Doctrine of Life # 29
29. The Word teaches that no one can do good of himself, but only from the Lord. Jesus said:
I am the...vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; but every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.... Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather it and throw it into the fire, and it is burned. (John 15:1-6)
Isaiah 1:10-18
10
Hear the word of Yahweh, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
11
"What are the multitude of your sacrifices to me?," says Yahweh. "I have had enough of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed animals. I don't delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of male goats.
12
When you come to appear before me, who has required this at your hand, to trample my courts?
13
Bring no more vain offerings. Incense is an abomination to me; new moons, Sabbaths, and convocations: I can't bear with evil assemblies.
14
My soul hates your New Moons and your appointed feasts. They are a burden to me. I am weary of bearing them.
15
When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you. Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.
16
Wash yourselves, make yourself clean. Put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes. Cease to do evil.
17
Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. Judge the fatherless. Plead for the widow."
18
"Come now, and let us reason together," says Yahweh: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
