According to the Bible, the expression ‘abide in’ means to ‘dwell in’, ‘remain in’, or ‘reside in’.
This meaning has been arrived at by considering the following context of scripture within which the phrase ‘to abide’ has been used:
John 15:4–8 (ESV)
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing.
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.
If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this, my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
In these scriptures, Christ clearly outlined to his disciples the condition that they had to meet in order for them to bear fruit, namely, abiding, remaining, or residing in him. This means that the disciples had to observe the commandments Christ gave them and shun all that he opposed.
The fruit mentioned in this passage is none other than the fruit of the Holy Spirit embodied in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
This scripture is still applicable to modern-day Christian believers. Meaning, for us to bear fruit, we must abide by or remain aligned with the teachings of Christ.
This implies that we can never manifest love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control unless we align our lifestyle with the teachings of Christ Jesus.
In fact, Christ Jesus clearly indicated that without abiding in him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Furthermore, we need to abide in Christ to avoid being cut off from the main branch and getting burned (John 15:6). This is because if we fail to abide in him, we cannot bear fruit, and therefore we become a liability to the body of Christ and essentially ‘good for nothing’. So, Christ will get rid of us so as to ensure that only the fruitful branches have access to the nutrients in order to flourish.
In addition, in order to get our prayers answered as believers, we must abide in Christ (John 15:7). So, whenever we pray to God without getting an answer, it may be necessary to retreat and take an audit of our lifestyle to ascertain whether or not we are still connected to him.
In 1 John 2:24–28, we also come across the expression, abide in, as follows:
“Therefore, let that abide in you, which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.
These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught, you will abide in Him.
And now, little children, abide in Him, that when he appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”
I hope this is helpful. Thank you.
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Also Read: How can Jesus Christ be the only way to God the creator
Prayer to get saved or born again
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and hereby ask for your forgiveness.
I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you are the only begotten Son of the living God.
I believe that you were sent by your Father to the earth to save sinners like me.
I now accept you as my personal Lord and Savior.
Come into my heart and baptize me with the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for saving me.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen!”
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My name is Nicodemus. I'm a Kenyan by birth. I got saved over 30 years ago while in high school.
I love studying scriptures in order to enhance my comprehension of God and His plan for mankind.
I have an MBA degree in strategic management and a BSc degree in botany and zoology.
I’m married to a loving lady called Leah. God has gifted us three sons: Wayne, Salem, and Michael.
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