A Life-giving Relationship

Reflections for this date are based on the following scripture passages:
John 13	John 14	John 15	Deuteronomy 3	Deuteronomy 4	Psalms 67

Salvation is not a contract which when agreed upon guarantees eternal life. Nor is it fire insurance which when enacted allows one to escape the fires of hell. Salvation is a relationship with Jesus Christ that offers abundant life now and life eternal for the future. This relationship is not entered into by good works or good behavior, but by consent. Good works and behavior are a result of our relationship with Christ and not a condition of it.

In John chapter 15 Jesus used an analogy which helps to picture our relationship with Christ. It is the analogy of a grapevine. Jesus is the vine and all those in relationship with Him are branches on the vine. Branches on a grapevine will naturally produce fruit (grapes) by nature of being attached to the vine. Branches that do not produce fruit are not attached to the vine though they may appear to be.

So it is with those who are in relationship with Christ. As branches we are to "remain" in Him or stay attached to the vine. As long as we do, we will produce fruit that makes our attachment to Christ obvious. This fruit is known as the "fruit of the Spirit:" love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22) This fruit cannot be faked. Though we may try, it will appear to be faked and will not be lasting. It is called "fruit of the Spirit" because Christ's Spirit, referred to as the Holy Spirit, produces it in us. And this is only possible as we remain connected to Christ who is the vine.

As with any relationship, we remain connected with Christ through spending time with Him in prayer, Bible reading, and worship.