Religious Fig Trees

"Let us take care that we each individually learn the lesson that this fig tree conveys. Let us always remember, that baptism, and church-membership, and reception of the Lord's Supper, and a diligent use of the outward forms of Christianity, are not sufficient to save our souls. They are leaves, nothing but leaves, and without fruit will add to our condemnation... There must be fruit in our hearts and fruit in our lives, the fruit of repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, and a true holiness in our [lives]. Without such fruits as these a profession of Christianity will only sink us lower into hell." —J.C. Ryle, Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Volume I, 234.