“Wherefore by Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

Jesus here sets forth the preeminent test for prophets: the fruits. That is, we may judge and discern a prophet by what comes of the work he sets in motion. Does it bless lives? Is its doctrine sound, consistent, lifting, edifying, and expansive? Is the way of life of the religion clean and virtuous and stable? Does it produce citizens who stream the laws of the land, lead upright lives, and mirror the message of their Master, Jesus Christ? Does this prophet teach a gospel which requires the sacrifice of all things, with the attendant promise that those who lay their all on the altar and continue labor in Christlike fashion shall eventually inherit all that the Father has? Does the religion produce people who are holy, in whom dwell the Spirit of the living God, and in whose midst the gifts and signs and wonders abound-chose ancient miracles which have always attended the true Church? Truly, “by their fruits ye shall know them.”

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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