By Peter G.
Confirmation Class of 2015
I am the vine you are the branches, if you remain in me you will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
The main image of this verse is the vine (God) providing for the branches (us) so that they may bear fruit (good works). As long as the branches are connected to the vine they will live and produce fruit. If the branch is cut off from the vine it can produce nothing.
God is the vine and He will protect and provide for us so we can bear fruit. We, the branches, must remain in God so that He can provide for us. If we separate ourselves from God He cannot provide for us and we, like the branches, cannot do anything.
I believe all of this and I believe that Jesus gave up His life on the cross so that we could live with Him forever. While here on earth I can choose to follow God but my ability to say yes to following Him is something He enables me to do. He has promised to help me stay faithful and God always keeps His promises.
This verse challenges me to stay in Christ as I grow older so that I can continue to bear fruit for Him. I will never leave His side and He will never leave me. I can do nothing to gain my way to heaven, Jesus Christ did that for me on the cross, but He invites me to join Him living here on earth and in His kingdom to come.
For more faith papers from the Confirmation Class of 2015, click here.
