Many people in Christian circles think that we need to do a lot of spiritual things in order to be accepted and loved by the Lord. Spiritual deeds such as attending prayer meetings, offering to ministries, ministering to others needs, all these and similar things are considered to be essential part of being in Christ. People quote this part of the scripture as the basis for having such perception and attitude.
John 15:2 (New International Version)
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
Though prayer meetings, offerings and good works in the Lord are appreciable (as nourishment of ones soul), they should not be connected to this scripture and be considered as essential part of being in the Lord. We are saved by grace and are sustained in Him by grace. It is not good works but grace by which God loves us and accepts us.
The fruit referred in John 15:2 talks about fruit of the Spirit. The Lord develops in us the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) which by nature we do not have. While He works them in us sometimes we yield and sometimes we don't (meaning we rebel). Those who yield, the Lord prunes all the more so that He gets the desired fruit perfected in us. And the warning of the branch being cut off from the vine are for those who continuously resist His work in them.
People would have outwardly taken baptism, attend church and prayer meetings and even minister God's Word. But inwardly there may not be much change in them. Such branches are plucked out from the vine and thrown into eternal fire.
Understanding God's Word in the right context is essential; for those form the basis of our perceptions and attitude and in turn our choices in life...
Very true, rightly said.
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