John 15:5 Footnotes

These footnotes are taken from a Life Application Study Bible, NIV.

Verse 5:  Remaining in Christ means:


1.  believing that he is God's Son (1 John 4:15),
2.  receiving him as Savior and Lord (John 1:12),
3.  doing what God says (1 John 3:24),
4.  continuing to believe the gospel (1 John 2:24), and
5.  relating in love to the community of believers, Christ's body (John 15:12).


Verses 5-8:  Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right.  But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to him, like a branch attached to the vine.  Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful.  Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the vine?  If not, you are missing a special gift he has for you.


The children and I studied a sweet potato vine we have growing on the patio.  We looked at the vine and how the branches (really just shoots of leaves) were connected.  Then we removed one of the branches and observed that it didn't take long for it to become withered and lifeless.  It was a great visual picture.  


We must stay connected to the vine!