What does it mean to abide "in Christ?"

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Yes, we can obey all the commandments with God’s help. Yes, I can obey all the commandments with God’s help.

You can go one step further and ask the Apostle John this same question. He will tell you this:

1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

John tells us that God’s commandments are not hard to bear if we love Him. Here’s truth: If we obey His commandments, then we become spiritually healthy persons and this makes us happy. We will not have guilty consciences. We are free from grievous sins and it is a wonderful freedom. Believing and obeying the Gospel of Jesus will set us free from sin. We will hate sin because we will not want to offend Jesus who suffered and died for us so that we can be happy with Him in heaven. So we will not consciously sin.

You see, J.P., if we truly love God, we’d rather die than offend Him so we keep trying to please Him rather than offend Him. And, yes, we can fail. But if we do, we ask God to forgive us and to help us so that we will not offend Him again.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

I am not saying that I am free of venial sin because I am not. I am still trying to overcome my faults so that I can become " perfect" as my heavenly Father is perfect."

Matthew 5:48 “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

Pax,
SHW
one more thing, brother bennedict has refered to me as a liar. thats fine. all men are liars. so obeying the ten commandments will get you into heaven. lets see how honest folks in here are. raise your hand if you have ever bowed and or kneeled in front of a statue. this question goes for brother ben to. for, i never have. but ive broken most of the other ones.
 
Why do you say beloved Catholic Church when you are not Catholic and you can’t even decide whether you are Mormon or Episcopalian?
ben, i flip a coin every morning…heads im mormon, tails im episcapalian
 
Just a few comments for this post.
His commandments are not burdonsome to the spirit,but to the flesh they can be.
When one is free from sin means not that one has no sinfull tendancies,rather they are free to CHOOSE NOT TO SIN.to me that what the phrase free from sin means.
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." (Mat 11:28-30)
 
What does it mean to abide “in Christ?”

Paul tells us that those who are “in Christ Jesus” do not walk according to the flesh and so they are not condemned.

John tells us that the person who keeps God’s commandments abides in Him and He in him. In other words, you must obey the commandments in order to claim that you are abiding “in Him (Christ).”
Rom 6:11 “Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

Rom 8:1 “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

1 Cor 1:30-32 "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

1 Cor 16:24 “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

1 Cor 5:17 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, {he is} a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

Phil 4:21 “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.”

Col 1:2 “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ {who are} at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.”

1 Pet 5:14 “Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.

1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”Well, SHW, you’re sort of all over the place on this topic theologically. Biblically, spiritually, and theologically there’s a fundamental difference between being “in Christ” and that of “abiding” in Christ.

The believer’s placement “in Christ” is not something the believer himself does:1 Cor 1:30-32 "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."When the believer is “in Christ,” as the Scriptures say, he is a “new creature,” old things passed away, new things have come (2 Cor. 5:17). He has been reckoned righteous, sanctified (set apart); and redeemed (purchased with Christ’s blood). This is all in conjunction with the believer’s union with Christ, the “second Man,” the “Last Adam.”

To be “in Christ” is a creative work of God, alone, at the time of faith in Christ. On the believer’s part it’s totally non-volitional, and eternal since he’s now in the resurrected Christ.

Abiding” in Christ, however, is totally volitional on the believer’s part. It has nothing to do with the believer’s union with Christ, but rather his remaining in communion with Him. A requisite for producing spiritual fruit. As the branch must abide in the vine to produce fruit, so the believer must remain in communion with Christ (the Vine) that fruit may be produced through him.

Faith in Christ is what causes “union” with Christ: the a “new creation.” But it’s the believer’s walk by faith that causes him to remain (“abide”) in communion with Christ. The former, being a creative act of God alone, and is unconditional, eternal (everlasting). It has to do with his new identity in the resurrected Christ. The latter is conditional, based on the believer’s walk by faith and, therefore, can be interrupted and even cease.

Though a believer may lose his communion with Christ, thereby causing the condition of no fruit bearing, he cannot lose his union with Him. “Union” is God’s doing, alone (1 Cor. 1:30-32).
 
one more thing, brother bennedict has refered to me as a liar. thats fine. all men are liars. so obeying the ten commandments will get you into heaven. lets see how honest folks in here are. raise your hand if you have ever bowed and or kneeled in front of a statue. this question goes for brother ben to. for, i never have. but ive broken most of the other ones.
just what i thought. no one wants to admit this.
 
hey SHW.quoting the bible is nice.jesus says you must obey the commandments. yes. the commandments are not done away with because of the cross.let me ask you a question. can anyone obey all the commandments? lets go one step furthur…can YOU obey all the commandments?
You sound like a Protestant…LOL
 
hey SHW.quoting the bible is nice.jesus says you must obey the commandments. yes. the commandments are not done away with because of the cross.let me ask you a question. can anyone obey all the commandments? lets go one step furthur…can YOU obey all the commandments?
I would like to let everyone here know

I’m not breaking a commandment I have not broke a command as of 8 45 am eastern time
 
just what i thought. no one wants to admit this.
Raise your hand if you have ever kissed a picture of a relative

Raise your hand if you tend on being one of those that Revelations talks about being knelt before by the opposition

God dosnt consider kneeling as idolatry or else he would not permit it now would he?
 
Its 8 55 eastern time and I still have not broke a commandment

Hopefully I can make it to the top of the hour

Not much hope if I was protestant

But I think I can make it with the grace of God

What yall say
 

Though a believer may lose his communion with Christ, thereby causing the condition of no fruit bearing, he cannot lose his union with Him. “Union” is God’s doing, alone (1 Cor. 1:30-32).

Damnation awaits every branch that withers away from Christ. Being thrown out like a branch is not union.

Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. (John 15:6)

**Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Mat 3:10)

Thus the word of the LORD came to me: Son of man, what makes the wood of the vine better than any other wood? That branch among the trees of the forest! Can you use its wood to make anything worthwhile? Can you make even a peg from it, to hang on it any kind of vessel? If you throw it on the fire as fuel and the fire devours both ends and even the middle is scorched, is it still good for anything? Why, even when it was whole it was good for nothing; how much less, when the fire has devoured and scorched it, can it be used for anything! Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have destined as fuel for the fire, do I make the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will set my face against them; they have escaped from the fire, but the fire shall devour them. Thus you shall know that I am the LORD, when I turn my face against them. I will make the land a waste, because they have broken faith, says the Lord GOD. (Ezek 15:1-8)**​
 
Damnation awaits every branch that withers away from Christ. Being thrown out like a branch is not union.

Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. (John 15:6)
It’s an allegory on fruit bearing, not a doctrinal statement on damnation. One is not saved or damned based on fruit bearing (the error of Catholicism).
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Mat 3:10)
John wasn’t preaching the gospel of salvation. He was a prophet to Israel. What you’re preaching, however, is salvation by works.
Thus the word of the LORD came to me: Son of man, what makes the wood of the vine better than any other wood? That branch among the trees of the forest! Can you use its wood to make anything worthwhile? Can you make even a peg from it, to hang on it any kind of vessel? If you throw it on the fire as fuel and the fire devours both ends and even the middle is scorched, is it still good for anything? Why, even when it was whole it was good for nothing; how much less, when the fire has devoured and scorched it, can it be used for anything! Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have destined as fuel for the fire, do I make the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will set my face against them; they have escaped from the fire, but the fire shall devour them. Thus you shall know that I am the LORD, when I turn my face against them. I will make the land a waste, because they have broken faith, says the Lord GOD. (Ezek 15:1-8)
In context this is about the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of its inhabitants.

You’re blinded to the fact that there’s a gospel (good news message) of salvation in the Scriptures and it’s not based on your works but the sacrificial work of Another - the incarnate Son - and faith in Him. But all you can see is judgment and eternal damnation. That really is a pity. There is a piece of wood that was not used for fuel but salvation:John 3:14-15 “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.”
 
Just so yall know the grace of God is good

Still have not broke a commandment
10:30

Keep me in your prayers
 
It’s an allegory on fruit bearing, not a doctrinal statement on damnation. One is not saved or damned based on fruit bearing (the error of Catholicism).John wasn’t preaching the gospel of salvation. He was a prophet to Israel. What you’re preaching, however, is salvation by works.In context this is about the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of its inhabitants.

You’re blinded to the fact that there’s a gospel (good news message) of salvation in the Scriptures and it’s not based on your works but the sacrificial work of Another - the incarnate Son - and faith in Him. But all you can see is judgment and eternal damnation. That really is a pity. There is a piece of wood that was not used for fuel but salvation:John 3:14-15 “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.”
Amen brother!
 
It’s an allegory on fruit bearing, not a doctrinal statement on damnation. One is not saved or damned based on fruit bearing (the error of Catholicism).John wasn’t preaching the gospel of salvation. He was a prophet to Israel. What you’re preaching, however, is salvation by works.In context this is about the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of its inhabitants.

You’re blinded to the fact that there’s a gospel (good news message) of salvation in the Scriptures and it’s not based on your works but the sacrificial work of Another - the incarnate Son - and faith in Him. But all you can see is judgment and eternal damnation. That really is a pity. There is a piece of wood that was not used for fuel but salvation:John 3:14-15 “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.”
I recon we can comit adultry murder fornication and still get into heaven

What about Paul saying all evil doers will be condemned?
 
It’s an allegory on fruit bearing, not a doctrinal statement on damnation. One is not saved or damned based on fruit bearing

John 3:14-15 “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.”[/indent]
“It’s an allegory on fruit bearing…”
What a convenient way of dismissing the teaching of Jesus himself. Just an allegory. Not a doctrinal statement.
However, it can’t be an allegory on fruit bearing, because if Jesus were simply talking about fruit bearing, it wouldn’t be an allegory! And why would Jesus talk about something everybody already knew about? No, He used fruit bearing as a picture of what it means to follow him. Definitely a doctrinal statement.

“Whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.” Also, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31

Okay, what does it mean to believe in Jesus? John 8:30,31 describes what Jesus means by believing in Him. “As he spoke thus, many believed in him. Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples…”

“Believe in the Lord Jesus…” Notice Paul said Lord Jesus. What is Lord? Lord is someone you obey. Believing in Jesus means obeying him.

These verses and the allegory of vine, branches, and fruit are examples of what Jesus himself means by believing in him.
 
It’s an allegory on fruit bearing, not a doctrinal statement on damnation. One is not saved or damned based on fruit bearing (the error of Catholicism).John wasn’t preaching the gospel of salvation. He was a prophet to Israel. What you’re preaching, however, is salvation by works.In context this is about the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of its inhabitants.

You’re blinded to the fact that there’s a gospel (good news message) of salvation in the Scriptures and it’s not based on your works but the sacrificial work of Another - the incarnate Son - and faith in Him. But all you can see is judgment and eternal damnation. That really is a pity. There is a piece of wood that was not used for fuel but salvation:John 3:14-15 “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.”
Luke 6:37
“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.
38
Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
39
And he told them a parable, "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?
40
No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.
41
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?
42
How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.
43
“A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit.
44
For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles.
45
A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.
46
"Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command?
47
I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them.
48
That one is like a person building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built.
49
But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed.”
 
“It’s an allegory on fruit bearing…”
What a convenient way of dismissing the teaching of Jesus himself. Just an allegory. Not a doctrinal statement.
However, it can’t be an allegory on fruit bearing, because if Jesus were simply talking about fruit bearing, it wouldn’t be an allegory! And why would Jesus talk about something everybody already knew about? No, He used fruit bearing as a picture of what it means to follow him. Definitely a doctrinal statement.

“Whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.” Also, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31

Okay, what does it mean to believe in Jesus? John 8:30,31 describes what Jesus means by believing in Him. “As he spoke thus, many believed in him. Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples…”

“Believe in the Lord Jesus…” Notice Paul said Lord Jesus. What is Lord? Lord is someone you obey. Believing in Jesus means obeying him.

These verses and the allegory of vine, branches, and fruit are examples of what Jesus himself means by believing in him.
No, He’s speaking to those who were already His through belief in Him. He’s speaking on how they may now bear fruit through Him. Context, my friend, context.
 
Luke 6:37
“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.
38
Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
39
And he told them a parable, "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?
40
No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.
41
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?
42
How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.
43
“A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit.
44
For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles.
45
A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.
46
"Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command?
47
I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them.
48
That one is like a person building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built.
49
But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed.”
Eph 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, {it is} the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Acts 10:43 “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

Acts 13:38 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,”

Acts 26:18 "…to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’

Col 1:14 “…in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

1 John 2:12 “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake.”
 
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