Fruit Bearing

Dr. Couch, what is going on in John 15 and the issue of fruit bearing?



ANSWER: The context is about the believer being a branch in Christ who is, or who is not, bearing fruit. As a branch, if there is no fruit bearing the branch is removed from that position of being a branch. But notice, the branch is judged by "them," by "men" or by others and are burned, that is, they are judged by other people, even the lost, if no fruit is produced.

This is not about our position "in Christ" in regard to our salvation but it is about fruit bearing, not about redemption. In fellowship, all one has to do to bear fruit is "to abide in Him" (v. 5). (Present Active Indicative) "The branch who is continually sticking, staying with Christ."

This "abiding" means in Greek "to remain with" Him, stay with Him, "don't go away!" Notice that verse 6 says "they" meaning men, or people, gather them (the wayward) believer, and then men (these people) cast them into the fire (referring to a judgment) and they are burned or judged for lack of fruit bearing (v. 6). God is not casting the believer into the fire for judgment but "they" (others) are judging the believers for their lack of producing fruit.

Christians cannot bear fruit by themselves. Christ said "The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides (sticks or stays with) the vine, so neither can you, unless you continually stick with, stay with" Him in a fruit bearing position (v. 4). This is not about positional salvation but about staying with Christ in order to bear fruit. Salvation is not the issue but good works is what the passage is all about!

Notice that the Father is glorified when we bear fruit. Salvation is not the issue. Bearing much fruit is what the Lord is looking for (v. 8).

I hope this helps.
—Dr. Mal Couch (7/11)

Physical Death or Eternal Separation

Dr. Couch, I have concluded that James 5:19-20 is about physical death and not eternal separation from God. What do you think? ANSWER:  Since the Bible clearly teaches the eternal salvation of the child of God, your conclusion is correct. The verses say that by correcting the brother in his sin, you save one from the error of his way, saving a soul from death. You are also correct to notice that "soul" can mean "life," saving a life from death. The Bible speaks several times of one losing his physical life by persisting in sin (1 Cor. 11:27-30).    In James 5:19 the Greek text puts it this way: "One can be caused to stray from the truth." And, we are to "turn back" that one in the right way. The one who strays is "among you," indicating that he is a believer. By so helping a believer, we are "covering a multitude of sins" (Prov. 10:12). Since the book of James is probably the first NT book, many believers were still trying to figure out how to live the Christian walk. This was a struggle. Thanks for asking. --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Abundant Life

Dr. Couch, Christ speaks of an abundant life in John 10:10. How could that be because of all the persecution Christians have had through the centuries? ANSWER:  The last part of the verse reads: "Might be having life and [might] be having [it] extraordinarily (surpassingly, un-commonly, pre-eminently, over and above, beyond measure). The Greek word is "perissos." Christ is not talking about a quality of physical life. He is addressing the issue of a deeper spiritual life and walk with the Lord. One can be under persecution and even die with peace on one's lips, truly having a deep relationship with Him. In the Christian life there should be peace and contentment, and joy! This is not measured the way people measure the physical walk in this life. This is about a quality of life that the world can never imagine.    The world thinks it is having a good life if there is just happiness or lack of fear. But God goes beyond that. Paul and Silas were singing in a dungeon. How could they do that except by the fact that they knew the God who created them (Acts 16:25)? The text says they were thrown into the inner part of the prison with "their feet fastened in the stocks" (v. 24). They were "singing hymns of praise to God."    This would be called "the peace that passes understanding".    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (6-10)