Hi Ladies,
As we continue to unpack John 15 and the concept of abiding in Christ, we need to deal with a sobering reality. It's also one that is often misunderstood. My prayer is that the Spirit will work through our time spent meditating on it this week to both strengthen and encourage you. Please read the entire passage again to get the context of the bolded sections:
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:1-11)
Much ink has been spilled over these sections. Much fear has been generated as well. Does God actually remove people who aren't bearing fruit?
While people much smarter and more trained than I can give you the technical information, I want to distill a few interpretive principles and show you the meaning I believe is most faithful to the whole of Scripture.
When it comes to hermeneutics (or interpreting Scripture), here are three key principles to keep in mind. There are more, but get these if nothing else!
1) Context is key
2) Let Scripture interpret Scripture
3) Let clear passages help interpret less clear passages
First, context is key. We need to read these verses in light of the whole passage, which is why I've had you do that the last three weeks.
Second, let Scripture interpret Scripture. We need to consider the whole counsel of God when interpreting these verses. God will never contradict Himself.
Third, let clear passages help interpret less clear passages. If we encounter something that seems contradictory, we need to let the clear passage shed light on the unclear.
With these three principles in mind, let's look at the first bolded section from above: "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." Jesus has presented two groups in the larger context: those who bear fruit and those who don't. He has also given two positions, so to speak: those who are attached to the vine and those who aren't. These two groups can be spoken of this way: those attached bear fruit, and those who aren't, don't.
There's no third option presented here. While the first bolded section (v. 2) might lead you to think that there is an unfruitful group in Christ, the second bolded section (v. 6) clarifies by using different words to say the same thing: "If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers."
So why would Christ say "every branch in me that does not bear fruit"? John, in his gospel, makes a point to highlight those who claim to be Christ-followers, but aren't true disciples (e.g. Jn. 3:2-11, 5:39-42, 6:66, 8:31-47, 13:10-11). As Matthew also supports, it will not be enough to say on that day "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?" (Mt. 7:22) Only those truly in Him are His. Therefore, those who do not bear fruit are those who are not abiding - who are not truly attached to the vine. And they are the ones taken away, who wither and are burned.
Scripture makes crystal clear that we cannot lose our salvation. Earlier in John Christ also says, "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." (Jn. 6:37) And, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." (Jn. 10:27-29)
Ladies in Christ, I hope this is a comfort to you. If you have placed your faith and trust in Him alone, you are unremovable! You will bear the fruit that He has created you to bear.
But if any of you hasn't placed your faith and trust in Him alone - who are not yet attached to the True Vine - it's not too late. No one alive right now is cut off from Christ. His invitation for you to come and abide and bear fruit stands. Please don't wait.
Let's pray for one another this week, that this comforting and motivating truth might be (or become) the reality for each one in our growing church family! ❤️🙏🏼
