John 15:6

Good morning friends,

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.

 Jesus is not addressing his true disciples at this point for he would say “if you do not abide in me.” He is not saying a person can go into or out of abiding in Christ, one is either in the vine or they are not. Those who are not in the vine may have appeared to have been but were not in reality This may have some illusion to Judas who at this point was removed, it applies, however, to everyone who has made a profession, but now denies the gospel or walks unworthy of that profession. What comes to mind here is Hebrews 6:

 “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit,  and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.”

 We see that one can come close and even participate in the things of God and not truly be “in Christ.” For all appearances they seem to be in the vine, but in actuality are not. Of course Judas would be the clearest example of this. Those in my age strata might remember with great sadness Bob Dylan’s profession of faith back in the late 70’s under the influence of Keith Green. Actually putting out a couple “Christian” albums and latter recanting that he ever committed his life to Christ.  We must look at such verses with great sadness. Those we may have close relationships with may be in this situation. Several years ago a man that served as our associate pastor and one with whom I had admiration for walked out on God the church and his family. The man certainly “fooled” many people in the Church – even the leadership who prayerfully called him.

 Have a blessed Lord’s Day  

Bill

Heidelberg Catechism

 Q. 30.Do such then believe in Jesus the only Saviour, who seek their salvation and welfare of saints, of themselves, or anywhere else?

A. They do not; for though they boast of him in words, yet in deeds they deny Jesus the only deliverer and Saviour; (a) for one of these two things must be true, that either Jesus is not a complete Saviour; or that they, who by a true faith receive this Saviour, must find all things in him necessary to their salvation. (b) (a) 1 Cor.1:13,30,31; Gal.5:4. (b) Heb.12:2; Isa.9:6; Col.1:19,20; Col.2:10; 1 John 1:7,16.

 

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