The goal of Jesus’ mission, as the Christ, was to enable us to have a permanent relationship where we could remain united with Him free from the guilt and shame of our sins. He wants us to abide in Him because He knows that nothing good can happen in our lives without Him. The Garden of Eden was a picture of us “walking with God in the cool of the day.” He wants us to enjoy our relationship with Him and He promises to make Himself known to us. He gives a new commandment that summarizes all of the law and the prophets. He tells us to “love one another, as I have loved you.” Jesus loved the disciples in spite of themselves. He tells them that “no one has greater love than to lay down his own life for his friends.” The only chance they had of bearing this kind of fruit (sacrificial love) was to yield to the Spirit who would live inside them.

The Vine and the Branches (2:46)

It is important to note that whenever the word “obey” is used here the word in the original language means “to attend to carefully, to take care of, to guard, to observe.” This means to fix your eyes upon His words and watch over them with great care. It does not mean that you have to legalistically perform them perfectly in order to remain in His love. The word is often translated “keep” which is a tower in a castle that guards would mount on to keep watch. When you love Jesus you love His words so you want to focus on them with all your heart. The New Covenant is not like the law in that it is based on God’s promise to save us and give us a new heart. Good works flow from our changed heart and are never a condition of acceptance or relationship under the New Covenant.

The World’s Hatred (1:26)

"But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself] will testify regarding Me."

(John 15:26 AMPC)