Back in 2005, a book entitled “A Godly Heritage“[1] was published. It contained some fascinating history of the Finnish Lutherans in America. It included reprints of earlier works, as well as translated works that were previously available only in the Finnish language.
I noticed a section especially enlightening in chapter 15 subtitled “What are the Fruits of a Living Faith?” compiled from several sermons and writings of Dr. Martin Luther.
The section revisited the commonly known fruits of faith as being the visible good works in service toward our neighbors, but also included another aspect of fruits in terms of self-examination similar to that expressed by Paul (2 Corinthians 13:5) and as he reflected in his description of our daily struggles. (Romans 7:22-24) Regarding these spiritual fruits of the inner man (1 Corinthians 2:11), Luther expressed the need for both 1) A saving grace, and 2) A constant fight against sin. (Romans 8:13-14) If both are not present, he says, neither is there faith. To put it more directly, you don’t have faith if it lacks both of these fruits.
Having one without the other results in a false doctrine. For example, if we fight against sin but lack a saving grace, then our faith would be based on works and lead to despair. Or, if we have a saving grace but surrender to sin, then our faith would be Antinominan and lead to presumption.
I suppose this viewpoint could be really be summarized as the classic Lutheran distinction between Law and Gospel, whereby both are required—the Law in all it’s wrath and the Gospel in all it’s sweetness.
I really appreciate the way Luther explained it from another angle to get a better understanding of fruits more completely. Attached is a brief excerpt of the section so you may read it for yourself.
[1] Foltz, A., & Yliniemi, M. (2005). A Godly Heritage: Historical view of the Laestadian revival and the development of the Apostolic Lutheran Church in America. Frazee, MN: Self-published by the editors (19505 County Highway 39, Frazee 56544). ISBN:0-9769423-0-5