Abide – To Act – To Do

To Abide Is to Act and to Do, in Accordance with the Lord Jesus Christ​

From a Reformed theological perspective, abiding in Christ’s word represents the fundamental process of truly belonging to God because it encompasses both the sovereign work of God and our responsive participation in that work. This dual nature creates a profound dynamic that establishes and maintains our relationship with God.

The Sovereign Foundation​

According to Reformed theology, our ability to abide in Christ’s word begins with God’s sovereign initiative. “The great secret of abiding in Christ is the deep conviction that we are nothing and he is everything”

This recognition of our complete dependency on God establishes the foundation for true discipleship.

The Dual Nature of Abiding​

Abiding in Christ’s word operates on two complementary levels:

1. Monergistic Work(God’s sovereign work):
   • The Holy Spirit initiates and maintains our ability to abide
   • Our capacity to respond to God’s word is itself a gift of grace
   • Christ’s presence in us enables our participation in abiding
2. Synergistic Response(our participation):
   • Daily engagement with Scripture
   • Submission to God’s authority
   • Prayerful dependence on Christ
   • Active pursuit of holiness

The diagram above illustrates how these two aspects work together in our belonging to God. The pink sections represent God’s sovereign work (monergistic), while the blue sections show our responsive participation (synergistic). Notice how they interweave – God’s initial grace enables our reading of Scripture, while His sustaining power empowers our prayer and submission. Our obedient living, in turn, deepens our faith and draws us back to greater dependence on the Holy Spirit.

The Threefold Nature of God’s Word​

From a Reformed perspective, abiding in Christ’s word involves engaging with Scripture in its complete form:

1. Christ’s Teaching
   • The gospel message of salvation
   • Ethical instruction
   • Teaching about God’s kingdom
2. Old Testament Foundations
   • The Hebrew Scriptures that Jesus Himself revered
   • Prophetic writings pointing to Christ
   • Historical context of redemption
3. Apostolic Witness
   • New Testament writings guided by the Holy Spirit
   • Doctrinal instruction
   • Practical applications for Christian living

“The only access we have to Jesus is the access we have to Jesus through the apostolic word” Redeemer Church

This comprehensive understanding of Scripture ensures we engage with God’s complete revelation rather than fragmentary portions.

Why This Process Is Paramount​

Establishes True Discipleship

• As Jesus stated, abiding in His word defines genuine discipleship
• Separates superficial followers from true believers
• Demonstrates the reality of regeneration

Creates Spiritual Fruitfulness

• “All actions, affections, and outcomes that result from knowing and loving God”
• Produces obedience that flows from transformed hearts
• Results in Christ-like character development

Maintains Covenant Relationship

• Keeps us connected to Christ, the Vine
• Enables Spirit-led living
• Preserves assurance of salvation

Conclusion​

Abiding in Christ’s word is the most important process in truly belonging to God because it encompasses both God’s sovereign work and our responsive participation. Through this dual process, we experience genuine discipleship, spiritual growth, and maintained relationship with Christ. As Reformed theology emphasizes, this abiding is not merely human effort but rather our Spirit-enabled response to God’s gracious initiative, resulting in true belonging to Him.