Day 5 John 15:6
Day 5
John 15:6
If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
So, what does vs. 6 mean exactly? These words are often taken to teach that a Believer's salvation and safety depends upon his fruit-bearing and his faithfulness. Note in verse 6 the change from "you" to "a man." If our Lord had said "if ye abide not in me, ye shall be cast forth as a branch, etc.," it would mean a true Believer. But the change makes it clear that no true disciple is meant, but one who makes a profession without being born again. In other words, you cannot be fruitless and a Believer. Believers bear fruit - they do this naturally. It is done upon them; it is not something they do! There will be people who think they are followers of Christ because of a decision or an emotional moment in their life. However, their decision to be in Christ is for their own good, not for the good of Christ. This person is lacking in depth and abiding. True followers abide. Fake followers do not abide.
After all, the final, miserable ruin and punishment of false professors, is the great lesson which the verse teaches. “Abiding in Christ leads to fruitfulness in this life and everlasting happiness in the life to come. Departure from Christ leads to the everlasting fire of Hell."-- J.C. Ryle.
The secret of true fruit-bearing (the manifestation of the new nature in our life), is abiding in Christ and Christ in us. "He that says he abides in Him ought himself also so to walk as He walked." The vine reproduces itself in the branch. Abiding in Christ means to walk in communion with Him and in utter dependence on Himself. Therefore, your life should be reproducing the Life of Christ. Is it?
