Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

According to the words of Jesus cited in the question, the sign of abiding in Christ is bearing fruit for Him, which to me is a consideration separate from what one believes or professes. In addition, Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-20 that even unbelievers would be known by their fruits, so the fruits that believers produce must also be of the right kind.

The gospels contain multiple accounts of people who expressed belief in Jesus but were unwilling to either give up what they had to give up to be His disciple, or to endure the opposition and persecution that they would face as a result. (In the fruit analogy, they would be unable to endure the "pruning" by God of which Jesus spoke.) Therefore, despite their belief, they did not abide in Him and bear fruit for Him.

March 20 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Al Mark Supporter

I think that the issue of abiding in Christ and being a believer are two separate issues. There is a good exposition of this passage in https://www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/nt-difficulties/john-acts/jn-156-does-this-passage-teach-that-believers-will-be-sent-to-hell-for-not-bearing-fruit/, which in summary sets out three different branches in John 15. Two cases are believers; in one case they bear fruit, and in the other they do not. The third case is that of an unbeliever.

Fruit is the result of believing, and there are many passages in the New Testament that reference God like a parent who disciplines His children whom He loves (Heb 12:4-11). If one is a believer and is not behaving the way God expects them to, they should expect discipline, whatever form that might take. That is what I think it looks like for a believer who is not abiding in Christ. Fruit are works, and works don't save you, faith does.

July 02 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

Good question, Linda! -- "Is it possible to be a believer and not abide in Christ, and what does that look like?"

"John warned us that if we do not abide in Christ (keep in fellowship
with Him in obedience), we may be ashamed when He returns (1 John 2:28)." Wiersbe

Abide in Him, the light of grace will shine;
In fellowship, all shadows will decline.
Obey the light, His life in us will grow;
From darkness freed, our heart will comfort know. --hymn, (Fredrick C. Atkinson)

In other words, if we don't abide in Christ, we remain in darkness (confusion, ignorance of His Word and how to live uprightly, lack of desire to live right, etc.)

November 16 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report