So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine. John 15:4 TPT

He’s not talking about a quick peck on the cheek as we hurry out the door in the morning, day after day, the way dying relationships behave.

Abiding (KJV) is can’t-wait-to-see-you intimacy, and a nurturing relationship with your “number one”.

Jesus likened it to a vine and branch. The branch will die if it is cut off from the vine.

To me, it’s also somewhat like the relationship between an expectant mother and the baby in her womb, who has a 24/7 sustaining connection with her. She is his lifeline.

Jesus is our lifeline. Our relationship with Him, as born-again children, is that intimate. Anything else is lacking.

Have you been born again?

John 3 records the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus that points out the necessity of this.

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus. He was one of the Jewish rulers.

He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. We know that God is with you. If he weren’t, you couldn’t do the signs you are doing.”

Jesus replied, “What I’m about to tell you is true. No one can see God’s kingdom unless they are born again.”

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “They can’t go back inside their mother! They can’t be born a second time!”

Jesus answered, “What I’m about to tell you is true. No one can enter God’s kingdom unless they are born with water and the Holy Spirit.

People give birth to people. But the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised when I say, ‘You must all be born again.’

The wind blows where it wants to. You hear the sound it makes. But you can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going. It is the same with everyone who is born with the Spirit.”

How can this be?” Nicodemus asked…

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.

God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world. He sent his Son to save the world through him.

Anyone who believes in him is not judged. But anyone who does not believe is judged already. They have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 3:1‭-‬9‭, 16-18 NIRV

If you have not experienced this new birth, please don’t put off sitting down with your Bible, asking Jesus to show you the truth about Himself, and reading and praying until He does. It can help to talk to a minister or Christian you trust about the most important life decision you will ever make. Deciding to follow Jesus is even more critical to your eternal well-being. Please don’t wait.