Believe and Obey or Believe and Not Obey
The Lord Jesus Christ, speaking through the Apostle John explains the relationship of believers that practice obedience of God’s Word, and the believers that disobey God’s Word. Let’s look at what the Lord has to say:
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” ~ John 15:1-5
If the believer produces fruit – as a direct result of obedience to God – He will continue to equip us to produce more fruit. Jesus also warns of producing no fruit – as a direct result of disobedience to God – which will result in the branch being removed completely:
“If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” ~ John 15:6
Doesn’t exactly sound like disobedience to God will be getting anybody into heaven/paradise – now does it?
You may be saying, “But, I do believe in Jesus – so, I’m good to go – right?” Well, let’s take a look at what the Holy Spirit – through James – has to say about that:
“You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?” ~ James 2:19-20
Good deeds in this sense can only be considered fruit if the deeds were the result of obedience to God.
There are many philanthropic entities (persons and organizations) in the world that accomplish much good – but the question (that only they and God) can answer is why do they do it? For many, it is a lucrative tax incentive; others it is a way to make them feel better about themselves; and, there are many that truly have a generous heart; but the only reason for good deeds that result in Godly fruit is that they are the result of obedience to God. Good deeds without living a life of obedience to our Creator equates to dead branches, and dead branches will be removed and thrown into the fire.
Think About It:
1. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as God’s Son, and His sacrificial death as the only atonement for our sinful nature?
2. If yes, then do you actively search the Scriptures (Bible) for God’s direction on how to live life in complete obedience to Him?
3. If you answered Yes to both questions above – then the Holy Spirit will gently urge you in the art of obedience – and then the fruit will begin to show forth.
Hearing the still, soft voice of the Holy Spirit is an art that gets easier to comprehend the more that we obey. We must be willing to do whatever the Spirit is asking of us in order to produce Godly fruit.
One last thought…
If you answered No to any of the questions above, then you are that branch that the Lord says He will cut-off and cast into the fire. Not good.
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