New Grapes? Why NewGrapes?

1 Corinthians 1:21-22
“And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”

In Reformed theology, we understand that true spiritual fruit—new grapes—springs not from human effort but from God’s sovereign act of grafting us into Christ, the true Vine (John 15:5). Before we can produce fruit that glorifies God, we must be united to Him through His electing grace, a process initiated and completed by His Spirit.

Many strive to produce good works, believing their efforts earn God’s favor. Yet Scripture teaches that apart from Christ, our fruit is but a hollow display, appealing only to our narcissistic instincts—a condition deepened by a fallen world, including the “American Way” that often exalts self-reliance. Even our best deeds, if not rooted in God’s grace, fall short of His holiness.

The error lies in focusing on the fruit rather than the grafting. Man, by nature, resists this truth, clinging to worldly vines that promise wealth or fame. Mainstream religion often compounds this by urging more prayer or tithing, suggesting we can improve our fruit through human striving. But Reformed doctrine declares that only fruit borne by the Holy Spirit—new grapes of the Kingdom—pleases God. This comes not by our works but by His covenant promise, sealed at the cross.

The cross is where the true circumcision occurs, severing us from the world’s vine through Christ’s atoning sacrifice. No man naturally runs to it; it is God who draws His elect, overcoming our resistance with irresistible grace. Jesus bore the penalty we deserve, offering His life as the down payment for our redemption. He calls us to lay down our lives, signing over our souls to His lordship—a covenant sealed by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.

This Spirit confirms our adoption as God’s children, granting assurance of salvation to every believer regenerated by grace. Unlike worldly religions that offer escape from burdens, Christ gives us His light yoke, sustained by the Spirit’s power. As the Gardener, God prunes and nurtures us, ensuring our fruit honors Him alone. If you lack this assurance, seek it in the promises of Scripture, for the elect will find an unquenchable hunger to join other grafted branches in covenant community.