The Horror of Not Abiding

Lesson #242

Jesus continues to speak about the importance of abiding in him: “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned” (John 15:6 ESV). Once you are born again you abide in Jesus. Therefore, if one does not abide in Jesus then that person is not a believer. Branches are people and these branches can either be attached to Jesus the true vine or they can be from somewhere else. They were not once abiding in Jesus and now they are not. That would imply the loss of salvation and that is not supported by Scripture. I know of some who think otherwise, but they are not interrupting the Scriptures correctly.

If branches are found not attached to the true vine they are of little value and are to be gathered up and thrown into the fire and burned. This brings to mind the fate of the unbeliever: “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8 ESV). Anyone who has not been born again will experience the second death and will burn forever.

Think about what we have covered so far that would apply to the unbeliever. The unbeliever is cut off from Jesus, having no connection to the light and life he provides. The unbeliever is withered, having no spiritual life within. Unbelievers are gathered up through God’s judgment to experience his wrath forever because of their sin. Unbelievers are separated from God’s people and from God himself and left to themselves and the devil forever. The unbeliever will experience burning in hell for an eternity. How important it is that we abide in Jesus and seek the mind of Christ and in obedience, fight the good fight of bringing in the harvest of plentiful fruit to the glory of God.

Prayer

Father, after seeing the outcome of the one who does not abide in Jesus, it is hard to understand why so many stand in opposition to him. It is also hard to understand why so many Christians continue to live for themselves and not for the eternal work of the kingdom of God. Father, your word is so rich and walking with Jesus is truly an adventure of a lifetime, but living by faith seems so unattractive to so many. Father, have mercy on them because they don’t know what they are missing now and in many respects for all eternity.