify, but their absence can indicate a lack of genuine faith.
• Classical dispensational theology distorts the necessity of repentance and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
• True repentance involves genuine sorrow, contrition, and a turning away from sin.
• It is crucial to examine our lives and ensure that we are bearing fruit and manifesting the evidence of repentance.
• Today is the day to respond to God's mercy and grace, as tomorrow is uncertain.

FAQ:

Q: How does fruitfulness relate to genuine repentance and conversion? A: Fruitfulness serves as evidence of genuine repentance and conversion. Just as a fig tree should bear fruit in a vineyard, a believer should manifest good works and a transformed life as a result of true repentance. While good works do not justify a person before God, their absence can indicate a lack of genuine faith.

Q: Can someone be saved without genuine repentance? A: No, true repentance is an essential component of salvation. Repentance involves a genuine sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. Without true repentance, there is no real conversion or reconciliation with God.

Q: Is attending church necessary for conversion? A: While God can save people outside of the church, the church serves as a concentrated means of God's saving grace. Attending church regularly provides believers with the opportunity to hear the word of God, which is used by the Holy Spirit to convict hearts and bring about genuine repentance and faith.