In The Master's Service

ABIDING IN CHRIST

Elder Wayne Crocker

In order for one to abide in any place, he must first be there. If you are told to abide at a particular location, you must already be there or you must take the steps necessary to get there. When one is instructed to make a move from his current location, the first commandment would be to go or come to the desired place. Then he might be told to abide.

When Jesus tells his disciples to "abide in me" (John 15:4), it is obvious that the disciples are in Christ. How did they get in Christ? It was through God's love and grace bestowed upon them. (What Jesus said regarding the disciples in John 15 is applicable to His disciples in every age.) Everyone who was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world and predestinated unto the adoption of children (Ephesians 1:4-5) are vitally placed in Christ when they are born again, or regenerated. This is entirely the work of God. "(Y)ou hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1).

As far as eternal life is concerned, all the elect of God will forever remain in Christ. Jesus said: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" (John 10:27-28).

However, in the matter of abiding in the fellowship, discipleship, comfort and approving favor of Christ, the child of God must obey the commandment of Jesus: "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me" (John 15:4).

Jesus uses the analogy of a vine and its branches to teach the importance of His followers continuing to walk or abide in His teachings and fellowship. We as branches are enabled to bear much fruit to the glory of God when we abide in Christ, the vine. He will continue to purge, or correct us that we will bear more and more fruit of righteousness (John 15:2).

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). Do we want to be fruitful? I think we do. But, are we willing to continually abide in the discipleship of Christ, or had we rather at times walk in the flesh and reap the vanities of this world? Do we "seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33), or is it number two or three on our list of priorities?

We don't have to wonder about what is involved in dwelling or abiding in the house of the Lord. David asked the question and then gave the answer regarding this matter in Psalm 15:

1. "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2. "He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3. "He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.
4. "In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not.
5. "He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved."

We should desire to abide in Christ because of our love for Him and in thankfulness for what He has done and has promised to do for us. In addition, there is much benefit in our doing so while we are in our pilgrimage on earth. David said, "I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings" (Psalm 61:4). Can you think of a better place to be amid all the conflicts, disappointments and sorrows of life than under the wings of the Lord?

David concluded Psalm 23 by saying, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Nothing the world has to offer can compare with the loving favor of the Lord throughout life. And after experiencing His companionship in this life, then by His wonderful mercy and grace, we will dwell eternally with Him in that eternal house in heaven.

The positive aspect of John 15:1-5 and the many other scriptures teaching the same lesson should be sufficient to cause a child of God to abide in the fellowship and discipleship of Christ. But being weak and sinful as we are in the flesh, the negative is also needful. Jesus said, "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned" (John 15:6).

Some take the above to mean that those who abide not in Christ, will burn in hell. But that is obviously not what is under consideration. Matthew 13:38-42 tells us that angels, not men, will gather the wicked at the end of the world.

Although those who abide not in Jesus, are still children of God and have eternal life, this does not minimize the seriousness of the punishment that will fall on them in their disobedience.

There are too many good reasons to walk obediently with Christ, for us to walk in disobedience. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples" (John 15:7-8)