*The burning branches*
`If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:6`
Burning useless growth is an evocative analogy used frequently in Scripture to describe apostasy. We find it and others like it in many of Jesus’ parables like in _Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43; 18:23–35; 22:1–14; Luke 7:40–50)_ Our Lord’s use of it in John 15 has troubled many believers.
In John 15, Jesus compared His followers to branches that bear fruit but need occasional pruning. The branches are cut off to be throw in the fire are those that do not produce fruit. But even then they are connected to the vine. So, What does it mean to be connected to the vine? Doesn’t that imply they are genuine believers? Not necessarily. Externally they may be attached, but no life flows through them. Other passages in Scripture show it is possible to be a parasite on the vine, seemingly a part of it, but only in appearance.
In Romans 9:6, for example, Paul said, _“They are not all Israel who are descended from Israel.”_ It was possible for a person to be part of the nation of Israel, yet not be a true Israelite. Likewise it is possible to be a branch without living connection to the true vine. In Luke 8:18, Jesus said, _“Take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.”_ `Appearance devoid of reality is grounds for being removed from God’s people.` One day the tares, or weeds, will be separated from the wheat on that basis.
For the believer, however, abiding in the true vine provides the deepest kind of security. _“There is now,”_ Paul said, _“no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”_ (Romans 8:1). Those who are in Him cannot be removed, they cannot
be cut off, and they need not fear judgment. But there are those branches who do not live by the sap which the Vine provides. Since they have no living connection to Jesus Christ, they are cast out.
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin