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.