Originally Posted by
Fig-bearing Thistle
In another thread, JDErickson said:
Is this position typical of all LDS Critics--that Fruits have very little to do with identifying a Christian?
I bet most LDS Critics will be tempted to say "yes." The Critics will hold to the idea that this test of fruit only works one way--identifying an evil tree, but not for identifying a good tree.
It seems that some Critics preach the un-biblical idea that Jesus was wrong, and that Figs actually CAN come from Thistles, and Grapes CAN be gathered from Thorns. (See Matt. 7).
So, they throw out the fruit test because they believe that the fruits of the Spirit can come directly from Satan.
How 'bout this scripture:
" 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19 ¶ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen (Mark 16:17-20)"
Is this a not way of identifying a Christian? I bet the LDS Critic will say "NO", because these signs can be shown to follow the LDS as well.
My question is, is there anything that Jesus said regarding Identifying a Christian, that doesn't also identify an LDS person?
Let me just say, that as an LDS, I DO trust Jesus' words regarding identifying his sheep, his people, his servants.