Abiding in Christ

The intimate, ongoing union between believers and Jesus that is the source of all spiritual life and fruitfulness. John 15:4-5 is the central text: 'Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.' First John 2:28 urges, 'Continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident.' Colossians 2:6-7 instructs, 'Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him.' Abiding involves faith, obedience, prayer, and feeding on God's Word. It is the sustaining relationship from which all Christian virtue flows.