Abundant and Eternal

I love the way Jesus teaches us. He uses vivid illustrations and metaphors to communicate to us truths that have the potential to transform our lives. This is what He does in John 15. 

Perhaps this is a passage you have read over and over, or perhaps this is your first time reading it. Whichever the case is for you, I encourage you to ask God to show you who He is through these words. After all, He wrote them for you, and His Word will never return to you void (Isaiah 55:10-11). His Word always encourages, helps, and satisfies. This is a promise you can count on. 

So, who is God in this passage? 

First of all, I see a God who came down from heaven to be with us, to communicate with us, and to show us the best way to live. Jesus is God in flesh, the Word who was with God in the beginning (John 1:1, 14). Jesus shows us the heart of God. We can truly know who God is by studying the life of Jesus. 

As I observe Jesus in this passage and listen to His words, I see a God who wants a relationship with us. I see a God who cares for us and cleanses us from all our sin. I see a God who is generous, who gives us all of Himself — the fullness of His joy, His life, and His love (John 17:13; 10:10; Ephesians 3:19). I see a God who wants us to exist in abundance now and forever. 

Jesus, who is God, has our best in mind. He wants us to live a life of rich joy and peace, a life of fulfillment in Him and one that the world cannot offer. Jesus came to give us abundant life now and eternal life forever. 

A truth I keep going back to is this: Nothing of true value can be accomplished without the Lord. Jesus makes it clear for us in this passage. Living a life of abundance and significance begins with abiding in Him. 

Think about your answers to these questions: 

1. Does the Holy Spirit live in you? The Bible tells us that God Himself takes up residence inside us through His Spirit when we place our faith in Him (Ephesians 1:13-14). At the very moment you believe in Jesus, His Spirit seals you for eternal life with God. 
2. Are you living in God? In other words, do you choose to abide in Christ daily? We abide in Christ by spending time with Him in His Word and letting His Word sanctify us. We abide in Christ through prayer, praise, thanksgiving, and obedience. 

The only way to experience abundant life now and eternal life forever is when God lives in us, and we live in God. 

Think about a fruit tree in the summertime — vibrant, joyful, and alive. The fruit is ready to be picked, and it tastes sweet. This sweetness is a symbol of the tree’s life and abundance. It flourishes because it is connected to the water source. Its roots are deep, and it moves towards the light. 

When we abide in and stay connected to Jesus, the source of life, we become fully alive. We experience abundance and bear much fruit — fruit to the overflow — the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23). 

The world sees our life and asks questions, and we are ready to give them an answer to the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15). Our lives point them to God, the giver of everything good, right, and true. 

Abiding in Christ not only allows us to experience abundant and eternal life, but it also allows us to join Jesus in the will of God: to proclaim the name of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20) and to live a life in submission to Him. This is why we bear fruit (John 13:35). 

Friend, be encouraged. Walk in the life of Christ today. His life is yours, and it is abundant and eternal. 

I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. (John 10:10b)

For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)