Abiding i N Christ www theantidotetodeception com

Abiding i. N Christ www. theantidotetodeception. com

Introduction: In this study we will look at a basic principle, but one few people comprehend. This study reveals the most fundamental principle of the Bible: our need of abiding in the power of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

Theme Scripture: Joh 15: 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. Joh 15: 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Joh 15: 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. Joh 15: 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Joh 15: 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

In Eden Gen 3: 21 Unto Adam also and To his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

In Eden Our first parents were the first beneficiaries of the “in Christ” relationship. In type (the Lamb skin), Christ was seeking to reveal the hidden mystery which in time would be revealed, that is, the restoration of fallen humanity. Note: They had previously sewn together fig leaves to cover themselves, but soon found that they were still feeling naked. They had lost the covering that mattered. In vain was their hope of supplying the lack, only the covering which Christ provides, can satisfy. See: Genesis 3: 1 -21; Galatians 4: 4 -5; Col. 2: 6; Revelation. 13: 8

Abraham Understands Gen 15: 1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Gen 15: 6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. A shield protects, Abraham, believed God, because He had seen Him watch over him. As long as Abraham, continued to abide in this faith-based relationship, he was safe. In those moments when Abraham stepped out of faith, he would see the bitter results. As he continued to abide in Christ, he continued to grow in faith, and became the father of the faithful.

Israel Chooses Their Own Covering Like Adam & Eve, they sought to work out their own salvation, not by grace, but by works: Gal 2: 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But just like in Eden, the works of man can never supply the need of that which is lacking. . . being clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

Israel Chooses Their Own Covering Deu 5: 27 Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. Deu 5: 28 And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. Deu 5: 29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Israel Chooses Their Own Covering Israel did not really know their hearts. Maybe they did indeed intended to keep the Law of God, but they did not have a heart to do it: Jer 17: 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately things wicked: who can know it? Heb 8: 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. Heb 8: 8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

In Christ Alone Joh 15: 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing The more we read Scripture, the more we come in contact with words that seem to say that “we” must do and be obedient. True enough, holiness and obedience are required of God. But when Adam sold himself out to sin, fallen humanity could not offer these. See: Romans 8: 5 -8

In Christ Alone “Without Me ye can do nothing, ” this isn't to be taken lightly. Today, many upon many new-born Christians are not taught to depend upon Christ. They are told that they must: pray, study, witness, go to church, have worship, etc. All these indeed have their place, but our dependance, should never rest on these things. All should be made to understand that Christ, and Christ alone is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12: 2). We should never be made to feel that we can sew fig-leaves and call this a covering. Yes inded: prayer, Bible study and church-attendance, can indeed be a covering, seeking to take the place of having an abiding relationship with Jesus.

In Christ Alone Is there a place for works? Yes, but how? : Gal 5: 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. In John 15: 5 -8, the goal of the abiding relationship is, fruit bearing. But, as we see from the context: the fruit only hangs from Branches, they derive from the vine. What is this fruit? ; “But the fruit if the Spirit is love. . . ” Gal. 5: 22 See Also: 2 Peter 3: 18; 2 Peter 1: 1 -12

Growth In Grace But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3: 18 As Christians we are not just called to occupy the field, we are called to share our faith, to be a blessing to those around us, and to be of special help to the house-hold of faith (Gal. 6: 1 -10). But, we cannot give what we do not have. That is why we study, pray and attend church meetings, to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus. As we come into full maturity, the promises is given: Mar 4: 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. Mar 4: 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

Closing Thought Joh 3: 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Joh 3: 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Joh 3: 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Joh 3: 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Joh 3: 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. Joh 3: 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.