Romans 12 teaches a transformational process.....that requires a period of growth, study and renewal of the mind....it is not instantly given.....NOW salvation, justification, being sanctified positionally and sealed ARE......but the OUTWARD man must be changed by growth and maturity which is described as an ongoing process of growth and maturity.....it is subject to successes and or failures and is tied directly to Romans 12:1-2.......as the man is changed inwardly by growth and maturity based upon a study of the word and application of the word they begin to change OUTWARDLY........for some this can be an accelerated process based upon the level of teaching they get and how they apply the word of GOD....for some it may be a very slow process if they are fed milk nonstop and never really apply what they learn.....This process is NOT hard to grasp and LIKE JESUS and others which constantly referenced creation which speaks loud and clear this can be seen easily.......
Take for instance my tame black berry plants.......I have about 20 planted......the ones that got more fertilizer, water etc. and were in better soil grew vines frmo 8 to 10 feet long this summer........the ones which had less fertilizer, water and were in soil a little harder and drier only put off about three foot vines.........
DAY unto DAY and NIGHT unto NIGHT sets forth KNOWLEDGE unless one is to challenged in an ocular manner to SEE..............
10 to 1 the ten foot vines bear more fruit than the three foot vines......NEXT YEAR
Take for instance my tame black berry plants.......I have about 20 planted......the ones that got more fertilizer, water etc. and were in better soil grew vines frmo 8 to 10 feet long this summer........the ones which had less fertilizer, water and were in soil a little harder and drier only put off about three foot vines.........
DAY unto DAY and NIGHT unto NIGHT sets forth KNOWLEDGE unless one is to challenged in an ocular manner to SEE..............
10 to 1 the ten foot vines bear more fruit than the three foot vines......NEXT YEAR
Here is my reply.
None of that demonstrates that a period of growth and maturity IS REQUIRED for a believer to bear any fruit.
The above proposition is true in some cases, but it is not necessary. That is, it is not true in all cases.
A new believer can give someone a cup of cold water.
A new believer can pray for people and God might save them.
A new believer can shine for Jesus in such a way that they are drawn to Jesus through the Holy Spirit
A new believer can give to missions, and God can use that money to do great kingdom things
A new believer can go to his church on saturday and clean it so it looks nice for the Sunday service.
A new believer can pray for and support his or her pastor
A new believer can share their conversion with a friend or family member.
A new believer can give a hungry person something to eat.
A new believer can give clothing to someone in need.
A new believer can comfort a mourner.
A new believer can put a smile on Jesus's face.
All of these are fruit produced out of love for Jesus and because the person is saved.
ANYONE can do these things. You don't have to wait 50 years to show gratitude to God for saving you
THEREFORE, A PERIOD OF GROWTH AND MATURITY IS NOT NECESSARILY REQUIRED TO BEAR ANYTHING.