João 15

João 15

Hendriksen writes, “In no sense whatever do such passages as 15:2 and 15:6 suggest that there is a falling away from grace, as if those who were once actually saved finally perish. This allegory plainly teaches that the branches which are taken away and burned represent people who never once bore fruit, not even when they were ‘in’ Christ. Hence, they never were true believers; and for them the in-the-vine relationship, though close, was merely outward. There is, accordingly, nothing here (in 15:1-11) that clashes in any way with 10:28. … The true believers of chapter 15 are represented by those branches which, abiding forever in the vine, bear fruit, more fruit, much fruit. These never perish!” (BORROW Exposition of the Gospel according to John PAGE 296) See Bob Deffinbaugh's lengthy discussion of the meaning of IN ME after concluding "I believe the weight of the evidence falls on the side of that interpretation which concludes that the unfruitful branches are removed from the vine and destroyed. (The best defense of this interpretation I have seen is that of James E. Rosscup) (ED: SEE ABOVE) In much more blunt language, the unfruitful branches burn in the eternal fire of hell. If this is the case, then how do we explain the phrase “in Me” (verse 2)? Three passages in the Gospels and one in the Book of Romans help me to understand what Jesus is saying here in verse 2. Fruit is not simply nice; it is necessary. James Rosscup writes that "Some say, correctly, “Fruit bearing follows conversion, and is not a means of salvation.” (ED: COMPARE SALVATION IN Eph 2:8-9+ and FRUIT in Eph 2:10+) The point is certainly right in countering false teaching that would posit works or fruit as somehow being the basis of salvation. One problem, however, is that some cloud the issue by making it appear that if we say fruit is necessary in the Christian life, we are then subtly teaching a salvation by performance rather than by grace. Their emphasis is relevant against a works-salvation system, but it is a “straw man” if used against the view taken in this chapter. It springs from misunderstanding or else misrepresentation of what the view actually is. Fruit is not simply nice; it is necessary. It does not merit salvation, but does manifest it once it really is there. It does not earn it, but does express it; it does not secure it, but is a sign of it; it is not a condition of conversion, but a consequence of it. (BORROW this excellent work - Abiding in Christ: Studies in John 15 - notes above are from chapter entitled "God's Judgment on Professing Believers." -- If you are wrestling with the true meaning of John 15:2 let me recommend you take time read Rosscup's entire well reasoned chapter on God's Judgment on Professing Believers.-- See Table of Contents) To bear fruit is to see God produce Christlikeness in you. -- Steven Cole Bob