Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 3:10

The above statement was made by John the Baptist to the Pharisees who came to be baptized thinking it was yet another "work" by which to "save themselves." Here is the full passage:

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:7-12

As John the Baptist said, his baptism was with water for repentance. Even though the Spirit had not yet been given (though he himself was filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb - Luke 1:15), a change was expected in the lives of those who were baptized. And as John stated He would, Jesus baptizes believers with the fire of the Holy Spirit. That is how we are saved (not by water baptism, which is an act of obedience for believers - "believe and [then] be baptized" NOT "be baptized and [then] believe.") (John 6:63, also see Acts 19:1-7 - these believers in Ephesus had been baptized in water by John, but had not heard the Gospel.) The Holy Spirit within us is the witness to our salvation, and He produces fruits that give evidence (testimony) to the fact that we have truly believed in our hearts and are saved. (Rom. 10:8-10, Gal. 5:22-24)

Moreover, it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:5-10

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:5-19

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:13-26

Jesus said that we MUST abide in Him to bear fruit and that our bearing fruit glorifies the Father. Those who do not love Him (John 14:15-26), will not obey Him, which also means they will not abide in Him and will not bear fruit. Unfruitful branches (or branches that bear bad fruit, obviously not of the Spirit), will be cut off by His Father and burned (just like the trees that did not bear good fruit—fruit in keeping with repentance—as spoken of by John the Baptist; just like the bad fish caught in the net of the kingdom of God - Matt. 13:47-50; just like the body parts that cause us to sin. Matt. 5:28-29)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” John 15:1-10

Not one single person is "good" apart from God. (Rom. 3:23, Gen. 6:5, 8:21, John 2:24-25, Jer. 17:9-10) Jesus said as much when someone who didn't know He was the sinless Son of God called Him "good" (and therefore, they were calling Him "good" thinking He was an ordinary man - Matt. 10:17-18). Once again, it's important to understand that we bear fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us if we truly believe in our hearts. The "fruit" includes repentance from "dead works," which include those that we might have thought helped earn salvation (before we knew better, that ONLY Jesus saves—good works are expected because we are children of God, not in order to become children of God - John 1:12-13). "Dead works" also include the sinful practices we lived in when we were spiritually dead in our sins, as yet unregenerated by the Holy Spirit. (Heb. 6:1-12, Titus 2:11-15, Rom. 6:15-23, Eph. 4:15-5:21, 1Pet. 1:14-19, 1Thess. 4:3-8)

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. Titus 3:3-8

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:15-16 (Also see Jam. 2:12)

Notice that the ideas of being persecuted and being the "salt of the earth" and "light of the world" are connected in the passages below. The Word of Truth is offensive to some people. (Luke 7:23, Isa. 8:14, Jam. 1:21, Eph. 1:13-14, 2Tim. 2:15, 1Cor. 15:1-2, 33-34, John 1:1) What they find offensive is having someone to answer to besides themselves. They reject the idea that there is such a thing as sin, and therefore, need for a Savior. They want to make disciples of Christ look foolish for what we believe, call us "judgmental" for opposing sin, get us to bring shame on ourselves by losing our composure, silence us, and just make us go away if we refuse to "join the dark side." (1Pet. 3:8-17, Eph. 5:7-12) But they are not satisfied with merely being "left alone." They want APPROVAL of (and company IN) their sin, which we cannot give. (Rom. 1:18-32, Isa. 66:4-6, Mal. 3:13-4:3, Psa. 37, Psa. 73, Rev. 2:9, 3:9, 2Thess. 2:9-12, Jude 1:14-23, 2Pet. 2:18-22)

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:12-17

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:1-16

We're not to be afraid of those who oppose us, which means that we continue speaking the truth in love even when they try to make us stop. (Acts 5:28-29) If we only EVER talk about the parts of the Bible that people like, that is the same difference as letting them silence us. The light is necessary in order to see our way on the narrow road. (John 3:19-21, Matt. 25:1-13, Eph. 5:5-12, 1Thess. 5:5-8, Rom. 13:11-14) On the flip side, if we ONLY ever talk about sin, then perhaps that is a bit too "salty." The point is that we obey out of LOVE (2Cor. 5:13-14, 1John 5:3), which includes loving in word and truth—both by doing good deeds and by speaking honestly. If we just blend in with the world and there is no difference between our behavior and that of the world, then there is something wrong. We have a higher standard because our Father is the Creator of the universe.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.”John 15:18-21

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:27-30

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:4-6

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:14-19

Notice all of those blessings that Jesus gave in the passage previously quoted from Matt. 5 above. He included a blessing for those who keep the peace in the SAME discussion as the blessing for those who are persecuted for His sake and righteousness' sake, moving right along into the teaching about light and salt. It's not multiple choice. We don't pick the activities we think are deserving of a blessing, but reject those things on the list that we don't like. Not only that, but it is possible for the spirit-filled person to do them simultaneously.

In order for us to bear fruit, shine our lights and be the salt of the earth, showing ourselves to be followers of Christ (not merely "fans"), we need to exercise the gifts of the Spirit that He gave to each of us. (Rom. 12, 1Cor. 12:4-11) The servant who hid his mina and the one who hid his talent in the parables Jesus told were NOT commended or rewarded for it—to the contrary! (Luke 19:20-27, Matt. 25:24-30)

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11 (Also see Col. 3:23-25.)

Each of us has a calling as determined by God (1Cor. 12:11), and none of us should try to force others to serve in exactly the same way as we do. Nor should we criticize the fellow members of the Body for obeying God—whether they are a "watchman" or more like Abigail or Dorcas, or serve in some other way. (Ezek. 3:17-21, Jer. 6:16-17, Jer. 20:9, 1Sam. 25, Acts 9:36-43, 2Cor. 13:10, Eph. 4:15-16)

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 (Also see Rom. 14:12, Gal. 6:4-5.)

We worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23), and we need to love people in deed and truth (1John 3:16-24)—which necessitates including the truth (salt). Needless to say, God would not have inspired Paul to write truth IN love if the two were opposed to one another. (Eph. 4:15-25) And neither should we have all of one and none of the other. All words and no deeds is hypocritical. (Jam. 2:14-17) But all "love" and no truth (salt) is cowardly and results in decay (or "leaven") rather than a purity in the Body. (1Cor. 5, Rev. 3:4, Jude 1:23) It's showing that we fear men more than God (Matt. 10:28, Gal. 1:10), or perhaps that we don't actually believe it that the Bible says those who make a practice of sin (not just slip, but refuse to repent) will not inherit the kingdom of God. (1Cor. 6:9-10, Gal. 5:19-20, Eph. 5:5, Rev. 21:8, Rev. 22:15)

God actually required salt to be included in the Old Testament sacrifices, which were a foreshadow of the New Testament. (Lev. 2:13, 2Cor. 2:17) Make no mistake, refusing to call sin what it is IS the same difference as casting a stumbling block. Approving of sinful behavior, even if not participating in it ourselves, IS wrong. (Matt. 5:19, Isa. 5:20-23) If we have to choose whether to be the salt of the earth OR keep the peace, then why are the two combined in the one verse (see v. 50 below)? And how about wisdom, being gracious, and salt in the passage below?

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:42-50

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:5-6

Jesus expounded upon what God really wants from us in Matt. 5:21-48, which was right after the blessings ("Beatitudes") and salt and light. God has always desired obedience from the heart according to the spirit of the law, not merely the letter. (John 4:23-24, Rom. 7:6, 2Cor. 3:6, Hos. 6:6, Mic. 6:8, Isa. 66:2) He isn't interested in outward displays of cleanliness and righteousness, but in genuinely cleansed hearts and inner spirits clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. (Mark 7:1-23, Rom. 13:14, Gal. 5:24, Rom. 12:1-2, 2Cor. 5:1-5) These will work their way OUT (Phil. 3:18-19), so the reverse also holds true. People who claim to be cleansed inside should not behave in ways that prove them to be liars. (Titus 1:16, Matt. 15:18-20, Luke 6:43-49, 1John 3:1-10, 1John 1:5-2:6) It couldn't get any clearer in the following passage (and also 1Thess. 4:1-8) that GOD's definition of "love" does NOT include immoral behavior.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:1-17

Immature believers who never hear the whole truth (Acts 20:26-35) may continue in their sins unaware that God does see them (1Cor. 5:1-11) and expect them to repent if they call themselves by His name. If they simply love their sin more than God or have no desire to repent, they should not be reassured of salvation, but encouraged to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith (according to the Bible, by looking for fruits of the Spirit). (Matt. 10:37-39, John 14:15-26, 2Cor. 13:5, Rom. 8:9, Phil. 2:12-16) We see in the following passages that we are not expected to refrain from speaking the truth, but rather we ARE expected to do so in order to RESCUE those who have been captured by the devil—but we are to do so out of LOVE, with gentleness.

But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:19-26 (Also see 2Cor. 6:14-7:1)

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Galatians 6:1

My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

I have had people disagree with me quite often lately, but in my experience sinners do not return from their straying when their sins are affirmed as "good" or just ignored as though they were not sins at all. When we're deceived by sin, we all need a dose of salt to help cure the decay of the old, sinful flesh (which was to have been put to death). (Gal. 5:16-24, Matt. 26:41, Rom. 6:11-12, Rom. 8:13, Rom. 13:14, Gal. 6:8, Eph. 2:3, 1Pet. 2:11, 1Pet. 4:1-5, 2Pet. 2:18, 1John 2:16) Better for it to sting for a little while than to remain under deception. (2Cor. 2:4, 2Cor. 7:8-10, 2Thess. 2:11-12, Rom. 1:18, 2Tim. 3:12, 1Cor. 5:5)

We don't "police" the world, since unsaved people can't understand spiritual things (1Cor. 2:14, 1Cor. 5:12), but then they have BIGGER problems, don't they? They need us to shine on them the light of JESUS, who is the TRUTH, the Way and the Life (John 8:12, John 14:6). Once He has truly got a hold of their hearts, then they will not want to continue defiling His Body, of which they are a part, anymore! (1Cor. 12:12-13, Eph. 5:25-32, 1Cor. 6:9-20, 1Cor. 3:16-17, John 14:15-24) No one is perfect, but we help one another not to stumble, and to get back up when we do. (Matt.18:15-17, Rom. 2:1-11, Heb. 10:24-31, 1Cor. 10:1-13) Let's run a good race and fight a good fight! (Heb. 12, 2Tim. 2:3-7, Jam. 1:12, 1Cor. 2:9, Rev. 21:7, Rev. 22:14)

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. Hebrews 3:12-14

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

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