Abiding in Christ’s Love (2)
Posted November 11, 2019
Before Jesus departs from his disciples on the night of his arrest and trial, he assures them of his love. His love for his disciples—and for believers in every age—is as the Father’s love for him: “As my Father hath loved me, so have I loved you” (v. 9). What beautiful words to cheer the troubled souls of the disciples and to comfort our fearful hearts!
Jesus adds the urgent exhortation: “Continue ye in my love” (v. 9), where the word “continue” is “abide.” Take note of the order. “I have loved you.” Therefore, “continue or abide in my love” (v. 9). “You are branches in the vine; therefore, abide in the vine” (v. 4). “My words are in you. Therefore, let my words abide in you” (v. 7). This is not ultimately your activity, therefore, believer. You did not engraft yourself into the vine, and you do not keep yourself in the vine. You did not unite yourself to Jesus Christ, and you do not keep yourself in Christ. You did not place Christ’s words in yourself, and you do not keep them in you. Similarly, you did not bring yourself into Christ’s love, and you do not keep yourself in Christ’s love. In other words, you do not abide in his love in your own strength.
