104. As there is in man, from the Lord, this ability to reciprocate and return, and consequently this mutuality, the Lord says that a man must keep the commandments, and also that he must bring forth fruit:
Why call ye Me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46-49). If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them (John 13:17). Ye are My friends, if ye do the things which I command you (John 15:14). Whosoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the kingdom of the heavens (Matt. 5:19). Everyone therefore who heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken to a wise man (Matt. 7:24). Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance (Matt. 3:8). Make the tree good, and its fruit good (Matt. 12:33). The kingdom shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof (Matt. 21:43). Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire (Matt. 7:19). And so in many other places: from all which it is evident that a man must act of himself but from the Lord's power, which he must petition for. For this is to act as from himself.
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