* ALL Questions about the Christian Life *

What is the meaning of the term Christian?​

Answer

The followers of Jesus Christ were first referred to as “Christians” by the Gentiles of Syrian Antioch, and the name was more than likely meant as an insult (see Acts 11:26).

In the New Testament, believers never refer to themselves as “Christians”; rather, they use such terms as brethren (Acts 15:1; 1 Corinthians 16:20, NAS), disciples (Acts 11:26; 14:24, NKJV), and saints (Acts 9:13; 2 Corinthians 13:13, ESV). Before his conversion, Saul of Tarsus sought out those “who belonged to the Way” (Acts 9:2), indicating that an early label for Christians could have been “people of the Way” (see also Acts 19:9; 24:22).

Believers in Christ came to be called “Christians” during a time of rapid expansion in the church. Persecution had forced many believers from Jerusalem, and they scattered to various areas, taking the gospel with them. The evangelism was at first limited to Jewish populations. That changed when “men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:20–21). Barnabas was there in Antioch, as was the newly converted Saul, and they were both teaching in the church. “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26, BLB).

At the time that believers got the appellation Christians, it was common for the Greeks to give satirical nicknames to particular groups. So those loyal to the Roman General Pompey were dubbed “Pompeians,” and the followers of General Sulla were called “Sullanians.” Those who publicly and enthusiastically praised the emperor Nero Augustus received the name Augustinians, meaning “of the party of Augustus.” To the Greeks, it was all a fun word game and a verbally dismissive gesture. Then a new group cropped up in Antioch; since they were characterized by behavior and speech centered on Christ, the Greeks called them “Christians,” or “those of the party of Christ.”

In the first decades after the resurrection, the word Christ meant little to the general population. In fact, some ancient sources refer to believers as “Chrestians” and relate that their key figure was “Chrestus,” reflecting limited knowledge of the actual faith. This makes it seem even more likely that the word Christian was cobbled together by those who were not involved in Christianity themselves.

Non-believing Jews of that day would not have referred to believers as “Christians,” since Christ means “Messiah” and refers to the Son of David. Christ was exactly what they did not believe Jesus to be; such a term would not have been used by Jews until it became an established, stand-alone word. In the book of Acts, we see the unbelieving Jews referring to Christians as those “of the Nazarene sect” (Acts 24:5)—Nazareth being a city of low repute in the minds of most Israelites (see John 1:46).

Both the Bible and history suggest that the term Christian was probably meant as a mocking insult when it was first coined. Peter actually tells his readers not to be “ashamed” if they are called by that term (1 Peter 4:16). Likewise, when Herod Agrippa rejects Paul’s appeal to be saved, he says, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” and he was probably playing off of the negative reputation of that term (Acts 26:28). Why would he, a king, submit to the indignity of being called a “Christian”?

For Further Study​

The Quest Study Bible

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Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word?​

Answer

There is a saying: “Good is its own reward.” But we may also wonder whether God rewards us in other ways if we obey His Word. Does being good earn us additional blessings and benefits aside from the pleasant feeling? This question can have two answers, so we’ll look at both of them.

First of all, God’s pleasure at obedience is documented over and over in Scripture, especially in the Old Testament (Psalm 91:14–15; Isaiah 58:13–14). God’s covenant with Israel at Sinai was very much conditional, as it was based on their obedience, and His promises to bless them depended on whether or not they kept His commands (Leviticus 3). The Old Testament records the consequences Israel experienced when they kept or broke the covenant (Deuteronomy 8:19–20; Daniel 9:11–12). When Israel obeyed, God prospered them (Exodus 15:26). When they defied Him, He brought judgment (2 Kings 24:2–3). During that time in human history, God offered tangible rewards for obedience to His commands.

By the time Jesus came to earth, the leaders of Israel had added to God’s law and turned it into a religious system without the relationship. They believed themselves righteous because they followed the system of rules they had set up. They assured themselves that they were God’s favorites because they were descendants of Abraham and because they were so religious.

However, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of the day, saying, “You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men’” (Matthew 15:7–9). The Pharisees were obedient to the letter of the law in some respects, but they nullified other parts of the law by their own traditions. They were rebuked because whatever show of obedience they had was motivated by self-righteousness, not love for God. Those who were promised rewards for obedience were rebuked many times because their obedience was not from the heart and was incomplete (Isaiah 29:13; Malachi 2:13–17; 3:8–15; Matthew 23:15–28).

So, what about now? Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? We can better answer this question by recognizing that God’s Word is the instruction manual for our lives. When we apply its principles, our consciences are clean and our lives function as they were designed to function. Consider it this way: a man purchases an unassembled swing set for his children. He is not the engineering type and has no experience in working with tools. But if he reads the manual and consults with people who have assembled such things before, he will be able to set up the swing set the way it was designed, and he and his children will be greatly rewarded for his trouble. If he ignores the owner’s manual, however, he’s courting frustration and possibly disaster. There are built-in rewards for simply following instructions.

Psalm 1:1–4 explains it this way: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.” When we follow the way of wisdom, we reap better experiences, and those better experiences produce rewards such as material provision, relational benefits, and mental and emotional health. Those are God’s rewards for people who follow His instruction.

God’s reward to those who obey His Word can seem like natural consequences. For example, a child obeys God’s Word and honors his parents. He finds that he is blessed with closer familial relationships, less conflict, and more trust. Are these the direct blessings of God for obedience or the natural consequences of treating parents well—or both? Another example: a teenager obeys God’s Word and avoids sexual immorality. She finds that she is blessed with less complicated romantic relationships, fewer heartaches, and an absence of STDs. Is she experiencing the direct blessing from God for obedience or the logical outcome of choosing the path of abstinence—or both?

God does not always define reward the same way we do. When we think of God rewarding us for behaving well, we usually think of tangible, material goodies. But God has eternity in mind. The Bible and ensuing history are filled with examples of people who obeyed the Lord at great cost to themselves. Scripture’s godly men and women often did not appear to reap any earthly rewards for their obedience, yet many are listed in the Hall of Faith as people whose rewards are in heaven. Hebrews 11:39–40 summarizes: “All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.”

Obedience to the Word includes obedience to the gospel, and that carries great reward. When we accept God’s offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, we are pronounced righteous in His sight (2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13). There is no longer any condemnation waiting for us because, in His grace, God considered the sacrifice of His Son as sufficient payment for the great debt we owed Him (Romans 8:1; Ephesians 2:8–9; Colossians 2:14). As part of that salvation, we are promised an eternity in glory with Him.

None of salvation’s benefits are a reward for our performance. Forgiveness and heaven are gifts granted to us because of God’s great love. The most unworthy criminal who cries out in repentance on his deathbed will receive the same pardon and eternity in heaven as the missionary martyred on the mission field (Luke 23:39–43; Matthew 20:1–16). However, Jesus does promise many different kinds of rewards in heaven for every deed done in His name on earth (Mark 9:41; James 1:12; Revelation 22:12). When we walk in fellowship with Him, keeping our sins confessed and our lives free of besetting sins, we are rewarded daily with fruit from the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), communion with God (James 4:7–8), and power to resist the attacks of Satan (Ephesians 6:10–17). Whatever struggles we face on earth in order to obey God’s Word will be overly compensated in eternity with rewards we cannot even imagine (Romans 8:18).

For Further Study​

Your Eternal Reward: Triumph & Tears at the Judgment Seat of Christ by Erwin Lutzer

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How should Christians respond when people use God’s name as a curse word?​

Answer

It is a clear violation of the third commandment to use God’s name in a vain and meaningless way (Exodus 20:7). It’s a sin. With that in mind, the profane use of God’s name should be treated like any other sin. Using God’s name as a curse word shows a heart that doesn’t have a proper fear of God, but it is not any worse than other sins.

It’s all too common today to hear people using God’s or Jesus’ name as a curse word in television shows and movies. The response of a Christian when that happens might be as simple as turning off the television set or finding something different to watch. Other situations, such as when a co-worker uses profanity, require a different approach.

First, when a friend or co-worker is using God’s name as a curse word, we should understand the nature of the problem. Profanity is not the root problem; it is the symptom of a deeper heart issue. If people know and fear God, they will have respect for God’s name. The need is for spiritual transformation in Christ, and that is what we should be pointing people toward.

When we hear people using God’s name in vain, it should be an occasion for us to pray silently for them. As we have opportunity, we can explain to them how it hurts us to hear our Lord’s name profaned. In our conversation, we don’t demand that people cease from cussing, but we do ask, as a favor, that they refrain.

There should be a standard we hold believers to that is different from our standard for unbelievers (see 1 Corinthians 5:12–13). We shouldn’t expect non-Christians to be living up to God’s standards, and it shouldn’t surprise us when they sin. We do have a responsibility to be a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14). This doesn’t mean that every time people say, “Oh, my God,” we tell them they’re sinners. It does mean we look for appropriate opportunities to speak with them about their heart condition, their enslavement to sin, and how Jesus can save them (see 2 Timothy 4:2).

Often, when people around us know that we are Christians, they will be more careful in their speech. Some who normally use God’s name as a curse word may even catch themselves and apologize when they do let a word slip. This is an example of believers being salt in the world (see Matthew 5:13), and it may lead to deeper conversations about the reasons why they should not profane the name of God or Jesus.

Those who are called by God and are born again by the power of Christ are held to a different standard. They ought to know better than to use God’s name as a curse word. They should be expected to uphold God’s standards in their speech (Ephesians 4:29). Yet even when believers are using God’s name in vain, we are called to rebuke in a spirit of gentleness, and we should be quick to forgive (Luke 17:3, Galatians 6:1).

When we hear someone using God’s name as a curse word, our response should be rooted in meekness and fear, not pride. Someone who has better control of his mouth might think, “She is breaking a rule that I would never break!” or “He should be more like me and respect God’s name.” Such responses head dangerously in the direction of legalism. When we think our standing before God is based on our ability to keep rules, we lose sight of grace. We are all equally in need of God’s mercy, and we are all equally recipients of God’s grace.

For Further Study​

The ESV Study Bible

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How should Christians respond to claims of a recent convert?​

Answer

Claims that one has converted to Christianity are almost always met with doubt from the non-Christian world. Sometimes, there is also skepticism from the Christian world. There are reasons for this skepticism, both good and bad. When the supposed convert is someone with a high profile, the scrutiny is amplified. Kanye West—who as of this writing, has indicated his conversion and begun promoting Christian music—is a recent example.

The book of Acts presents two “test cases” we should keep in mind when hearing news about someone’s purported salvation. Paul was an active enemy of the faith until his conversion (Acts 9:1–6), resulting in skepticism among believers (Acts 9:21, 26). Eventually, Paul’s actions proved his faith (2 Corinthians 11:23–30). Apollos was eloquent and passionate but imperfect in his doctrine, until more experienced believers gave him supportive guidance (Acts 18:24–28).

As believers, we are wise to be cautiously skeptical about spiritual claims (1 John 4:1). We ought to gauge what other people say and do against the Bible (1 Corinthians 4:6; Acts 17:11). At the same time, we’re not to be unfair or unkind, especially to those who are less spiritually mature (1 Peter 3:15–16). Christians are also not in any position to say, for certain, what is happening between another person and God (1 Samuel 16:7).

In short, the proper response to anyone’s supposed conversion is to say, “Praise God, and let’s hope it’s real!” So long as their words and actions represent someone sincerely seeking Christ, we ought to treat their claims with a charitable spirit. That does not mean pointing out every possible flaw or misstep as a sign of a false convert. Neither does it mean ignoring or brushing aside unbiblical statements or actions.

A cautious approach to claims of conversion is supported by clear principles laid out in the Bible:

• Coming to saving faith in Christ is inherently simple. A person doesn’t need to be an expert in theology to be saved (Luke 18:16). Salvation is possible for anyone, no matter how “unlikely” of a candidate he or she may be (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

• A recent convert should not be thrust into a leadership role. First Timothy 3:6 explicitly warns against this: “He [a church leader] must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.” A person being successful in life and/or in a leadership position before becoming a Christian does not qualify him/her for leadership in the Body of Christ. Spiritual growth and maturity take time.

• When a person claims to be a new convert, he needs discipleship and support (Acts 18:24–26). New believers don’t need nitpicky criticism or cynical dismissal (1 Thessalonians 2:11; 2 Timothy 2:24–25).

• Those young in the faith might say or support things that more mature believers would reject. This makes them spiritually immature—it does not automatically mean they are lost (Hebrews 5:14).

• False conversions are a real thing, so being hopeful and supportive does not mean being naïve (Matthew 7:21–23).

• Over time, a convert’s words, attitudes, and actions will either reflect saving faith, or they won’t (John 13:34–35; 14:15; 1 John 2:19). “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20).

• As believers, we should celebrate positive attitudes toward Christ, even if it turns out the person expressing them has less-than-perfect motives (Philippians 1:15–18).

• Above all, Christians need to remember our calling to judge with right judgment (John 7:24). That starts by recognizing that only God knows exactly what happens in another person’s heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

Whether or not someone is “truly saved” is not something we or anyone else can answer with certainty. Time will tell whether Kanye West’s claimed commitment to Christ is lasting or temporary. Time will tell whether a person’s claimed faith is secure and real or shallow and artificial. In that sense, Kanye West is no different than any other person who has ever lived. If he examines his own life, he will have the opportunity to see if he is truly “in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Until or unless West turns against the faith or stubbornly endorses heresy, Christians should offer measured support. Our response to those who newly claim the name of Christ ought to be along the lines of “that’s wonderful, let’s learn and grow together,” not some version of “yeah, right.”

For Further Study​

The New Christian’s Handbook: Everything Believers Need to Know by Max Anders

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

How can I help new believers?​

Answer

Nothing is more exciting than seeing someone come to faith in Christ. Seeing God open closed hearts and illuminate dark minds is a rewarding part of belonging to His spiritual family. But just as important as new believers coming to faith in Christ is the growth that must follow that new birth (John 3:3; 2 Peter 3:18). Newborn babies are not left alone and expected to thrive. They are welcomed by families who feed them, train them, and help them grow. So it is in God’s family. When new believers join us, it is our responsibility to feed them, train them, and help them grow.

The Bible places a premium on spiritual growth: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). If babies do not get pure milk in the first year of life, they will not develop into healthy adults. Likewise, new believers need the basics before they can advance in their understanding of deeper spiritual truths. Churches should offer new believer classes, life groups, and other opportunities for Christian fellowship. In this age of increasing biblical illiteracy, it is likely that a new believer is unfamiliar with many concepts more mature Christians take for granted.

Reading or listening to the book of Genesis is helpful for new believers. Without that foundation, there is little to build on. Christian friends can read Genesis together and meet for coffee once a week to discuss what they read. Many of the events and truths that occur later in the Bible have their roots in Genesis, so learning about the beginning of the world (Genesis 1—2), the first sin (Genesis 3), and God’s selection of Abraham as the father of the Jewish nation (Genesis 12) are critically important in understanding the ways that God later worked in human history.

Skipping to the New Testament, a new believer can read the book of Luke and then Acts. This combination gives new believers an overview of the life of Jesus and the beginnings of the church. Luke wrote both books, so there is a wonderful continuity between them. As a baby must have milk to grow, so new believers must have the Word of God. It is harmful to feed infants carbonated soft drinks instead of milk, and it is just as harmful to feed baby Christians inspirational tweets and self-help books instead of God’s Word. There is no substitute for the Word of God if new believers are to develop into strong, healthy Christians.

As supplements to the reading of God’s Word, other books, videos, and podcasts can be a helpful way for new believers to partake of biblical teaching throughout the week. The first Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). The early church grew rapidly because every new member was committed to growing and learning. They immersed themselves in teaching and preaching, fellowship with other believers, and prayer. It has never been easier for Christians to immerse ourselves in truth with the proliferation of good Bible teachers online.

Another way to help new believers is to guide them toward trustworthy Bible teachers and away from false teachers and charlatans who would fleece the flock. Religious frauds often “masquerade as servants of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:15), and it can be difficult for a new believer to distinguish truth from error. Help out new believers by warning them of deceivers and teaching them how to spot the deception. Also, actively promote books, websites, and ministries that are clearly committed to the Word of God.

Sites such as this one can be helpful in answering the many questions new believers have. Depending on the age of the new believers, our sister sites may be equally valuable:

BibleRef.com
CompellingTruth.org
412Teens.org
GQKidz.org

A godly couple, Priscilla and her husband Aquila, helped Apollos get his doctrine straight (Acts 18:25–26). Apollos was full of talent and zeal but short on accuracy, having only a partial message. Seeing his potential as a powerhouse for the gospel, this wise couple took him aside and explained things more thoroughly without squelching his enthusiasm. Baby Christians are often ready to go out and conquer the world for Christ but may lack the tools necessary to endure. Mature Christians can help them pace themselves as they learn faithfulness in little things (Luke 16:10). New Christians must learn obedience before responsibility, integrity before position, and a servant’s heart before leadership. Probably the best way to help new believers grow is to model growth ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:1).

For Further Study​

The New Christian’s Handbook: Everything Believers Need to Know by Max Anders

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

What does it mean to be spiritual?​

Answer

True spirituality is not something to be achieved or conquered. It is better understood as a progressive journey throughout the Christian life. The first step toward being spiritual is to be born of God’s Spirit by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. Before salvation, we are spiritually dead. But once our spirits are made alive in Christ, we begin the process of sanctification—of being made holy—until Jesus comes or until the day we die (Romans 8:11; Ephesians 2:5; 1 Peter 3:18–19; 1 Corinthians 15:22).

The “spiritual” person is contrasted with the “natural” person in 1 Corinthians 2:14–15 (ESV). In this context, being spiritual means being born again, that is, having the Holy Spirit, as opposed to the natural person, who is unregenerate. Galatians 6:1 contains a command to “you who are spiritual” (ESV) to restore a sinning brother. In this context, being spiritual means walking in the Spirit—living under the Spirit’s constant influence.

Following a list of “do’s and don’ts”—refraining from certain immoral taboos and performing a set of godly duties—does not necessarily make one spiritual. The Pharisees were good at keeping rules. Spirituality is not attained through outward works or obeying laws. It is the inner work of the Holy Spirit as He renews the mind and conforms the heart of the believer into the image of Christ: “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:21–24, NLT; see also Romans 12:2).

When we focus on letting God transform us from deep inside, in those areas we often try to hide from ourselves and others, the result will be outward transformation as well. Being spiritual means desiring and seeking change in our inner selves (Ephesians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Peter 3:3–4). It requires re-training our minds to stay locked on what the Spirit desires: “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:5–9).

Spiritual growth occurs as we starve our sinful, fleshly desires and nourish the spiritual aspects of our being. Paul described this as “putting to death” or “crucifying” our old, sinful nature: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24; see also Galatians 2:20).

We must die to the desires of the flesh daily: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14; see also Romans 6:4, 6, 12, 14). The reality of following Christ means taking up our cross every day, losing our lives to find them in Him, and saying no to any attitude of the heart that is in rebellion to our Savior (Matthew 16:24–26).

Being spiritual requires living by faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross: “When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:10–11, NLT). By faith, we are to live now as though we have already died, been to heaven, and been raised to life again in the fullness of the Spirit in the presence of God: “Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God” (Romans 6:13, NLT).

It is impossible to cultivate true spirituality by our own works, energy, or strength. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we put to death the sinful nature: “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God” (Romans 8:12–14, NLT). Our job is simply to place our faith in God’s promise to bring forth the fruit of His Spirit in our lives.

Our spiritual lives develop and grow through daily, moment-by-moment, ever-increasing fellowship with our heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Spending time in prayer, reading God’s Word, and memorizing and meditating on its truths are all part of nurturing our relationship with the triune God. The more we know Him, the more we become like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). And to be like Jesus Christ is what it means to be truly spiritual.

For Further Study​

Survival Kit: Five Keys to Effective Spiritual Growth, Revised

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

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How should a Christian relate to non-Christian friends?​

Answer

A Christian should relate to non-Christian friends the same way Jesus related to those who did not follow Him. We can look at a few of the ways Jesus related to people and imitate Him as we relate to our non-Christian friends:

1. Jesus was kind, even when people didn’t understand Him. The people were perpetually confused about who Jesus was and why He was in their midst. Yet Mark 6:34 records that, when He “saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” The arrogant challenged Him; He responded with kindness (Luke 10:25–26). The needy drained Him; He responded with kindness (Luke 8:43–48). Roman soldiers and religious zealots killed Him; He responded with kindness (Luke 23:34).

Jesus was prepared to be misunderstood, so He could have patience and kindness with non-Christians as He explained how to have a relationship with God. We need to remember that as His followers we, too, will be misunderstood. Jesus warned us, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18). Even when hated or misunderstood, we should always respond with kindness.

2. Jesus always spoke truth. Even when His life was at stake, Jesus always spoke the truth (Matthew 26:63–65). When we are surrounded by non-Christians who do not worship God or hold to our values, it is tempting to remain silent or compromise Scripture in order not to offend. We sometimes see this happening with famous Christians when they are asked about homosexuality or abortion. Rather than stand solidly on the truth of God’s Word, some cave to peer pressure.

The magnetic pull toward pleasing those we are around is a universal human problem. But, as Christians, we are to be “salt and light” in this dark, flavorless world (Matthew 5:13–16). We are not to beat people over the head with our views (see number 1, above), but we are also not to compromise truth. Jesus spoke what was needed in the moment regardless of personal cost. He spoke what people needed to hear. We must do that, too.

3. Jesus never lost His identity. Although surrounded by non-Christians every day, Jesus did not allow culture or its opinions to alter His identity. Even Satan could not shake Him (Matthew 4:1–10). Jesus knew who He was and why He was here. As Christians, we must be secure in our identities in Christ so that even the most vocal opponent cannot shake us. Jesus ate, drank, and journeyed with non-Christians every day, but He never set aside His identity as the Son of God and could, therefore, say truthfully, “I always do what pleases [the Father]” (John 8:29).

4. Jesus knew His purpose (Mark 1:38). A great threat to our own souls in befriending non-Christians is that we can easily lose sight of our purpose. The world does not share our biblical values and is eager to draw us away from devotion to Christ. While we can enjoy friendships with non-Christians, we must do so with the awareness that we are citizens of another kingdom. We are here as ambassadors for the King (Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20). We can participate in activities and relationships with unbelievers, but only to a point. We must be ready to say a polite, “No, thank you,” when asked to step outside our purpose. It may not be outright sin we are encouraged to pursue, but many other things can lure us away from pure devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). Materialism, secular assessments, temporal values, leisure, entertainment: all can threaten or topple a Christian’s pursuit of purpose. When we keep our eyes on the prize—as Jesus did—our relationships with non-Christians can be enjoyable and fruitful for both them and us (Hebrews 12:1–2).

5. Jesus was selective about His closest companions. Despite the fact that Jesus interacted constantly with non-believers, He reserved His most intimate connection with His hand-picked disciples. Even among the disciples, He chose three—Peter, James, and John—to share the most private times in His life. Only those three witnessed His transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–9). It was those three who accompanied Him to the Garden of Gethsemane the night of His arrest (Mark 14:33–34). The model Jesus gave us is that of selective intimacy in relationships. While we are to be kind to everyone, serving any way we can, we should be careful about those we allow to get close to us. Our closest friends carry great influence and can lead our hearts away from God’s plan for our lives.

If Jesus had to be careful about those He allowed to get close to Him, we must be careful, too. We need to seek out those who share our faith and our love for the Lord, remembering that “we are the temple of the living God” (see 2 Corinthians 6:14–16). We can love and serve our non-Christian friends as a way of honoring God and demonstrating how much God also loves them.

For Further Study​

Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples by Chan & Bueving

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Why should I evangelize?​

Answer

To evangelize means to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone else. Personal evangelism should be the lifestyle of every true Christian. We’ve been given a great gift, and our Master left us with clear instructions: “Go into all the world and make disciples of every nation” (Matthew 28:19). Before we can “make disciples,” we must evangelize. There are other reasons, besides Jesus’ command, that should also motivate us to share the greatest news in the world with people who haven’t heard it:

1. Evangelism is an act of love. Love must be the defining characteristic of every follower of Jesus Christ (John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13:1–7). It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so anyone who walks in the Spirit will demonstrate love in dealing with people (Galatians 5:16, 22–23). We possess the best news in the world, and love propels us to share it with those who haven’t heard. Love wants everyone to have a chance to respond to God’s offer of salvation. Withholding news that could save someone’s life is the utmost cruelty; therefore, those who truly love God will love the people whom Jesus came to save (John 3:16–18; 1 John 4:20).

2. Evangelism builds our own faith. Nothing helps us learn a subject like teaching it to someone else. When we make a practice of sharing our faith with those in our lives, we strengthen our own beliefs. Regular evangelism forces us to wrestle through the hard questions, find answers for ourselves, and prepare to respond to the questions of others. We should “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). We prepare by studying God’s Word for ourselves, listening to sound Bible teachers, and staying in close fellowship with Jesus. Those practices keep our own lives pure so that we are not hypocrites who preach one thing but do another (Galatians 6:1).

3. Evangelism provides eternal benefits. Jesus encouraged His followers to “store up treasure in heaven” (Matthew 6:19). That treasure consists of rewards for what we did on earth in His name and for His glory. It is not self-centered to make choices that will ensure eternal treasure for ourselves. Jesus told us to! Our service to Him can be as simple as offering a cup of cold water to one of His own (Matthew 10:42). The parable of the unjust steward underscores the importance of doing whatever we can to bring people to faith in Christ (Luke 16:1–13).

4. Evangelism is an overflow of the “hope that is within us” (Hebrews 6:19; 1 Peter 3:15). When two people fall in love, they cannot help but let everyone around them know it. Joy shows on their faces; stars glitter in their eyes. They are eager to tell anyone who will listen about the wonderful person they love. So it is when we’ve fallen in love with Jesus. We cannot help but tell people about Him every chance we get. We think about Him all the time. We’re drawn to His Word, to worship services, and to others who love Him. We look for opportunities to share His truth with someone who is far from Him. If Jesus is not at the forefront of our minds, we have a spiritual problem and need to address that first before we can share the “hope that is within us.”

5. Evangelism pleases the Lord. The Christian life must never be lived according to “shoulds.” Yet we hear that word often in relation to Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, and other Christian practices. “I should do that, but . . .” The but is a bigger problem than we want to admit. God’s children will naturally want to please their Heavenly Father; it is their greatest delight. So our compass is set with God at true north. In everything we do, we feel the magnetic pull toward pleasing God. Even mundane tasks can be completed with joy because we are doing what God has given us to do (1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 5:9). Teaching other people how to have a relationship with Jesus is one way to please Him. And in pleasing Him we are most fulfilled (Galatians 2:20).

For Further Study​

Sharing the Gospel with Ease: How the Love of Christ Can Flow Naturally from Your Life by Thom Rainer

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

I’m young. How can I live the Christian life?​

Answer

Every generation has its challenges in trying to live the Christian life. Teenagers and young adults may face greater struggles than those in other age categories because new temptations clash with inexperience, and that can translate into disaster. Young people are still learning how to handle the world. Without the wisdom and life experience older generations rely on to overcome temptation, a young person can feel at a loss when pursuing godliness in an ungodly world. However, young people who want to follow Christ can avoid many pitfalls by following a few instructions:

1. Recognize that you are in a learning season of life. Our culture praises self-expression and urges the young to voice their opinions at every opportunity. While we all have the right to an opinion, wise young people recognize that they may not have the wisdom that many older people have earned, so they choose to listen and learn. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Rather than automatically discounting anything the older generation has to say, a young person desiring to live a Christian life will welcome the lessons learned through the experiences of others. By asking questions, challenging assumptions, and comparing ideas with the principles in God’s Word, you will build a foundation for a well-constructed opinion that is worth voicing.

2. Remain vigilant over the lust of the flesh and sexual sin (1 John 2:15–16). Young people must learn to handle passions, new feelings, and intense desires as they are in the process of becoming adults. The biological surges can feel overwhelming, especially to young men. Sexual lust can hit with such force that a young person who desires to live for Christ may feel out of control at times. God understands, and He has given detailed instruction in His Word to help keep those passions from ruining your life (1 Corinthians 6:18).

Romans 13:14 says, “Put on Christ and make no provision for the flesh and its lusts.” We “make provision” when we give our weak and sinful flesh more credit than it deserves. When we put ourselves in compromising situations and then expect ourselves to do the right thing at the last minute, we are making provision for our flesh. For example, a young person who attends a party hosted by acquaintances known for their drinking, drug use, and immoral behavior is making provision for the flesh. Intentions of doing the right thing in such a circumstance often get swept away by peer pressure or curiosity about sin. Wise people know their own weaknesses and steer clear of situations that might exploit them.

3. Recognize and reject idealistic expectations. Idealism creates unrealistic assumptions that can lead a young person into making poor decisions with lifelong consequences. Idealism about marriage, government, and finances can defeat the Christian life of a young person, as can idealism about the church. Many Christian young people leave the church because it does not live up to their expectations of what “church” should be. When they do so, they unwitting leave themselves open for attack by their enemy, Satan (1 Peter 5:8). God designed Christian fellowship and the preaching of the Word to help shape and mature believers (Hebrews 10:25), and plugging into a local, Bible-teaching church is vital for a young person’s spiritual growth. Any church will have flaws, but God may want to use a youthful perspective to help that church flourish. He will also use the flaws of that church to build character and wisdom into a young person who wants to live a Christian life.

4. Study. Study. Study. Paul instructed his protégé Timothy to study diligently so that he would learn to handle the Word of God rightly (2 Timothy 2:15). Our world is starving for truth. God’s Word is the truth it needs (John 17:17). The best way to thwart the enemy’s deception is to study God’s Word for oneself. Read it, listen to it, cross-check one verse against another, seek out teachers who thoroughly know and honor God’s Word, and apply what you learn. A young person who lives faithfully by the principles of God’s Word will gain the wisdom and maturity to impact the world (Psalm 92:12–14).

A young person can live the Christian life the same way an older person does. Christian living begins with a genuine surrender to the lordship of Jesus. It continues with growth as we come to understand who we are in Christ and all that means for our daily lives. We daily submit ourselves to the Lord for His purposes and His pleasure. When we sin, we quickly confess and reject it so that our hearts remain in close connection to God (1 John 1:9). We keep our eyes on Christ and “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

For Further Study​

Who Am I?: Identity in Christ by Jerry Bridges

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Why should I talk about my faith in the workplace?​

Answer

As followers of Christ, there are many reasons why we should be eager to share our faith in all circumstances. However, in the case of our workplace there is one other consideration. As employees, we have made a commitment to yield to our employer the full benefit of our services for a given amount of time. To be a good Christian witness we must first follow through with this commitment. Evangelistic efforts should not interfere with the duties we committed to fulfill (1 Thessalonians 5:12-14). If they do, then our actions will betray our words and the credibility of our witness is lost. So, we should be eager to be the best workers our employers have (Colossians 3:23). This will lend some authority to our words later when we do share our faith.

Among the many reasons to share our faith are three imperatives:

1) Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ commands it. During His last moments on earth with His disciples, Christ could have said anything. What He chose to tell them was that they were to go with His blessing and power to preach the Gospel so that others could come to know the saving power and blessed relationship with Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).

2) Duty demands it. If we have been redeemed by Christ, then we have been given something that is not our own. Without God’s grace we would be lost for all eternity. Chances are most of us came to faith and salvation because someone shared with us; how can we then not do the same for others? Jesus said that as we have freely received, we should freely give (Matthew 10:8). We have been entrusted by God to be His messengers to the lost (Acts 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:4).

3) Gratitude prompts it. An attitude of heartfelt gratitude is one of the many things that mark a true believer in Jesus Christ. The more we honestly examine the depravity of our own hearts, the more we recognize how great is the forgiveness that was and is extended to us, and the more we are thankful to God for redeeming us. This thankfulness expresses itself in giving Him credit for what He has done for us—that which we could not do for ourselves. The best way we can thank God is to give Him all the glory for what He has done for us and tell others of His great love and mercy.

How do we go about sharing our faith in the workplace? First, there is the “quiet” testimony—the one that speaks volumes with no words at all. It involves being a loyal and faithful employee, not bad-mouthing our employers or our co-workers. No one works with a perfect boss or perfect colleagues, but if we work with the attitude outlined in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” we will bring honor to God by doing all things for Him, the only truly perfect Boss. When we are working for the Lord, our ability to handle on-the-job stress and treat others with kindness and patience will make us stand out among our co-workers. When others notice our attitudes, they will invariably comment on it, giving us the opportunity to explain whom we really serve and how He has impacted our lives. In other words, sometimes we need to “walk the walk” in order to get the opportunity to “talk the talk.”

When the doors do open to share our faith, we must "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). This means being diligent about our Bible study in preparation for those open doors. If we “let the Word of God dwell in [us] richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16), we will always be ready. Finally, pray for God to open up opportunities to share Christ with others—those “divine appointments” with people whose hearts have been prepared by God to receive His truth from us.

For Further Study​

Sharing the Gospel with Ease: How the Love of Christ Can Flow Naturally from Your Life by Thom Rainer

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

Why is making disciples important?​

Answer

The making of disciples is our Lord’s means for answering the prayer, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-10). In His infinite wisdom, Jesus chose to use dedicated followers, His disciples, to carry the message of salvation to all peoples of the world. He included this as a command in His last words before His ascension to heaven: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Making disciples is important because it is the Lord’s chosen method of spreading the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. During His public ministry, Jesus spent more than three years making disciples—teaching and training His chosen twelve. He gave them many convincing proofs that He was the Son of God, the promised Messiah; they believed on Him, though imperfectly. He spoke to the crowds, but often He drew the disciples aside privately to teach them the meaning of His parables and miracles. He sent them out on ministry assignments. He also taught them that soon He would be returning to His Father following His death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21; John 12:23-36, 14:2-4). Though they could not comprehend it, He made the disciples this astonishing promise: “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). Jesus also promised to send His Spirit to be with them forever (John 14:16-17).

As promised, on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came with power on the believers, who then were emboldened to speak the Good News to everyone. The remainder of the Book of Acts gives the exciting account of all that was accomplished through them. In one city the opposition said, “These who have turned the world upside down are come hither also” (Acts 17:6 KJV). Multitudes placed their faith in Jesus Christ, and they also became disciples. When strong persecution came from the false religious leaders, they dispersed to other areas and continued to obey Christ’s command. Churches were established throughout the Roman Empire, and eventually in other nations.

Later, because of disciples such as Martin Luther and others, Europe was opened to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Reformation. Eventually, Christians emigrated to the New World to make Christ known. Though the world still is not completely evangelized, the challenge is as viable now as ever before. The command of our Lord remains – “Go and make disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” The characteristics of a disciple may be simply stated as

• one who is assured of his salvation (John 3:16) and is activated by the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:26-27);

• one who is growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:18); and

• one who shares Christ’s burden for the lost souls of men and women. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).

For Further Study​

Making Disciples - One Conversation at a Time by D. Mike Henderson

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

​

How can I see the hand of God moving in my life?​

Answer

Several Scriptures describe the hand of God moving and guiding people (1 Samuel 5:11; 2 Chronicles 30:12; Job 19:21; 27:11; Ecclesiastes 2:24; 9:1). These passages do not mean that God literally has a hand. The Bible declares that God is spirit (John 4:24), that He does not, in His essence, have a physical form. However, this does not mean that God is incapable of taking on a physical form; numerous times in Scripture God does take a physical form. The hand of God is not speaking of a literal body part. Rather, just as a father lovingly guides and patiently disciplines a child with his hand, so are we guided by the hand of God.

The moving of the hand of God seems to be one area in which the saying “hindsight is 20/20” is particularly true. Often when we are going through a difficult or confusing time, we are unaware of how God is guiding us. Years later it becomes very clear why God brought us through that experience the way He did. Looking back, the hand of God can be clearly seen moving, guiding, protecting, etc. A time of trial is rarely enjoyable. At the same time, there are many instances where a trial or struggle is looked upon as the most meaningful spiritual time in a person’s life. This is why James exhorts us to “consider it pure joy” (James 1:2) when we encounter various trials, because they are immensely valuable to our spiritual lives.

How can we better recognize the hand of God moving in our lives? First, we must familiarize ourselves with God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), which tells us about who God is and what He does. Similar to how an instruction manual helps us to understand a particular device, so reading God’s Word helps us to understand how God works and how we should respond to Him. Second, we must communicate with God through prayer. We can ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). We can ask God to help us recognize, and submit to, His hand. We can thank Him for how His hand has guided us. We can ask Him to help us learn His lesson, in His time, for whatever time His hand is bringing us through.

Third, we must trust God. Just as a son often rebels against the guidance of his father—not trusting his judgment or not accepting his discipline—so do we often fight against the hand of God: "Why did You allow this? Why must I do that? Is there not another way?" While it is not wrong to ask these questions in a spirit of humility, it is wrong to doubt God’s goodness or the quality of His plan. Many times in our lives, we make an ordeal worse by not trusting and obeying God and by not quickly learning the intended lesson.

The hand of God is a symbol of God’s guidance, instruction, and discipline. The more we recognize the hand of God, the better we will be able to follow His lead. Through the study of God’s Word, a strong prayer life, and an abiding trust in God, we can learn to recognize, trust, and enjoy the hand of God moving in our lives.

For Further Study​

The Owner's Manual for Christians: The Essential Guide for a God-Honoring Life by Charles Swindoll

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

Can Christians live their best life now?​

Answer

Joel Osteen’s book Your Best Life Now has caused many people to seek their “best life now.” Among the claims Mr. Osteen makes are “God wants to increase you financially” (page 5). He goes on to explain that this quest for financial and material increase is actually pleasing to God. No doubt, Osteen is sincere in what he says and believes that wealth and success really are the way to happiness. But is that what the Bible says? Does God want all His children to be wealthy, and does He tell us that is the way to find happiness? More importantly, is your best life now or is your best life in the world to come?

To say that life on this earth is the best you can have is absolutely true—if you’re not a Christian. The non-Christian lives his best life in the here and now because his next life is one of no hope, no joy, no meaning, no satisfaction, and no relief from eternal suffering. Those who have rejected Jesus Christ will spend an eternity in “outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This phrase is used five times (Matthew 8:12, 22:13; 24:51; 25:30; Luke 13:28) to describe the miserable existence of those who are thrust into it at the moment of their deaths. So, seeking to enjoy life while they can makes perfect sense for them because they really are living their best life now. The next life will be truly dreadful.

For the Christian, however, life here, no matter how good it is, is nothing compared to the life that awaits us in heaven. The glories of heaven—eternal life, righteousness, joy, peace, perfection, God’s presence, Christ’s glorious companionship, rewards, and all else God has planned—is the Christian’s heavenly inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5), and it will cause even the best life on earth to pale in comparison. Even the richest, most successful person on earth will eventually age, sicken, and die, and his wealth cannot prevent it, nor can his wealth follow him into the next life. So, why would you be encouraged to live your best life now? "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

This verse brings us to the next difficulty with “your best life now” philosophy. Our hearts reside wherever our treasure resides. What we value in life permeates our hearts, our minds, and our very existence, and it inevitably comes out in our speech and actions. If you’ve ever met someone whose life is bound up in pursuing wealth and pleasure, it is obvious immediately, because it’s all he talks about. His heart is filled with the things of this life, and out of the abundance of his heart, his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). He has no time for the things of the Lord—His Word, His people, His work, and the eternal life He offers—because he is so busy pursuing his best life now.

But the Bible tells us that the “kingdom of heaven,” not worldly wealth, is like a treasure hidden in a field—so valuable that we should sell everything we have to attain it (Matthew 13:44). There are no scriptural admonitions to pursue and store up wealth. In fact, we are encouraged to do just the opposite. Jesus urged the rich young ruler to sell all that he had and follow Him so that he would have treasure in heaven, but the young man went away sad because his wealth was his heart’s true treasure (Mark 10:17-23). No doubt the young man experienced his best life on earth, only to lose the hope of real life in the future. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

But doesn’t God want us to live in comfort and financial security? We have only to look at the Lord Jesus and the apostles to know that the “best life now” philosophy is devoid of truth. Jesus certainly had no wealth, nor did those who followed Him. He didn’t even have a place to lay His head (Luke 9:58). The apostle Paul’s life would certainly not qualify as blessed by Osteen’s standards, either. Paul says, “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness” (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). Does that sound like Paul was living his best life? Of course not. He was waiting for his best life in the future, his blessed hope, “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven” for him and all who are in Christ. That is our best life, not this “vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).

How can we expect a world infected by sin to provide your best life now? How can we ignore scriptures like “man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7) and “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12) and “count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2), and tell people their best life is here and now? How can we count as meaningless the suffering of the early Christian martyrs who were hanged, burned at the stake, beheaded, and boiled in oil for their faith and their faithfulness to Christ, gladly suffering for the Savior they adored? Did they die these excruciating deaths because no one ever told them they could have experienced their best lives if only they pursued wealth and a healthy self-image, as Joel Osteen claims? The Lord never promised health, wealth, or success in this life. We can’t expect the promises He makes for heaven to be fulfilled now, and the Church dare not promise people the impossible illusion of their best life now. Such a promise encourages people to decide for themselves what will constitute their best lives and then reject Jesus when He doesn’t deliver.

The “your best life now” philosophy is nothing more than the old “power of positive thinking” lie repackaged to scratch the itching ears of the current generation. If we know Jesus Christ as our Savior, our best lives await us in heaven where we will spend eternity in joy and bliss, enjoying a life that is better than the “best” we could have now.

For Further Study​

The Owner's Manual for Christians: The Essential Guide for a God-Honoring Life by Charles Swindoll

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

What does it mean to abide in Christ?​

Answer

To “abide” is to live, continue, or remain; so, to abide in Christ is to live in Him or remain in Him. When a person is saved, he or she is described as being “in Christ” (Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17), held secure in a permanent relationship (John 10:28–29). Therefore, abiding in Christ is not a special level of Christian experience, rather, it is the position of all true believers. The difference between those abiding in Christ and those not abiding in Christ is the difference between the saved and the unsaved.

Abiding in Christ is taught in 1 John 2:5–6, where it is synonymous with “knowing” Christ (verses 2 and 3). Later in the same chapter, John equates “remaining” in the Father and the Son with having the promise of eternal life (verses 24 and 25). Biblically, “abiding in,” “remaining in,” and “knowing” Christ are references to the same thing: salvation.

The phrase abiding in Christ pictures an intimate, close relationship, and not just a superficial acquaintance. In John 15:4–7, Jesus tells His disciples that drawing life from Him is essential, using the picture of branches united to a vine: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Without that vital union with Christ that salvation provides, there can be no life and no productivity. Elsewhere, the Bible likens our relationship with Christ to that of a body with a head (Colossians 1:18)—another essential union.

Some people take the warning of John 15:6 (branches that do not abide in the vine are thrown away and burned) to mean that Christians are always in danger of losing their salvation. In other words, they say it’s possible to be saved but not “abide,” in which case we would be cast away. But this could only be true if “abiding” were separate from salvation, referring to a state of intimacy with Christ we must strive to attain post-salvation. The Bible is clear that salvation comes by grace and is maintained by grace (Galatians 3:2–3). Also, if a branch could somehow fall away from the vine, resulting in the loss of salvation, then other, very clear passages of Scripture would be contradicted (see John 10:27–30).

It is best to interpret the True Vine metaphor this way: Jesus is the True Vine, obviously. The branches who “abide” in Him are the truly saved—they have a real and vital connection to the Savior. The withered branches who do not “abide” in Him are the unsaved pretenders who feigned an attachment to the Vine but drew no life from Him. In the end, the pretenders will be seen for what they were: hangers-on who had no authentic attachment to Jesus. For a while, both Peter and Judas seemed identical in their walk with Christ. But Peter was attached to the Vine; Judas was not.

John restates the withered-branch principle this way: “They [people now opposed to Christ] went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us” (1 John 2:19).

One of the proofs of salvation is perseverance, or sustained abiding in Christ. The saved will continue in their walk with Christ (see Revelation 2:26). That is, they will “abide” or remain in Him. God will complete His work in them (Philippians 1:6), and they will bring forth much fruit to the glory of God (John 15:5). Those who fall away, turn their backs on Christ, or fail to abide simply show their lack of saving faith. Abiding is not what saves us, but it is one of the signs of salvation.

Proofs of abiding in Christ (i.e., proofs that one is truly saved and not just pretending) include obedience to Christ’s commands (John 15:10; 1 John 3:24); following Jesus’ example (1 John 2:6); living free from habitual sin (1 John 3:6); and the awareness of a divine presence within one’s life (1 John 4:13).

For Further Study​

A Life Abiding: Waiting Well and Experiencing Abundance in Christ by Gwen Sellers

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

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