For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Romans 11:21
Those who grow fruit trees keep a close eye upon the tree. They are looking at the branches to determine which branches are producing fruit and which branches are dead and not producing fruit.
Any branch that does not produce fruit is cut of and thrown away. This is done to give the good branches more nutrition to produce even more.
Many businesses do this with their workers. Any worker that does not produce is often let go after a warning to produce correctly.
After describing Israel as the natural branches of a tree that was cut off by God because of unbelief, Paul describes believers in Jesus as branches grafted into the tree. These new believers need to believe and produce fruit, or they will also be cut off.
It is common to hear of people who have become believers and refuse to give up sinful habits. Many churches teach that people can stay as they are, preaching God’s grace and love, but not talking about what He requires of His people, to live holy lives.
Some will state that once a believer, one cannot lose his salvation, that it is for eternity, no matter how he lives.
Belief in Jesus is what saves a person, however, God requires that the person become a new creation, to turn away from sin and produce fruit. The producing of fruit is not to save a person, but to show gratefulness for the salvation God has given him.
If God was willing to cut off Israel from His salvation, because of their unbelief and refusing to live for Him, He will also cut off people today for the same reasons.
Every believer must strive to live for God and turn from sin, producing fruit worthy of what Jesus has done for them.
If you consider yourself a believer in Jesus and are saved, examine your life. Ask yourself if you are producing fruit or if you are a dead branch. This can be seen in your life if you are turning away from sin.
Make progress on a regular basis to change sinful habits and be His witness. Be who Jesus has saved you to be, a new creation that produces fruit for God’s kingdom, not a dead branch that will be cut off.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will do what God has called you to be; that you will produce fruit for God’s kingdom; and that God will not have to cut you off.
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