And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.” Romans 11:23P
A short but powerful statement, “For without me, ye can do nothing” is a gentle reminder to ensure that we stay in God because anything outside Him equals NOTHING.
We can now understand when Moses said, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here….” Our choice of Jesus gave us the right privilege of being saved, and we have been grafted into the vine as a branch ready to bear fruit.
The call to abide points to a living connection meaning to remain rooted in trust and dependence on Christ. Abiding is not passive; it requires continual faith, obedience, and reliance on God. We need to avoid unbelief because it leads to being cut off, while faith keeps us grafted in. Whenever we feel cut off, God’s grace is always available to restore us because no one is beyond His reach if they turn back in faith.
Charge: Make abiding in Christ a daily practice through prayer, scripture, and obedience. Watch for doubt, pride, or self-reliance that can weaken faith. Share hope with those who feel cut off, God can graft them in again.
Further Study: Exodus 33:11-19; Psalm 92:13-14; Jeremiah 3:22; Hosea 14:4; John 15:1-5; Romans 11:17-18; Ephesians 2:12-13; Colossians 2:6-7; Hebrews 3:12-14.
