Jesus is talking here as He tells us that He is the vine. For plants, that is the source of their nutrients and their lifeline. Just as the vines of a plant sustain the branches, the same is true for us. Our ability to live and thrive comes from the vine, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the study, Blackaby writes, "Real Christianity is not merely a religion; it is a relationship with a Person."
The remaining, or abiding in some translations, means to stay around. And for you to stay you must already be at your destination. In this case, in order to remain in Christ, we must have already accepted salvation.
The fruits that we bear are the fruits of the spirit; love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These fruits are evidence of our salvation, not a means to it. I read a quote the other week that perfectly summed up our works or fruits: You don't do good works so God will love you, you do good works because you love Him.
We should be rooted in Jesus Christ, and connected to other branches (Christians) through local churches, bible studies, and just general hanging out. Then we should abide or remain in Christ, and be willing to hear Him through prayer, scripture, and church. If we do those things, we will bear a good fruit for Him, for others, and for ourselves.
If you're not connected to Christ, as you read this please consider doing so. And get connected with other Christians around you to start growing and producing fruit. If you have already accepted salvation, be sure that you're remaining in God's will and following Him wherever He may lead. Lord, I pray that you give me the strength to remain in you, and to produce fruit pleasing to you. Amen.
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