“Every branch IN ME that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit” John 15:2
Not every one who is on the vine is a true believer. Just because we are grafted to the vine does not mean that we are Christians. In fact, if the life of Christ does not flow from the vine to the branches, then it’s questionable whether the branches are abiding or not!
The concept of abiding must be understood as the life of Christ flowing in and through us to cause us to bear much fruit. If that’s not the case, then the vine dresser will take away every branch IN CHRIST that does not bear fruit.
Therefore, we must understand the confession of our faith is not necessarily the true measure of our salvation. Sadly, that’s what’s happening today. People who confess to be in Christ are openly proud of their sins!
Faith does not deny facts! What we enjoy and love doing is always reflective of what we believe in. If our confession does not cause us to change our lifestyles, our character, our desires and our ambitions, then we cannot say that we have truly believed, because where Christ abides, there is always enough grace that causes change and reformation to take place.
No fruit means no abiding.
Claiming to be in Christ does not qualify one as abiding in Him, because those who abide will have the life of Christ flowing into their veins, causing them to bear much fruit.