Gospel Guidebook: Getting and Keeping It Right 
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Faith is NOT Like a Fruit Tree
by Robert P. TerryUpdated July 20, 2025
The common analogy of likening faith to a fruit tree is unbiblical. It makes works inherent in faith, just like fruit is inherent in the seed. The analogy teaches a subtle form of works salvation. It has been the cause of endless suffering for Christians with sensitive consciences. It leaves people confused wondering how salvation isn't by works if works are the fruits and evidence of salvation. To say it plainly, the fruit tree analogy teaches a false gospel. The people who use the fruit tree analogy are either ignorant of its implications or they are knowingly teaching works salvation.
If I had to guess, I assume the fruit tree analogy was taken from the parable of the sower. However, in the parable of the sower, neither the seed nor the soil refer to faith. Also, the fruits of the Christian life are not referred to as the fruits of faith, but the fruits of the Spirit, among which faith is just one of the fruits (see Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-10). And this accords with John 15 where it is not the act of abiding that bears fruit, but the life-giving sap that flows through the vine.
Contrary to what theologians tell us about faith being like a fruit tree that produces good works, in James' theology, works must be added to faith for anything good to happen (James 2:26). See my commentary on James 2:14-26 here for a further discussion on this.