In this twenty-third installment of the book of John, John Ritenbaugh continues to examine the details of the vine and branch analogy concluding that Jesus presents Himself as the true or genuine Vine, as contrasted to the unfaithful or degenerate vine (ancient Israel). As the church (the Israel of God) is obligated to remain organically attached to Christ (the True Vine), there is no such thing as an "independent Christian." Conversion involves a continuous reciprocal process in which God displays His love to us and we respond reciprocally to Him. Continuing in His Love by giving ourselves back to Him is our part of this mutual reciprocal process. Conforming to God’s purpose will inevitably bring friction and persecution from the world and often from our own physical family. Throughout history, five false charges have been made against Christians claiming they were: (1) insurrectionists, (2) cannibals, (3) having flagrant immorality, (4) arsonists or incendiaries, and (5) dividing or separating families. God's Holy Spirit gives us understanding by piecing things together from the scripture, convicting us and allowing us to go through life’s experiences through the prism of scriptural truths.

Abiding in Christ Attached to the vine Children of promise Descendents of Abraham Friend of God Friends of the King Grape vines “Grieving Christian” Holy Spirit Intimacy with God Israel of God Isaac Letter of the law Jonas Hanway Reciprocity Servant of God Spiritual Israel Vine and branch analogy Vine analogy