By Their Fruit, Shall You Know Them!

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them (Matthew 7:16-20).

Within Christendom it is often understood that bearing good fruit is equal to keeping good works (i.e. keeping the commandments). But there seems to be many opinions as to what defines a good work.  On one hand it is considered a good work to pray to Mary, while on another hand such worship is condemned.  Likewise on one hand it is considered a good work to teach that our good works are as filthy rags, while on another hand such a teaching is condemned. So we must ask ourselves will God accept whatever form of worship one believes to be true?  The answer is obviously No!  Which tells us that bearing fruit has to do with doctrine!  For it is impossible for a corrupt tree to produce good fruit!  Likewise it is impossible for false doctrine to produce good works.  Only a good tree can produce good fruit, in other words only good doctrine can produce good works.  If one is under a false belief (a false doctrine), it will follow that his fruit (his works) will also be corrupt.