At first glance, the phrase “abiding in Jesus” might sound like simply receiving Him or living a saved life. And while that’s partially correct, the Bible reveals a much deeper and more intimate spiritual reality. Today, let’s explore what it truly means to abide in Christ not just theologically, but relationally and practically.
Jesus said:
John 15:7 (NKJV)
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
To “abide” (Greek: menō) means to remain, stay, or continue. This is not a one-time event like conversion, but an ongoing relationship of fellowship, obedience, and spiritual union with Christ.
Abiding in Jesus is much deeper than saying a prayer or joining a church. It’s living in such close communion with Him that His life flows through us, and our lives reflect His presence.
We’ve all experienced holding someone in our hearts because of something meaningful they did or distancing someone due to betrayal or hurt.
In the same way, we can either draw closer to Jesus through our actions, or remain distant, even if we profess to believe in Him.
John 15:4 (NKJV)
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
This speaks to mutual relationship. Not only do we dwell in Him, but He also dwells in us. However, many believers have Jesus in them (by the Spirit) but they themselves are not living in Him that is, they are not walking in constant fellowship, obedience, and surrender.
There are two primary ways the Bible teaches us to abide in Christ:
Jesus taught that Communion is not just a symbol, but a real point of spiritual connection:
John 6:56–57 (NKJV)
“He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.”
In context, Jesus was speaking metaphorically of receiving Him fully through faith, union, and what would later be expressed through the Lord’s Supper (see Luke 22:19–20).
When we partake of Communion worthily (1 Corinthians 11:27–30), we engage in a spiritual reality that draws us into the heart of Christ. We declare His death, fellowship with His suffering, and celebrate His life within us.
Obedience is not legalism; it’s the evidence of a living relationship with Jesus.
1 John 3:24 (NKJV)
“Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”
And Jesus’ central commandment is love:
2 John 1:5–6 (NKJV)
“And now I plead with you, lady… that we love one another. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments.”
Walking in love means more than affection it includes forgiveness, patience, sacrifice, and humility. When we love others, especially within the Body of Christ, we touch the very heart of God (1 John 4:7 12).
Jesus gives us a powerful promise:
This is not a blank check for selfish prayers. It means that as we remain in Christ, our desires are transformed to align with His will so our prayers become powerful, because they are rooted in His Word and Spirit.
As 1 John 5:14–15 confirms:
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
Abiding in Christ begins with being born again receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
John 1:12 (NKJV)
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
You cannot abide in someone you have not yet received. Salvation is the doorway. From there, we grow in deeper intimacy by daily surrender, fellowship, and obedience.
Have you truly received Jesus Christ—not just in name, but in heart and life?
If not, today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Receive Him, be washed from your sins, and begin to live as a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Then, through love and Communion, continue walking closely with Him day by day abiding in His presence, and allowing His life to be formed in you.
“He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NKJV)
May the Lord bless you and keep you close to His heart.
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