GALATIANS 5:22-23: “BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE: AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW.”

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT! ROBE’S RICH EMBLEM!

Welcome, dedicated Bible workers and all who cherish the intricate beauty of God’s Word! Our study today focuses on a visually rich and deeply symbolic element of the High Priest’s sacred garments: the pomegranates. As commanded in Exodus 28:33-34, these representations of fruit, skillfully woven in blue, purple, and scarlet, adorned the hem of the High Priest’s robe, alternating with golden bells. These pomegranates symbolized spiritual fruitfulness, abundant grace, and the character desired in believers, especially as they anticipate Christ’s coming. We will explore this beautiful emblem through the light of Scripture and the inspired writings valued within the Seventh-day Adventist Reform Movement.

DIVINE WEAVING! POMEGRANATES OF GRACE!

The detailed instructions for the High Priest’s attire included the specific command for pomegranates to be skillfully crafted on the hem of the blue robe of the ephod. “And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about” (Exodus 28:33). These were not mere decorations but, like every other part of the sanctuary and its services, were imbued with divine meaning. Ellen G. White notes their appearance: “Upon the hem of this robe were wrought pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, and bells of gold were suspended between them.” (The Signs of the Times, July 29, 1880). The vibrant colors—blue for heaven and loyalty, purple for royalty, and scarlet for sacrifice and life—added to the richness of their symbolism, pointing to the multifaceted grace that produces spiritual fruit. Sr. White further explains the context: “Every article of the priest’s dress was to be whole and without blemish. By those beautiful and symbolic garments was represented the character of the great antitype, Jesus Christ.” (The Youth’s Instructor, June 7, 1900). The pomegranates, therefore, were part of this representation of Christ’s perfect character and the fruitfulness that flows from Him. “The pomegranates were to be made of blue, purple, and scarlet, the colors representing heavenly virtues.” (The Review and Herald, January 17, 1882).

SYMBOLS OF PLENTY! A LIFE THAT OVERFLOWS!

The pomegranate, a fruit known for its abundance of seeds and rich juice, was a fitting symbol of spiritual fruitfulness, productivity, and the overflowing grace of God. Its presence on the High Priest’s robe signified the blessings and spiritual bounty that were to characterize God’s people when walking in covenant relationship with Him. Sr. White clearly states this representation: “The pomegranate, rich in seeds, represented spiritual fruitfulness.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 351). This fruitfulness encompasses the development of a Christ-like character and active participation in God’s work, bearing fruit to His glory. Sr. White expands on this idea: “The pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, wrought upon the hem of the priest’s robe, were symbolical of the fruits of the Spirit, which every true child of God is to cultivate.” (The Signs of the Times, June 16, 1881). Thus, the pomegranates served as a constant, visual reminder of God’s expectation for His people to be spiritually productive, filled with the good works that come from a life connected to the True Vine. “The Lord desires us to be fruit-bearing branches of the living Vine.” (The Southern Watchman, April 25, 1905).

SAINTS’ ADORNMENT! CHARACTER FIT FOR KING!

The pomegranates on the High Priest’s robe also prefigured the beautiful character that should adorn believers, especially in preparation for Christ’s second coming. This spiritual fruit, the outward expression of an inward work of grace, is the true garment of righteousness. Sr. White directly links the symbolism to the character of God’s ministers and people: “Christ’s ministers must bear fruit as well as give sound.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 250). This implies that a mere profession (sound of bells) is insufficient without the evidence of a transformed life (fruit of pomegranates). This is especially pertinent to the character of believers at Christ’s coming, who are to be found “without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). Sr. White emphasizes, “The character is the true adornment. It is the inward work of grace that is of great price in the sight of God.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 141). The pomegranates, therefore, symbolized those graces of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-23)—that are the true evidence of connection with Christ.

PROPHECY’S HARVEST! END-TIME FRUITFULNESS!

How does the symbolism of the pomegranates—spiritual fruitfulness and gracious character—find its prophetic anti-type in Revelation, Daniel, or Matthew, especially concerning God’s people in the last days? This symbolism is vividly reflected in the description of the prepared bride of Christ and the character of the saints who endure until the end. Revelation 19:7-8 declares, “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” This “righteousness of saints” is not merely imputed but imparted, evidenced by a fruitful, Christ-like character, the antitypical pomegranates. Sr. White comments, “The fine linen, says the Scripture, ‘is the righteousness of saints.’ It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Saviour.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 310). Furthermore, Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:20, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them,” serve as an enduring prophetic principle by which true disciples are identified, especially amidst end-time deceptions. Sr. White emphasizes this identifying mark: “It is not the most eloquent discourse, nor the most able sermon, that will bring forth fruit to the glory of God; but it is the character that is Christlike.” (Gospel Workers, p. 111).  

GOD’S GOOD PLEASURE! DELIGHTING IN OUR FRUIT!

The inclusion of pomegranates in the High Priest’s divinely designed attire reveals God’s deep desire for His people to be fruitful and to manifest His grace in their lives. It shows that He delights not just in worship and service (the sound of the bells) but also in the beautiful character and good works (the pomegranates) that flow from a genuine relationship with Him. Sr. White notes, “God is glorified by the fruitfulness of His people. He expects them to bring forth much fruit.” (The Review and Herald, June 10, 1890). This symbolism underscores a God who is invested in the spiritual growth and outward expression of His children’s faith. “It is the good pleasure of our heavenly Father that we should bring forth much fruit. He desires us to reveal His character by bearing the precious fruits of the Spirit.” (The Signs of the Times, May 26, 1898). The pomegranates thus speak of a God who lovingly seeks and appreciates the evidence of His grace transforming human lives.

What, then, are my, and our, responsibilities toward God, in light of the rich symbolism of the priestly pomegranates? Our primary responsibility is to abide in Christ, the True Vine, so that we may bear much spiritual fruit (John 15:4-5). This involves diligently cultivating the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—in our daily lives through a connection with Him. Sr. White urges, “We must individually seek to be fruit-bearing Christians. We should ask ourselves, Am I a barren tree in the Lord’s vineyard, or am I a fruitful branch, bringing forth much fruit to the glory of God?” (The Southern Watchman, October 1, 1903). This is not achieved through human effort alone but by surrendering to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. “The life of the Christian is not all smoothness. He has stern conflicts to wage. Severe temptations will assail him. ‘The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.’ The nearer we come to the close of this earth’s history, the more delusive and ensnaring will be the attacks of the enemy.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 99). Yet, through Christ, fruitfulness is possible.  

And what responsibilities toward our neighbors arise from the symbolism of the pomegranates? If our lives are adorned with the fruits of the Spirit, these graces are not for our benefit alone but are to be a blessing and a source of spiritual nourishment to those around us. The beauty and sweetness of a Christ-like character should draw others to the Savior. Sr. White states, “The most effective sermon that can be preached is a well-ordered life and a godly conversation. If we would have others behold the beauty of holiness, we must ourselves first possess it.” (The Review and Herald, September 11, 1888). We are called to share the “good fruit” of our lives—acts of love, kindness, patience, and goodness—thus making the Christian faith attractive and demonstrating the transforming power of God’s grace. “By our good works we are to let our light shine so that others, seeing our good works, may glorify our Father which is in heaven.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 231).

THE BEAUTY OF A FRUIT-FILLED LIFE

The pomegranates on the High Priest’s robe, nestled between the sounding bells, offer a beautiful and balanced picture of true religion: a faith that is both heard in its profession and seen in its fruit. They remind us that God desires not only the sound of our worship but the substance of a transformed character, overflowing with the graces of His Spirit. For us, the call is to cultivate these heavenly fruits, allowing the beauty of Christ to be seen in us, drawing others to Him through lives rich in spiritual bounty. The priestly pomegranates, symbols of spiritual fruitfulness and abundant grace, find their ultimate expression in the lives of those who are truly connected to Christ. As we anticipate His glorious return, may our deepest desire be to be adorned not with outward show, but with the imperishable beauty of a Christ-like character—the true pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet. Let us, by abiding in Him, bear much fruit, that God may be glorified and that the world may taste and see that the Lord is good.