Complete English translation
As we have learned in previous articles on this topic, John 15-16 is the core of Jesus' heart and soul.
In this passage, Jesus explains the essence of our relationship with Him, with the Father, and with the Holy Spirit.
Previously, we have learned the practical application of what it means to be a branch of Jesus.
Today, we will be revealed the essence of His heart. Here, Jesus speaks in a message that seems to be hidden because the time has not yet come.
Satan, the enemy, must not know God's plan. But after the victory of Jesus on the cross, He has defeated the world:
"In the world you suffer persecution, but strengthen your heart, I have overcome the world" - John 16:33.
Therefore, in the letter of 1 John which was written after Jesus' victory on the cross, John as Jesus' most beloved disciple, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit explains in more detail what Jesus meant before.
Stay in Him:
"Abide in Me and I in you. Just like a branch can't bear fruit from itself if it doesn't stay on the tree wine, neither can you bear fruit, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for outside of me you can do nothing"- John 15:4-5.
If we remain in Him, we receive eternal life:
"And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life and that life is in His Son. Whoever has son, he has life; whoever does not have a Son does not have life" - 1 John 5:11-12.
But if we are cut off from Him, we will face death:
"Whoever does not stay in Me, he is thrown out like a branch and becomes dry, then gathered and thrown away to in the fire and then burned" - John 15:6.
THE FIRST IMPORTANT POINT:
Realize that living in Jesus is not an option, but an absolute need for eternal life.
Now that we understand how important it is to stay in Jesus, thank God Jesus also explains what we have to do to remain in Him, that is, by following His commandments as it is written in John 15:10:
"If you keep My commandments, you will live in My love, just as I keep My Father's commandments and live in His love".
This is the essence of the problem: many people interpret this as a demand to be perfect, flawless, and obey all laws and absolute order. This kind of understanding often makes us like scribes and Pharisees, carrying standards that are impossible to achieve. As a result, we think that we can only do our best and hope that God is good enough and considers us worthy.
However, this is not what the Father wants for us. The Father wants us to come with courage to meet Him face to face in His holy throne, because we have been justified by Jesus:
"Therefore, let us boldly approach the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to get our help in time." - Hebrews 4:16.
So, what does God mean when He says we must follow His commandments? Jesus gave the first hint: everything is related to love: "This is My commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you." - John 15:12.
John then explained further in his letter in 1 John, by giving an explicit explanation of the command that made us remain in Jesus:
"And this is His commandment: that we may believe in the name of Jesus Christ, His Son, and that we love one another according to the commandment that Christ gave to us. Whoever obeys all His commandments, dwells in God and God in him." - 1 John 3:23-24.
"Well, that's right, we must obey ALL His commands," said the supporters of the Pharisees and the scribes. However, pay attention to what Jesus answered the Pharisees and the scribes when they asked the main law:
"Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. That's the main law and the first one. And the second law, which is the same as that, is: Love your neighbor as yourself. In these two laws depends on the whole law and the books of the prophets." - Matthew 22:37-40.
Jesus summarized all the laws in two main principles: loving God and loving others.
SECOND IMPORTANT POINT:
These two laws are not a burden, but a call to live in love.
Read 1 John 4:7-21 slowly, and meditate on every word that is full of God's love. I pray that God himself will open your understanding of the essence of life in Him. In these verses, we find such beautiful promises that not only teach love, but also frees us from fear and uncertainty of our salvation.