John 15:5 (New International Version)
5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
During His time on Earth, Jesus often spoke in parables, or used analogies.
This is the case when He shares some truths with the disciples, shortly before his arrest and crucifixion.
Most people want to be successful in life.
But this can have quite a different meaning for Christians, compared to those who reject, ignore or don’t believe in God.
Jesus is blunt to say the least.
He says that without Him, we can do nothing (of eternal significance).
We may think we are so wonderful and able to do amazing things. We love to put on a show and then wait for the applause from our fellows.
And then we feel good about ourselves.
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But the sobering truth is that unless what we are doing is rooted in Christ, it’s just not going to have any eternal meaning or value.
Sure, our good deeds will help others, bringing them some relief and even joy, but it’ll pass in the course of time.
One thing is super clear. Jesus says He is the vine, as in the source.
At best, we are the branches. A branch cannot survive on its own. Chop it off the vine and it dies pretty quickly.
If the branch stays attached to the vine it will produce fruit, lots of it.
It’s the same way for a Christian.
If his or her life is not plugged in to the vital source of life (Christ) he or she will not be able to do anything of lasting spiritual, eternal significance.
When it comes to salvation, it’s the same: we cannot save ourselves from a sinful world and the coming day of judgment.
It’s only through repentance of sins and belief in Christ that we can be saved. According to the Bible, that is the only way to inherit eternal life.
These are Christ’s own words, recorded in the Bible.
You can argue them away, or choose to ignore them, or not even believe them.
But they are there. It’s what He said. One day we will truly understand. For now, we have to have faith.
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