In John Chapter 15 we see Jesus say a lot about the importance of abiding in Him. One thing He said on this subject is bearing fruit will inevitably occur with every person who abides in Him. He also said that for those who do not bear fruit they will be gathered like a branch that withers and thrown away into the fire. Considering the importance of abiding in and bearing fruit for Jesus it would be wise to know what abiding and bearing fruit are. Theologian James Montgomery Boice (1938-2000) explains about abiding in Christ with these words, “When our Lord says: Abide in me he is talking about the will, about the choices, the decisions we make. We must decide to do things which expose ourselves to him and keep ourselves in contact with him. This is what it means to abide in him.” The Enduring Word Bible App says these things about bearing fruit, “The purpose of the branch is to bear fruit. Though there are uses for grape leaves, people don’t raise grape vines to look at the pretty leaves. They take the trouble to cultivate, plant, water and tend the vines so that fruit can be enjoyed. In this sense, we can say that fruit represents Christian character (such as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5). God’s work in us and our connection to Him should be evident by fruit, and perhaps by much fruit”, and “The concept of abiding is not restricted to our abiding in Jesus; it also includes His abiding in us (and I in him). It is a mutual dynamic that expects our life to be spiritually and practically in vital connection with Jesus, and that expects Him to indwell us in an active, real way. In no way is the responsibility for abiding only upon the believer.” Knowing these things we all need to examine ourselves to God’s Word and determine if we are abiding in Jesus, resulting in fruit in our life, and thus passing one of the tests in our life about having Biblical assurance we will not be gathered up and thrown into the fire. Amen and God bless.
