Counsel #21 — Vine and Branch

Picture: Counsel #21 — Vine and BranchCSL 59.1

We have all sinned, falling short of God’s perfect standard. Because of this, we can’t earn God’s approval on our own. However, through righteousness by faith in Jesus, God credits Christ’s perfect life to us, because He died in our place, paying the price for our sins. This means God accepts us not because of our own good deeds, but because of Christ’s righteousness—a gift we receive through faith.CSL 59.2

Jesus used the image of a grapevine and its branches to illustrate the close connection we need with Him.^{[73] https://www.revivalandreformation.org/bhp/en/bible/jhn/15} He is the Vine, the source of all life and nourishment, and we are the branches.^{[74] https://stewardship.adventist.org/page393} Just as a branch must remain attached to the vine to receive what it needs to grow and produce fruit, we must remain connected to Jesus to receive eternal life and produce the fruits of the Spirit.^{[75]Galatians 5:22, 23} This connection through faith is how the righteousness of Christ becomes evident in our lives, empowering us to live in a way that pleases God.^{[76] https://www.toledofirstadventist.org/sermons/2009-sermons/in-the-meantime---abide--pastor-mike-fortune--june-6-2009} CSL 59.3

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NKJVCSL 59.4

“If you give yourself to [Jesus] and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ’s character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.” Ellen White in Steps to Christ, p. 62CSL 59.5

Reflect: In what ways does John 15:5 describe your relationship with Jesus?CSL 59.6