THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST Devotion 12 of 13 We are not speaking of an optional relationship! Jesus said, "I am the true Vine, and My Father is the Husbandman (Vinedresser)." It is not possible to enter into a more serious relationship! Jesus is the One into Whom we have been inducted by our baptism (Gal 3:27), and the working of the Father Himself (1 Cor 1:30). The Father is the Overseer of that relationship. This is salvation, and the Father and the Son are both active in this connection. Therefore, those who remain under the tutelage of Jesus are said to have "both the Father and the Son" (2 John 1:9). THE DIVINE CRITERIA Our Savior spoke clearly and concisely concerning the relationship required between Himself and His people. "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit." When it comes to bearing fruit, the result of spiritual life, there are no special rules for special people. Furthermore, connectivity with Jesus is not the end of the matter, but the beginning of it. Our identity with Him is in order to fruit bearing. Paul put it this way, "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God" (Rom 7:4). Tomorrow:
"Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son." (2 John 8-9, NASB)
" . . . the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son."
THE FATHER AND THE SON
God's people must successfully avoid any profession of faith that ignores the Father or the Son, or shines the spotlight on anyone or anything else. Salvation connects us with Jesus, and brings us under the supervision and care of the Father. We were "reconciled to God by the death of His Son" (Rom 5:10), and are being brought to God by Jesus (1 Pet 3:18).
It is this vibrant relationship to the Father and the Son that constitutes eternal life. Thus Jesus said in His great intercessory prayer, "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent" (John 17:3). John confirms this by saying, "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life" (1 John 5:20).
The point of our text is that this relationship is not maintained automatically. Rather, it is sustained in the experience of fellowship with the Son (1 Cor 1:9), or in the activity of being "taught by Him" (Eph 4:21). Jesus invites us, "Take My yoke upon you and LEARN FROM ME" (Matt 11:29, NKJV). It is by means of that learning that we remain in Him and abide in His doctrine.
Now, for those who are "in Christ," there is a joint ministry to them from both the Father and the Son from the Son as the Vine, and from the Father as the Husbandman. Grace and peace come to us from both of Them (Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 1:3). "Love with faith" comes from both of Them to us (Eph 6:23). Mercy is also extended to us from Them (2 John 1:3). The saved have entered into an active and productive relationship with both the Father and the Son.
There are two alternatives open to believers. They can themselves be "cut off," or their uncomely qualities can be removed, or pruned. When we are "pruned," it is in order to more spiritual productivity "more fruit." There is such a thing as being fruitful in every good work" (Col 1:10). This involves walking in the "good works" which God has ordained for us (Eph 2:10). It is related to "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God" (Phil 1:11). Rising even higher, this is God Himself making us "perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Heb 13:21).
This is a truth scarcely recognized in the religious community. "Church members" are tolerated year after year who give no evidence of spiritual advancement or fruitfulness. It is not even unusual for such tolerance to exist. But God will not endure such a condition! Those who do not "abide" will be removed--and there are no exceptions.
No wonder John states his case so strongly. "Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son" (2 John 9, NIV). One who "runs ahead" is not seeking the glory of God, for he is not abiding in the appointed means -- "the doctrine [or teaching] of Christ!" Such people run ahead of Divine fellowship. They run ahead of the Scriptures. They are not abiding in the Vine, or remaining in the teaching of Christ! Their condition may be handily explained by those thinking like the world. However, no explanation can satisfy the soul of one who has been taken away from Christ by God!
Those possessing an insipid view of the Father do well to consider what He does to those refusing to remain in Christ--those who leave His tutelage, electing to learn the ways of the world. Christ's words are poignant! The Father "takes away" those who do not remain, and "throws" them "away," casting them upon the trash heap of rejected souls. Such have rejected God's appointed Teacher, and there is no room for them in the Kingdom of God! On the other hand, those who remain in the classroom of Jesus will surely learn what this means: "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant" (Psa 25:14).
PRAYER POINT: Father, I find it refreshing to ponder Yourself, Your Son, and Your Spirit taking up residency in me. In the name of Jesus, grant me grace to say or do nothing that jeopardizes that glorious indwelling.
- Thursday, New Series: DAVID AND IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS