Abiding in Christ
Abiding in Christ
Dear Cor Incensi,
In this post we explore what it means to abide in Christ. In our abiding we are deeply connected to the will of our Father. If we fail to abide, we wither, fail to bear spiritual fruit, and become susceptible to utter destruction. Praying “in Jesus’ name” is no formulaic solution, either. Abiding is a spiritual act - the work of the Holy Spirit, that connects us to Christ’s nature itself for the glory of God. We may recognize our abiding by the presence of the Spirit’s fruits in ourselves, for example the love of Christ. However we need to be careful not to confuse Christ’s love with our earthly natural inclinations of love…
Scripture:
In John 15, Jesus speaks of abiding in him, in the same way that branches bear fruit while abiding in the vine:
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. 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. 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. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (John 15:4-8, KJV)
Spiritual Reading:
The Reality of Prayer by E.M. Bounds
Excerpt from “VI. Jesus Christ, The Divine Teacher of Prayer (Continued)”*:
Much true praying increases man’s joy and God’s glory.
“Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, I will give,” says Christ, and the Father will give. Both Father and Son are pledged to give the very things for which we ask. But the condition is “in His name.” This does not mean that His name is talismanic, to give value by magic. It does not mean that His name in beautiful settings of pearl will give value to prayer. It is not that His name perfumed with sentiment and larded in and closing up our prayers and doings will do the deed How fearful the statement: “Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you. Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” How blasting the doom of these great workers and doers who claim to work in His name!
It means far more than sentiment, verbiage, and nomenclature. It means to stand in His stead, to bear His nature, to stand for all for which He stood, for righteousness, truth, holiness and zeal. It means to be one with God as He was, one in spirit, in will and in purpose. It means that our praying is singly and solely for God’s glory through His Son. It means that we abide in Him, that Christ prays through us, lives in us and shines out of us; that we pray by the Holy Spirit according to the will of God.
*Bounds, Edward. “VI. Jesus Christ, The Divine Teacher of Prayer (Continued).” The Reality of Prayer, Project Gutenberg, 2024, pp. 62-63. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73032/. eBook.
Weekly Fruit of the Spirit:
LOVE
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV)
Spiritual Practice:
Contemplate… How do you know your experience of love is not from your earthly nature but from abiding in Christ?
Worship:
Smith, Jordan. “Abide - OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO.” David’s Harp, Vol. II . Dvout Music, 2024, YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN8vOyGjljI&list=RDkN8vOyGjljI&start_radio=1. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
Pray
Heavenly Father,
I humbly ask to be transformed by your Holy Spirit. I pray that you would help me to continually abide in your Son, Jesus Christ. Please forgive me for the times when I have succumbed to my earthly nature, especially with regard to a lack of true spiritual love that only You can inspire. May Your grace guide me to You, and keep me always.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Deo Volente,
KS