The doctrine of “The Fruit of the Spirit” refers to the characteristics or virtues that are produced in the life of a believer who is walking in harmony with the Holy Spirit. These fruits are evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in a Christian’s life. The Apostle Paul lists these fruits in Galatians 5:22-23, emphasizing their importance as indicators of spiritual maturity and godly living. While the “gifts of the Spirit” refer to supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit, the “fruit” of the Spirit refers to the moral and ethical qualities that should be evident in a believer’s behavior.
Scriptures “For” the Doctrine of the Fruit of the Spirit:
- Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Interpretation: This is the primary scripture listing the fruit of the Spirit. It highlights nine virtues that the Holy Spirit cultivates in believers’ lives. - John 15:5 (KJV): “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Interpretation: Jesus emphasizes that abiding in Him is essential for producing the fruit of the Spirit. This fruit is a result of a deep, continuous relationship with Christ. - Ephesians 5:9 (KJV): “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)”
Interpretation: This scripture highlights that the fruit of the Spirit reflects godliness, truth, and righteousness in the believer’s life. - Matthew 7:17 (KJV): “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.”
Interpretation: This passage teaches that the type of fruit (good or bad) a person produces is a reflection of their nature, indicating that the fruit of the Spirit reveals the spiritual life of a person. - Philippians 1:11 (KJV): “Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”
Interpretation: Paul speaks of righteousness being a fruit of the believer’s life, resulting in praise to God. - Colossians 1:10 (KJV): “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”
Interpretation: A life filled with good works and knowledge of God is evidence of the fruit of the Spirit being active in a believer. - Romans 6:22 (KJV): “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
Interpretation: This fruit is the result of the believer’s freedom from sin, leading to a life of holiness and ultimately eternal life. - Galatians 5:16 (KJV): “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
Interpretation: Walking in the Spirit is essential for producing the fruit of the Spirit and avoiding the desires of the flesh.
Scriptures “Against” the Doctrine of the Fruit of the Spirit:
- Romans 7:5 (KJV): “For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”
Interpretation: This verse contrasts the fruit of the Spirit with the fruit of the flesh, which leads to spiritual death. It argues that apart from Christ, no godly fruit can be produced. - Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV): “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Interpretation: This passage emphasizes the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. The works of the flesh are destructive and incompatible with the Christian life. - 2 Peter 1:8 (KJV): “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Interpretation: This verse suggests that the believer’s growth in godliness prevents spiritual barrenness and unfruitfulness, indirectly emphasizing that a lack of spiritual fruit is a failure in walking with the Lord. - John 15:2 (KJV): “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”
Interpretation: While this supports the fruit of the Spirit, it also underscores the warning that those who do not bear fruit will be removed. This highlights the necessity of producing the fruit of the Spirit to remain in Christ. - Matthew 3:10 (KJV): “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
Interpretation: This passage warns that a lack of fruitfulness is serious, implying the judgment that comes from not bearing the fruit of the Spirit. - Titus 3:14 (KJV): “And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.”
Interpretation: Paul encourages believers to do good works, which flow from the fruit of the Spirit. A lack of good works reflects spiritual fruitlessness. - James 3:12 (KJV): “Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”
Interpretation: This passage emphasizes that a believer should produce good fruit; the contrast of salt water and fresh highlights the inconsistency of spiritual fruitlessness. - Hebrews 6:7 (KJV): “For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:”
Interpretation: This verse suggests that those who produce good spiritual fruit receive God’s blessing, while failure to do so will result in negative consequences.
Doctrine of “The Fruit of the Spirit” in Hebrew, Greek, and Christian Translations
Introduction
The doctrine of “The Fruit of the Spirit” is a central teaching in Christian theology, particularly in the New Testament. The apostle Paul’s listing of the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23 serves as the foundation for this doctrine. However, its understanding is influenced by the linguistic aspects of the Hebrew and Greek texts, as well as the various Christian translations. This analysis will explore the Hebrew and Greek words behind the doctrine, look at how they are translated in Christian scriptures, and examine debates about translation accuracy, especially in Greek, leading to issues in interpretation.
Key Scriptures in the KJV (King James Version)
- Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
This passage is the central text in understanding the Fruit of the Spirit. - John 15:5 (KJV): “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
- Ephesians 5:9 (KJV): “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)”
- Romans 6:22 (KJV): “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
- Matthew 7:17 (KJV): “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.”
- Colossians 1:10 (KJV): “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”
These scriptures highlight the biblical concept of the Fruit of the Spirit, centralizing both the virtues believers are to exhibit and the way the Spirit produces these virtues.
The Hebrew and Greek Language Considerations
Hebrew Foundations
Although the concept of the Fruit of the Spirit is explicitly addressed in the New Testament, certain aspects of this doctrine find roots in the Hebrew scriptures. However, the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) does not use the exact phrase “fruit of the Spirit” as it appears in Galatians. Instead, it uses terminology like “fruit,” “righteousness,” and “holiness” to convey similar ideas. The notion of fruitfulness is closely related to the righteous life described in the Hebrew Bible.
In the Hebrew scriptures, the word פֶּרִי (perí) is used to mean “fruit” and can metaphorically refer to the outcome of one’s actions. For example, Psalm 1:3 (KJV) states: “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
This concept of fruit being tied to righteous living is central to the Hebrew idea of blessing and spiritual prosperity.
However, in the context of the Holy Spirit’s work in the New Testament, there’s no direct connection between the Hebrew use of “fruit” and the specific work of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament introduces a more explicit connection between spiritual transformation and the Fruit of the Spirit.
Greek and Christian Translations
The Greek term used in the New Testament to describe the “Fruit of the Spirit” is καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματος (karpós tou pneúmatos). The word καρπὸς (karpós) literally means “fruit” or “harvest,” but it can also be metaphorical, referring to the results or outcome of a person’s actions or life. The word πνεύμα (pneúma) means “spirit,” which in the context of the New Testament refers to the Holy Spirit.
In Galatians 5:22-23, καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματος is translated as “the fruit of the Spirit,” meaning that these virtues—love, joy, peace, patience, etc.—are the natural results of living in accordance with the Holy Spirit. This usage of “fruit” is key to understanding the doctrine in Christian theology. The Greek word “karpos” has a deep implication beyond mere moral or ethical behavior; it speaks of the outcome of divine work within a believer’s life.
Debates and Problems in Greek Translation
Accuracy of Greek Translations
One of the major debates surrounding the Greek translation of the Fruit of the Spirit doctrine is the consistency with which these virtues are portrayed as both spiritual (empowered by the Holy Spirit) and moral (reflecting godly character). Translators face challenges in capturing the richness of the term καρπὸς (karpós), especially when moving between languages with different philosophical or theological underpinnings.
For instance, καρπὸς (karpós) can be understood as a natural, organic product, but this translation might lead some to view the Fruit of the Spirit as a mere result of human effort rather than divine empowerment. Some translations, in their rendering of “fruit,” risk downplaying the supernatural nature of these virtues, suggesting that these fruits can emerge merely from human virtue or willpower.
Additionally, πνεύμα (pneúma) poses a challenge. While it is generally understood as the Holy Spirit, some translations or interpretations risk diminishing its role by presenting it as an abstract or impersonal force rather than the Third Person of the Trinity, who actively works in believers to produce this fruit.
In John 15:5 (KJV), Jesus’ words about the vine and branches—*“for without me ye can do nothing”—*highlight the indispensable connection between believers and the Holy Spirit in producing the Fruit. This emphasis is critical because without recognizing the vital role of the Spirit, one might interpret the fruit as achievable by human effort alone.
Theological Implications
The theological implications of translating these Greek terms are profound. If one were to downplay the Holy Spirit’s role in producing these virtues, as might happen if καρπὸς is understood merely as the “results of good actions,” the doctrine could be reduced to moralism. The emphasis in Galatians 5:22-23 on the Spirit’s work shows that these virtues are not self-generated but a byproduct of a Spirit-filled life.
Moreover, the KJV’s translation “fruit” might be misleading if one does not grasp that καρπὸς does not refer to individual virtues as isolated units, but rather a collective harvest of godly living. For example, love is not separate from joy or peace; they are interconnected. The KJV’s decision to use “fruit” maintains this holistic aspect of Christian virtues.
Issues with Early Christian Translations
Early Christian translations into Latin (e.g., the Vulgate) and other languages (e.g., Syriac and Coptic) face similar issues with the Greek term καρπὸς. In the Vulgate, “fruitus” was used for καρπὸς, but this term does not carry the same nuanced theological meaning as the Greek. The Latin term could be understood more in terms of actions or results, leading to potential underemphasis on the supernatural dimension of the fruit. This semantic shift continues to influence later translations in the Western Christian tradition.
Problems with Non-Greek Translations
For translations into languages that do not have a direct equivalent for the concept of “fruit” in the context of spiritual virtues (such as in some African and Asian languages), translators face the challenge of conveying both the metaphorical and theological aspects of καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματος. In some cases, translators may opt for words related to “result” or “outcome,” potentially obscuring the image of organic growth and divine cooperation implied in the Greek text.
Summary
The doctrine of the Fruit of the Spirit, as presented in Galatians 5:22-23, is deeply rooted in the Greek term καρπὸς (karpós), meaning “fruit,” and the theological understanding of the πνεύμα (pneúma), the Holy Spirit. The translation issues surrounding this doctrine, especially in Greek, Latin, and other languages, involve a balance between conveying the supernatural origin of these virtues and the moral outcomes expected of Christians. The Greek words carry both a natural and divine dimension, emphasizing that the virtues of the Spirit are not simply human characteristics but the results of divine action in the believer’s life. The translation choices made by early church fathers and later translators significantly impact how this doctrine is understood, leading to debates about whether the fruit is seen as a result of human effort or divine empowerment. Despite challenges in translation, the core message remains that these virtues reflect the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.
Overview of Denominational Views on the Fruit of the Spirit
This section provides a short summary of each denomination’s view on the doctrine of the “Fruit of the Spirit,” including debates for and against, scripture references (KJV), and key Hebrew or Greek word analysis, especially focusing on terms like καρπὸς (karpós, “fruit”) and πνεῦμα (pneúma, “spirit”). These terms are vital for understanding how each denomination interprets the concept of spiritual fruit.
1. Roman Catholic Church
View:
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the Fruit of the Spirit is a sign of a Christian’s sanctification and spiritual maturity. These virtues grow in believers through grace, primarily via the sacraments, prayer, and obedience to Church authority.
For (Scripture):
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Interpretation: This scripture emphasizes the virtues of the Spirit, which Catholics believe are nurtured by the Holy Spirit through sacraments like the Eucharist and confession.
Against (Scripture):
Romans 7:5 (KJV):
“For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”
Interpretation: This verse contrasts the sinful fruit that leads to death with the good fruit produced by the Holy Spirit, suggesting that without the Spirit, no good fruit can be produced.
Greek Words:
- πνεῦμα (pneúma) – Refers to the Holy Spirit, crucial in Catholic theology for enabling the believer to bear the fruit of the Spirit through cooperation with grace.
2. Eastern Orthodox Church
View:
The Eastern Orthodox Church holds that the Fruit of the Spirit represents the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer, particularly in the context of theosis—becoming one with God. It is a process of spiritual growth through the sacraments.
For (Scripture):
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Interpretation: The virtues outlined are the fruit that manifests as believers progress toward theosis.
Against (Scripture):
Romans 8:8 (KJV):
“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Interpretation: This verse suggests that without the Holy Spirit, one cannot produce the Fruit of the Spirit, which is critical for spiritual growth in the Orthodox view.
Greek Words:
- πνεῦμα (pneúma) – Central to their theology, the Holy Spirit’s action is seen as enabling the believer to grow in the image of God.
3. Evangelical
View:
Evangelicals emphasize the Fruit of the Spirit as the evidence of a believer’s salvation and spiritual maturity, which should be visible in everyday life. They stress that the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live out these virtues.
For (Scripture):
John 15:5 (KJV):
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Interpretation: Evangelicals interpret this as emphasizing the necessity of a personal relationship with Christ to produce spiritual fruit.
Against (Scripture):
Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV):
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness…”
Interpretation: This passage contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, highlighting that a life led by the flesh cannot bear spiritual fruit.
Greek Words:
- καρπὸς (karpós) – Used here to denote spiritual fruit, it emphasizes not just good deeds but the spiritual result of a life aligned with Christ.
4. Protestant (General)
View:
General Protestant views closely align with Evangelicals, focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit as a sign of genuine conversion and spiritual growth. The Fruit of the Spirit is a byproduct of the believer’s relationship with the Holy Spirit.
For (Scripture):
Ephesians 5:9 (KJV):
“For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;”
Interpretation: This scripture is often cited to demonstrate that the Fruit of the Spirit reflects godly living and truth.
Against (Scripture):
Matthew 7:17 (KJV):
“Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.”
Interpretation: This passage teaches that the fruit produced in one’s life reveals the true nature of a person, implying that Christians who do not exhibit the fruit of the Spirit are not living in accordance with Christ.
Greek Words:
- καρπὸς (karpós) – Here, karpós symbolizes the outcome of one’s spiritual life, a reflection of one’s moral alignment with God.
5. Baptist (Southern Baptist, Independent Baptist, etc.)
View:
Baptists emphasize the Fruit of the Spirit as evidence of a genuine conversion and continuous sanctification. The Fruit of the Spirit is produced through living in obedience to God’s Word and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
For (Scripture):
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Interpretation: Baptists view this as a description of Christian maturity and the visible sign of a believer’s walk with Christ.
Against (Scripture):
Romans 8:5-6 (KJV):
“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.”
Interpretation: This passage warns that a lack of the Fruit of the Spirit shows a failure to walk according to the Spirit.
Greek Words:
- πνεῦμα (pneúma) – For Baptists, this is the agent who empowers the believer to bear fruit, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification.
6. Methodist (United Methodist, AME, etc.)
View:
Methodists teach that the Fruit of the Spirit is crucial for personal holiness and sanctification. This fruit grows as believers cooperate with God’s grace through the process of sanctification.
For (Scripture):
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Interpretation: This scripture is seen as a manifestation of sanctification, where believers grow in godly virtues.
Against (Scripture):
Romans 7:18 (KJV):
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…”
Interpretation: This passage underscores the challenge of living a life that bears the Fruit of the Spirit, highlighting the need for divine help in sanctification.
Greek Words:
- καρπὸς (karpós) – As with other denominations, Methodists interpret karpós as the outward expression of inward transformation by the Spirit.
7. Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA, etc.)
View:
Lutherans believe the Fruit of the Spirit reflects the sanctification process and is evidence of God’s work in the believer’s life. They emphasize that it is the Holy Spirit’s role to produce these fruits.
For (Scripture):
Philippians 1:11 (KJV):
“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”
Interpretation: This scripture underscores the belief that the Holy Spirit produces righteousness in believers, which manifests as the Fruit of the Spirit.
Against (Scripture):
Matthew 7:19 (KJV):
“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
Interpretation: This passage stresses that the lack of spiritual fruit is a serious matter, requiring true faith and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Greek Words:
- πνεῦμα (pneúma) – Central to Lutheran belief is the pneúma as the agent who ensures that believers live out the spiritual fruits.
8. Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI, etc.)
View:
Pentecostals emphasize the active work of the Holy Spirit in producing the Fruit of the Spirit, along with the gifts of the Spirit. They believe that spiritual fruit and spiritual gifts are both necessary for a vibrant Christian life.
For (Scripture):
John 15:5 (KJV):
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit…”
Interpretation: Pentecostals believe this teaches that a close relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit is vital for producing both fruit and gifts.
Against (Scripture):
Galatians 5:24 (KJV):
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
Interpretation: This passage emphasizes the need to live by the Spirit and put to death the desires of the flesh to bear spiritual fruit.
Greek Words:
- καρπὸς (karpós) – This term is viewed not just as moral behavior but as a fruit empowered by the Holy Spirit, closely tied to Pentecostal theology.
Summary
In examining the doctrine of the Fruit of the Spirit across different denominations, we see a unified belief in the necessity of the Holy Spirit for producing godly virtues in a believer’s life. καρπὸς (karpós) and πνεῦμα (pneúma) are key Greek terms that link spiritual fruit to divine empowerment. Though interpretations differ slightly, all denominations agree that the Fruit of the Spirit is a result of the Holy Spirit’s work, and its presence is a sign of a believer’s spiritual maturity and growth in sanctification.
Conclusion
The doctrine of the “Fruit of the Spirit” serves as a foundational teaching for Christian spiritual formation. Across denominations, there is a shared understanding that the Fruit of the Spirit is a result of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life. While the expressions of this doctrine vary, the Greek terms καρπὸς (karpós) and πνεῦμα (pneúma) consistently emphasize that spiritual virtues such as love, joy, and peace are the natural outcome of a life led by the Holy Spirit.
Each denomination interprets this doctrine in light of its own theological framework, yet they all agree that the production of the Fruit of the Spirit is not a product of human effort alone but requires divine assistance. From Roman Catholic sacramental theology to Pentecostal emphasis on the Spirit’s gifts and empowerment, the Fruit of the Spirit remains a vital sign of spiritual growth and sanctification.
The following table provides a summary of each denomination’s view on the doctrine, along with the supporting and opposing scriptures, based on the KJV.
Summary Table for Denominations
| Denomination | View | Scripture Basis (For) | Scripture Basis (Against) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Catholic Church | The Fruit of the Spirit is a sign of sanctification through grace, particularly via sacraments. | Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” | Romans 7:5 (KJV): “For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins…” |
| Eastern Orthodox Church | Emphasizes theosis (divinization), with the Fruit of the Spirit showing growth toward God’s image. | Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” | Romans 8:8 (KJV): “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” |
| Evangelical | The Fruit of the Spirit is evidence of salvation and spiritual maturity, produced by the Holy Spirit. | John 15:5 (KJV): “I am the vine, ye are the branches…” | Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV): “Now the works of the flesh are manifest…” |
| Protestant (General) | Spiritual fruit is produced through a relationship with the Holy Spirit, showing moral transformation. | Ephesians 5:9 (KJV): “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness…” | Matthew 7:17 (KJV): “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit…” |
| Baptist (Southern, Independent) | Fruit of the Spirit is a sign of a believer’s sanctification through obedience to God’s Word. | Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” | Romans 8:5-6 (KJV): “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh…” |
| Methodist (United, AME) | Fruit of the Spirit is evidence of sanctification and holiness, showing godly virtues. | Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” | Romans 7:18 (KJV): “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…” |
| Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA) | Fruit of the Spirit reflects sanctification and God’s work in a believer’s life, empowered by the Spirit. | Philippians 1:11 (KJV): “Being filled with the fruits of righteousness…” | Matthew 7:19 (KJV): “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down…” |
| Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI) | The Fruit of the Spirit is produced by the Holy Spirit, along with the gifts of the Spirit. | John 15:5 (KJV): “I am the vine, ye are the branches…” | Galatians 5:24 (KJV): “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh…” |
| Jehovah’s Witnesses | Fruit of the Spirit is seen as moral virtues cultivated through Christian conduct and righteousness. | Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” | Matthew 7:17-18 (KJV): “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit…” |
| Mormonism (LDS) | The Fruit of the Spirit is related to a godly life, rooted in the Holy Spirit’s gifts. | Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” | Romans 7:5 (KJV): “For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins…” |
| Seventh-day Adventist | The Fruit of the Spirit is a manifestation of the sanctified life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. | Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” | Matthew 7:19 (KJV): “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down…” |
Key Insights from the Table:
- Key Agreement: All denominations affirm that the Fruit of the Spirit is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life. They emphasize that it is not achieved by human effort alone but requires divine empowerment.
- Scripture Agreement: Verses like Galatians 5:22-23 are central to all views, underlining the virtues produced by the Spirit. John 15:5 is also frequently referenced to highlight the necessity of a personal connection with Christ to bear spiritual fruit.
- Common Objection: Matthew 7:17-18 and Romans 7:5 are cited in many denominations to illustrate that a lack of spiritual fruit or living by the flesh is incompatible with genuine Christian living.
- Greek Terms: The Greek term καρπὸς (karpós), meaning “fruit,” emphasizes the product of a life that is spiritually alive and connected to Christ. πνεῦμα (pneúma), meaning “Spirit,” is central in understanding that the Holy Spirit empowers this transformation.
In conclusion, though theological emphasis and sacramental understandings differ, the core belief remains the same across all denominations: the Fruit of the Spirit is evidence of divine work in the believer’s life.