8102 abiding in Christ

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.

Jesus Christ tells his disciples to abide in him

Jn 15:4-9 See also Mt 24:10-13; Lk 9:62; Jn 6:67

NT writers exhort believers to abide in Christ

Col 2:6 See also Gal 4:9; Gal 5:5-6; Col 3:1-3; Heb 12:1-3

Abiding in Christ depends upon holding on to his teaching

1Jn 2:24 See also Jn 8:31; 2Th 2:15; 2Ti 3:14; 2Jn 9; 3Jn 3-4

It depends on obedience to him Jn 15:10 See also Mt 7:24-25; Jn 14:23; Jas 1:25; 1Jn 3:24

It requires living like Jesus Christ 1Jn 2:6

Aids to abiding in Christ

Eating his flesh and drinking his blood Jn 6:56 Jn 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.

The Spirit’s anointing 1Jn 2:27 See also Jn 14:17,23; Ro 8:9; 1Jn 3:24

Jesus Christ abides in believers

Jn 15:4 It 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. See also Jn 17:23; Col 1:27; 1Jn 3:24; Rev 3:20

By his Spirit Jn 14:17; Ro 8:9-10; 1Co 3:16; 1Jn 2:27

By faith Eph 3:17-19; Gal 2:20

Results of abiding in Christ

Fruitfulness Jn 15:4-5 The 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. See also Gal 5:22-23

Answered prayer Jn 15:7,16

Freedom from persistent sin 1Jn 3:6-9 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.

Relationship with God the Father See also Jn 14:23; 2Jn 9

Confidence in the face of the last day 1Jn 2:28

Warnings to those who fail to abide in Christ

Mt 24:12-13; Jn 15:2,6; 1Co 15:2; Heb 6:4-6

See also