What does it mean to abide in Christ?

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What’s Your Question? for Aug. 12, 2009

In the parable of the vine and branches, Jesus said believers must “abide in Me, and I in you” (Jn. 15:4). The branch that does not abide in Christ will be cast into the fire (v. 6). This is a great problem for those who believe a person in Christ cannot be severed and cast into the fire. Later, John wrote, “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 Jn. 2:24). A believer abides in Christ by continuing to “walk in the light” (the truth, 2 Jn. 4) thereby having fellowship by the cleansing of the blood of Christ as he confesses his sins and asks forgiveness (1 Jn. 1:7-9).