How does a branch bear fruit? Is it by struggle and effort
to reach sunshine, air and water? Or is it by simply abiding in the vine? The
lesson is simple, and Christ spoke of this often in Scripture. We do not
produce good fruit except by abiding
in Him, the living vine. (John 15:4) Just as the branch has undisturbed union
with the vine and as a result, spontaneously blossoms and produces fruit, so we
as Christians do not need to struggle to obtain that which has been freely
given. As we look to Christ, as we abide in Him, and allow Him through His
Spirit to abide in us, we will yield fruit unto righteousness. We can do
nothing else.[i]
Of course, the closer we come to Christ, and the more clearly
we discern the beauty of His righteous character, the more accurately we will
comprehend our own sinfulness and imperfections. This recognition will bring us
to the foot of the cross often with weeping and pain.
However, we can be encouraged, because we are told that, “When
at the foot of the Cross the sinner looks up to the One who died to save Him,
he may rejoice in fullness of joy, for his sins are pardoned. Kneeling in faith
at the cross, he has reached the highest
place to which man can attain.”[ii]
Did you catch that? It’s in kneeling at the foot of the Cross that you have reached the highest point
you will ever attain!
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