15:2

Jesus noted, "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away"

Elmer Town gives various interpretations and then his own conclusion.

"Theologians debate the identity of the unfruitful branch that is apparently cast away.

First some say it represents the true believer apostatizing. Armenians make reference to this passage to claim that Christians who do not abide in Christ are taken from Him, and their salvation is lost.

Second, those who believer in eternal security interpret the unfruitful branch as one who merely professes Christianity, but who was never truly united to Christ.

Third, others interpret this passage with a primary emphasis on fruit bearing, not salvation.

Fourth, the probable solution in seen in the word airei (takes away). This word is the root for resurrection (to take up). The focus here is fruit bearing; the vinedressser does not cut away a vine because it has no fruit but gently lifts it up to the sun so it has an opportunity to bear fruit. The first step of Christ in not judgment but encouragement."

The Gospel of John,Believe and Live, Elmer Towns p 150-151

15:16

You did not choose me, but I chose you and set you aside that you should go forth and yield fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that the Father should give you whatever you ask in my name.

God understood what He was working with when He chose you and me.

God has a proven track record of using ordinary people to do extraordinary exploits.

He used a man who had committed murder to later lead his people into the promised land (Moses).
He used a convict who later became the 2nd most powerful man in a nation to bless others (Joseph)

He uses people who had made grave errors. He uses people who have human weakness.

God is not looking for perfect people. He is looking for people who will admit their need and turn their heart toward Him and follow Him.

Many times human talent can be a hindrance to God using us. We rely on it instead of relying on God.

God desires to use all of us.

15:2

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he trims clean so that it will be even more fruitful.


We should not regard this as a proof that true believers may fall away. it is part of the viticultural picture, and the point could not be made without it. The emphasis here is on bearing fruit.

In a vineyard fruitfulness is not just desirable; it is imperative; that is the whole point of the vineyard; it is what the vineyard is for. Pruning is resorted to to ensure that this takes place. Left to itself a vine will produce a good deal of unproductive growth. For maximum fruitfulness extensive pruning in essential.

This is a suggestive figure for the Christian life. The fruit of Christian service is never the result of allowing the natural energies and inclinations to run riot. "Trims clean" more literally "cleans" where we might have expected "prunes," shows that we have now moved into the spiritual sphere. the interest is in what happens with people rather than with vines. The action of the father is such as to cleanse his people so that they will live fruitful lives.

The Gospel According to John, Leon Morris p. 594-595