Those branches which abide in Christ will surely bring forth the fruit of his Spirit (1 John 4:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10). His presence, power, and Spirit beget peace, righteousness, and love. John 15:6. When the vine-dresser comes to care for his vineyard, he prunes, dresses, and gives special attention to the branches which have life, green leaves, and fruit. But the branches which are hanging around the vine, diseased, dead, and fruitless, he takes away, bundles them together, and burns them. These fruitless branches are false religious professors who profess to believe, who are numbered with the church, and who appear to men to be ‘in Christ.’ But like the wheat and the tares, it takes the eye of God to discern the real difference. We form our opinions by outward signs. God looks on the heart, and he will expose the counterfeit. - Henry Mahan Bible Commentaries
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 17:04:05 +0000