Find Freedom In God's FavorSample

Christ in Us

As I have said, we have the favor of God, not because we have earned it, but because Jesus has earned it on our behalf. We are favored through Christ being in us. But do we understand what that really means?

Here’s where the image of the vine and branches is so beneficial. 

In a grapevine like the one Jesus was talking about, the life and energy of the vine itself enliven and empower each branch. Sap and fluid flow from the root and the vine through the entire plant, and the result is life and fruit in the branches. Put simply, the life of the vine is in the branches, and the life of the branches is utterly dependent on the vine. Jesus was saying that the same thing is true of him and you if you’re a believer. You are united to him like a branch to a vine, and his resurrection life and power pulse and flow through you. 

I hope you can see the ramifications of all this, because they’re enormous.

For one thing, understanding that your spiritual life is not inherent to you but flows to you from the Vine is deeply humbling. You are spiritually alive because—and only because— you are united to the Source of all life, and if you were to be separated from him, you would die. It’s as Jesus said in the next verse: “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers” (John 15:6, ESV). You live because Jesus lives.

Not only that, but this reality that Christ is in us is also radically transforming. Did you know that you can graft a fruitless grape or olive branch onto a strong, healthy plant and in time that branch will begin to grow and produce fruit! The life and sap of the healthy plant push into the fruitless branch and transform it, making it something new and beautiful. In the same way, when we put our faith in Jesus and are united to him, his resurrection life begins to pulse through us, transforming our hearts, our minds, our experiences, and even our suffering into something beautiful and alive. The dead places in our lives begin to bloom! That’s the power of Christ in us.

Throughout the day, look for signs of Christ’s life within you. And praise him for them.