If it feels like we are unable to get pass these first few verses and I have become repetitive it is for that there is no greater and necessary message. For the sinner estranged from the vine there is no better message than ye must abide, for without Him ye can do nothing (including saving yourself). For the sinner that are His branches there is no better message than ye must abide, for ye know by His grace without Him ye can do nothing. May He bless these words and we rest and praise His Message.
Extra Credit: There is a message that is propagated from many pulpits that is not gospel and will disturb any of His Saints. God loves everyone, God died for everyone, and God wants to save you but. There is not only no gospel in this message, but that blasphemy can and has never saved anyone. Dealing with the sovereign grace of God and these false statements I have included this two part article by Don Bell describing what he feels are Four False Statements Part 1, & Part 2.
Jhn 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
What is the difference between the vine and the branch?
There are three things that are expressed here.
1. Christ Himself is the vine, the fountain, the spring and the source of all life, and we are the branches who have no life, power, nor even existence apart from Him. Without Him we have and can do absolutely nothing.
2. Believers are truly one with Christ (John 17:21-23), and that close union with Christ is expressed here. For when one looks at the vineyard, he considers the vine and the branches to be one, and truly they are one as the head and the body are one (I Cor 12:12).
3. Those branches which abide in Christ will surely bring forth the fruit of His Spirit (I Thes 1:4-10, I John 4:7-8). His presence, power and Spirit beget peace, righteousness and love.
From Henry Mahan Bible Class Commentary
