In the Bible, the word "abide" (often translated from the Greek "meno") carries a rich and profound meaning, especially in the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle John. It's much more than simply "to stay" or "to dwell" physically. Here's a breakdown of what it means to abide:
Core Meanings:
To Remain, Dwell, Continue: At its most basic, "abide" means to remain in the same place, position, or state over a period of time. This can be physical, like "abiding in a house" or with someone (e.g., John 1:38-39).
To have an Ongoing, Intimate Connection: This is the theological core of "abiding" in the new testament. When it refers to abiding in God, in Christ, or in His Word, it signifies a deep, continuous, and vital relationship. It's about being held and kept in a secure, permanent union.
Key Aspects of Abiding in a Spiritual Sense (especially in John 15 and 1 John):
Union with Christ (The Vine and the Branches): A popular illustration of "abiding" is found in John 15, where Jesus says, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." This highlights that abiding is essential for spiritual life and fruitfulness. Just as a branch draws life from the vine, believers draw life, strength, and purpose from Christ.
We often need to remind ourselves of this. We don't do good works to abide with Jesus, good works are fruit from those who abide. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 reminds us that Jesus is from God our wisdom and these righteousness, redemption, and holiness. God has given in the knowledge of Jesus everything we need for life and godliness.
We confess our sin when we go astray and return to remain in fellowship with him. We remain in him as his words are eternal life, he himself exists the light and the word of life as John proclaims to us 1 John 1-2. Abiding in him is abiding in the light and there is no darkness in him.
Obedience to His Word and Commands: Abiding in Christ is inextricably linked to producing fruit of obeying His commands. Abiding is allowing His words to dwell richly within us. John 15:7 states, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." Similarly, 1 John 3:24 says, "Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him." Obedience comes from abiding not obeying commands themselves, which is legalism.
Living in His Love: Abiding also means remaining in Christ's love. John 15:9-10 emphasizes, "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love." Love is important in energizing our faith and faith is how we please God, thus we see the circular truth that love produces obedience and obedience is a sign we love God.
A Sign of True Salvation: While not a work to earn salvation, abiding is clear evidence of genuine salvation. Those who are truly "in Christ" will continue in their walk with Him and bear fruit. John 8:31-32 confirms this, "Jesus therefore said to the Jews who believed in him, 'If you abide in my words, you are truly are my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.'"
Abiding in the words of Jesus is a sign of true discipleship and freedom. As mentioned before, abiding is the path to true obedience. The withered branches in John 15:6 are those who never had an authentic connection to the vine in the first place, not those who abide in Jesus and he in them then lose their salvation. Specifically it is speaking to the Jews of the flesh who rejected him, these are the branches that are broken off while those of faith, children of the promise that includes people of other nations, are grafted in.
Fellowship and Communion: Abiding implies an active, ongoing fellowship with God. It's about maintaining an unbroken communion, relying on Him, and drawing from His presence. This involves prayer, studying His Word, and living in a way that honors Him. We should not be like Martha, who was too busy serving to have fellowship with Jesus, but like Mary who chose the greater portion. It is better to have just fellowship than to do things in his name and neglect fellowship.
Dependence, Not Independent Effort: Abiding emphasizes our complete dependence on Christ. "Apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). It's not about striving to achieve a higher spiritual level, spiritual disciplines, or following principles but rather resting in Him and allowing His life to work through us. True obedience can be defined, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, as a renewed mind that can discern and accept God's will as pleasing and perfect.
Fruitfulness: The natural outcome of abiding is spiritual fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - Galatians 5:22-23). This fruit glorifies God and proves our discipleship (John 15:8). This is the path to true obedience as Jesus said in John 15:4-5, 7-8. We do not put the cart before the horse, so to say, nor laws before fellowship, nor obedience before abiding.
In essence, "abiding" in the biblical sense describes a profound, dynamic, and continuous relationship with God through Jesus Christ, characterized by faith, love, hope, and a constant abiding in him and reliance on His transforming and life-giving power which produces maturity and fruit.