Sunday Prepper Bible Study-The True Vine-Part 2
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
John 15:5-6
Like last week’s verse, here’s another one that needs very little explanation. Some folks will try to add lengthy expositions to this section of scripture to make it say something it doesn’t, but the Word of God is eternal and unchanging. Some may tell you these withered branches are being cast into a purifying fire. They’ll give you a false sense of security by telling you that it doesn’t matter if you bear fruit in keeping with repentance. They’ll say that those who say otherwise are teaching salvation by works.
We know that salvation is by grace through faith, and that not of yourselves; not of works, lest anyone should boast. Neither is the fruit you bear of yourselves, but it is a natural result of being connected to the vine. But as a branch, you do have a job to do. You need to stay connected to the vine. This requires discipline. It means reading the Bible, listening to worship music, attending church, and prayer. If you are not making a priority for these things, you are not abiding in the True Vine. Jesus said such branches wither and are cast into the fire.
Don’t naively think this is a fire of refinement. Fire is indifferent. Whether it is a refining fire or a destroying fire depends on the substance being cast into it. Silver is refined by fire. Dried branches are destroyed by fire.
Jesus said, “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his own soul?” Prepper translation: “What good will it do you to survive the coming economic collapse, nuclear war, or even a zombie apocalypse if you don’t know you will go to heaven when you die.” A recent study found that 10 out of 10 people die! On that day we will meet our Maker. It only makes sense to be prepared for that day. Click here to learn more about knowing GOD.
Have a blessed day and happy prepping!
Mark
