LIKE A BRANCH THAT IS THROWN AWAY

11/27/2022

November 27-Start Your Day Right Devotion

John 15:6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

LIKE A BRANCH THAT IS THROWN AWAY

This symbolic word picture of the vine and branches makes it very clear that a person can be cut off from the “true vine” (Jesus) is he or she does not personally choose to stay connected to the “true vine.” The Lord never taught that once we are saved, we would always remain saved. Rather, Jesus gave His disciples a solemn but loving warning of the fact that it is possible for true believers to abandon their faith, turn their backs on Jesus and fail to remain in a relationship with Him. As a result, they are cut off and will be thrown into the fire of hell.

This passage teaches one of the most basic principles about the saving relationship between Christ and those who believe in Him. One’s relationship with Jesus is never static (passive or unchanging); it is either growing or dying – strengthening or declining. A follower of Christ cannot rely on a past decision or experience to keep him or her connected to Christ. A truly committed relationship with Jesus must continually be progressing and developing as God’s Spirit lives in the believer and shares Christ’s life with him or her (John 17:3; Colossians 3:4; 1 John 5:11-13).
This illustration teaches three important truths: (a) Though no outside circumstances or forces can remove true believers from God’s hand (John 10:28-29), it is still their responsibility to stay devoted to Christ and not remove themselves from His purpose and care (John 15:4). They must continually choose to remain in a vital and well-connected relationship with Him – a relationship that began when they received Christ’s forgiveness and new life. (b) Remaining in Christ results in Jesus continually living in and through His followers (John 15:4), spiritual fruitfulness (John 15:5), effective prayer (John 15:7) and a fulfilling sense of joy (John 15:11). (c) The consequences of failing to remain in Christ are fruitlessness (John 15:4-5), removal from Christ and personal destruction (John 15:2, 6).

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