“Belonging to Christ”

Ken O Gangel writes: “In the Old Testament, God spoke of the vine as a symbol of Israel (Psalm 80:8, Isa. 5:1-2,7, Jer. 2:21).  In John 15 Jesus expanded the analogy. As the fulfillment of the Lord’s purpose for Israel, the great Son of David identified Himself as the vine and His followers as branches. If you like to for key words in Bible study, note the eleven occurances of “remain” in John 15:4-10.”  Holman New Testament Commentary (John) page 280

Jesus said: “I am the Vine, you are the branches.” John 15:7 The concept here is quite simple. The issue is belonging to Christ.

In previous blogs I have shared with you the basics of the Gospel message. Christ dying for the sins of the world, and those who embrace this truth in real belief, seeking forgiveness and coming to Christ in repentance, will have everlasting life. Once one enters into that agreement, they are grafted into the Vine, which is Christ Himself.

It seems that it is in our nature to desire to belong. I suppose there are some who would say they are loners, that they need no one. Like the old Simon and Garfunkel song, “I am a Rock, I am an Island.” But the Bible teaches community, the Bible speaks of belonging, of being a part of something bigger than any one person. We must belong to Christ. “Aprt from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Here in New England people are proud of their self reliance. The idea that we don’t need anyone or anything. But deep down we know that we need someting or someone. We were not created to be alone. Do you belong to Christ? Do you understand your human need, your spiritual need to belong?

Jesus went to the cross to make relationship possible. This relationship is very different from our idea of relationship with other people. This relationship has to do with personal healing and forgiveness. We need Christ to have everlasing forgiveness and life, we must be a part of the Vine.

Have you come to Christ? Are you a part of the Vine?

You can pray right now to give your life to Christ, to become a part of the Vine Himself. Lord, I know I am a sinner, I repent of my sin and ask your forgiveness. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins, forgive me, cleanse me and make me a part of your spiritual family, the body of Christ. Please write my name in the book of life, in Jesus name, Amen.

Advertisement