What does it mean to abide in Christ?
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| Christ the Saviour (Pantokrator), a 6th-century encaustic icon from Saint Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai. NB - slightly cut down - for full size see here (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
The Lord Jesus has told us to be careful always to “abide" in Him. The Greek word means “remain," “endure," “continue," or “dwell." He is to be our motivation, our standard, our home, our everything. When we do abide thus in Him, the Scriptures indicate that it will make a great difference in our lives right now, as well as in the life to come.
For example, “he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked" (1 John 2:6). Furthermore, “whosoever abideth in him sinneth not" (1 John 3:6). Love for our Christian brethren will be evident, for “he that loveth his brother abideth in the light" (1 John2:10). We will obey His word, for “he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth |same word| in him, and he in him" (1 John 3:24).
In Christ's discourse on the vine and the branches (John 15:1-16) are several wonderful promises to the Christian. “He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit" (v. 5). “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (v. 7). “These things have I spoken unto you that my joy might remain |same word| in you, and that your joy might be full" (v. 11). “I have chosen you . . . that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain" (v. 16).
If we dwell in Christ, we actually are abiding in the Father and the Spirit also. Jesus said that “the Spirit of truth . . . dwelleth with you," and “|my Father and I| will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (John14:17, 23).
Therefore, let us “abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming" (1 John2:28).
