In my last article, What Does It Mean to Abide? (Part 1), I talked a lot about the definition of abide. In this article, I'm going to try and tackle some applications of the word 'abide.' What does it actually look like to abide? And what are the benefits of abiding in Christ?

First, as I said last week, to abide is an action. Additionally, all action requires some form of choice. So, to abide in Christ means we must first choose to "remain stable or fixed in a state" that of Christ.

Abiding in Christ can take a variety of forms, but most simply it looks like believing Christ and His Words. It means resting in His promises and reminding ourselves of His goodness, even when we forget (which can be quite often).

When we abide in Christ, we have fellowship with Him. However, when we stop believing Jesus at His Word, we stop abiding in Him. This prohibits our fellowship with Him from reaching its full potential.

The moment we stop abiding in Christ, we lose sight of how He sees us and His purpose for us.

So, how do we know that we're abiding in Christ?

In John 14:21 Jesus says, "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them."

We can know we are abiding in Christ based on the works produced in our life. Not that we are saved by works, but works should be an overflow of our faith. Works should be an outcome of abiding in Christ. So, if we truly belong to Jesus and He truly has a hold of our heart, then we will desire to keep His commands. We will desire to glorify Him in our works.

As a result of abiding in Christ, we should pursue righteousness. We should be grieved by and convicted by our sin and seek repentance. God is a gracious God, faithful to forgive and cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Abide in Him, and the fruit of your life will reflect the work of Jesus Christ.