And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. 1 John 3:24

What is the key to the Christian life? To abide in Christ! Because if we abide in Christ, Christ will abide in us, we are in total union with God through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The original Greek word often translated as “Abide” is “Menei” meaning to remain, to stay, to wait. It’s putting your full and complete faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, even when you might not understand the way, you abide in Christ. Even when you don’t understand the purpose, you abide in Christ. Even when you don’t understand the pain, you abide in Christ!

There’s alot of question whether someone is a true Christian or whether someone is saved at all, well what does the Bible say? The Apostle John says “He that keeps His (Christ) commandments dwells in Him (Christ) “ Those who remain in the “Will of God” , who are demonstrating fruits of the Holy Spirit, those who are obedient to their Lord Jesus Christ, are truly saved. How can you claim to love Jesus and not do anything he says? Is this truly love? Is this truly obedience? Is Jesus truly your Lord? 

Many want to abuse the grace of God to remain in sin, as the Apostle Paul said “What shall we say then, shall we go on sinning so grace may increase? Certainly Not!,  How shall we who have died in sin, live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2) The grace of God is not a license to sin, the grace of God is His loving mercy , however we must become Born Again in Christ (John 3:3) We don’t remain as we are, once we have an encounter with Jesus, we will never be the same!

Again, how do we know if we are truly saved? The Apostle John continues “And by this, we know that He (Christ) abides in Us” As the Lord Jesus said “We will be known by our fruit” (Matthew 7:16) This is not legalism, this is the teachings of The Lord Jesus Christ himself. As Jesus also said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) If you are truly saved, then you keep the commandments of God because you abide in Christ and Christ abides in You!

Now you might say “I’m a sinful, fallen, wretch, I can’t keep the commandments of God” read the last part of this scripture today , the Apostle John says “By the Spirit, whom He has given us” If you are Born Again, you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you that has written the Law on your Heart and mind (Hebrews 8) You have been regenerated, you are a new creature, you are no longer that old wretch, you are no longer dead in sin, but alive in Christ

How can we simply apply this? Abide in Jesus in all things, in every facet of your life abide in Christ, and Jesus will abide in you, greater is He living inside of You, than He who is living in the world, Amen!