What a high honor did Jesus bestow on us, that we resemble branches proceeding from his heart. He has created the spiritual life in us. Just as in the vine a twig first appears, and this extends to be a plant growing unto a branch healthy and long. Similarly, the believer comes out with all the traits and Christian virtues thanks to Jesus. It is not only by virtue of our faith, but grace upon grace. We are responsible to abide in Jesus.
Then, we find an unusual expression occurring 175 times in the gospel "IN HIM", and the corresponding "IN US" somewhat less often in the gospel. Every believer is entitled to be united with Jesus under the New Covenant. This union is so firm that we see ourselves fused with Jesus.
Our Lord assures us that our individuality does not vanish through believing, we are not submerged in mysticism. He energizes your will, and fills your life with his Spirit. Christ desires to lead you to maturity, and mould in you the image he purposed for you from the beginning. His possibilities and qualities enter the hearts of believers. Where then is our faith and our love?
What is the aim of the union of God’s Son with mankind? Why did Jesus die on the cross, and why was the Spirit poured out in the hearts of believers? What does the Lord require of you? The spiritual fruit bestowed on you from God. These are the Spirit’s gifts: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
We need to learn that we cannot achieve a thing of this quality on our own. We can hardly come up with obligatory of ourselves, such as breathing, walking and talking, let alone prayer, faith and love. We have the privilege as believers to enjoy the spiritual life proceeding from Jesus alone. We ought to thank him for our spiritual being and the divine power given us. All these energies and ministries are gifts from God. Without him we can do nothing.