Dictionary of Bible Themes The NT stresses the need for believers to remain in Christ. The reality of this close personal relationship with Jesus Christ is expressed in obedience to his word and is essential to effective discipleship. John 15:4-9Jesus Christ tells his disciples to abide in him See also Matthew 24:10-13Luke 9:62 John 6:67 Colossians 2:6 NT writers exhort believers to abide in Christ See also Galatians 4:9; 5:5-6Colossians 3:1-3 Hebrews 12:1-3 1 John 2:24 Abiding in Christ depends upon holding on to his teaching See also John 8:312 Thessalonians 2:15 2 Timothy 3:14 2 John 1:9 3 John 1:3-4 John 15:10 See also It depends on obedience to him Matthew 7:24-25John 14:23 James 1:25 1 John 3:24 1 John 2:6 It requires living like Jesus Christ John 6:56Aids to abiding in Christ Eating his flesh and drinking his blood 1 John 2:27Jn 6:35-40 gives the primary explanation of this verse as being a metaphor of the believer coming in faith to Jesus Christ, "the bread of life". But the verse also reflects the language of the Lord's Supper. See also The Spirit's anointing John 14:17,23Romans 8:9 1 John 3:24 John 15:4 Jesus Christ abides in believers See also John 17:23It is clear that the believer's "abiding in Christ" and Jesus Christ's "abiding in him" are closely connected, although the verse does not make their exact relationship clear. Because of Jesus Christ's indwelling by his Spirit, believers are able to continue to live as his disciples; as they do so, the reality of his indwelling presence is deepened. Colossians 1:271 John 3:24 Revelation 3:20 John 14:17 Romans 8:9-10 By his Spirit 1 Corinthians 3:161 John 2:27 Ephesians 3:17-19 Galatians 2:20 By faith John 15:4-5Results of abiding in Christ Fruitfulness See also Galatians 5:22-23The picture of "bearing fruit" may cover many aspects of Christian life but it includes that of developing Christian character, effective Christian service and mission. These result, not from human effort, but from abiding in Christ. John 15:7,16Answered prayer 1 John 3:6-9Freedom from persistent sin See also John is not saying that Christians are absolutely sinless. He says elsewhere that to claim sinless perfection is to deceive oneself (1Jn 1:8). But when people are born again there is the real possibility of living lives in which sin is not the norm. As believers abide in Christ more deeply, the grip of sin upon their lives is lessened. John 14:23Relationship with God the Father 2 John 1:91 John 2:28 Confidence in the face of the last day Matthew 24:12-13Warnings to those who fail to abide in Christ John 15:2,61 Corinthians 15:2 Hebrews 6:4-6 See also 3254 Holy Spirit, fruit of3278 Holy Spirit, indwelling 6218 provoking God 6705 peace, experience 6754 union with Christ 8114 discipleship 8164 spirituality 8256 fruitfulness 8453 obedience 8459 perseverance 8602 prayer |
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