Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are

³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching,^(A) you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”^(B)

¹⁴ If you fear^(A) the Lord and serve and obey him and do not rebel^(B) against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God—good!

¹² Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, ¹³ but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.^(A)

⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you.^(A) No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;^(B) apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.^{(C) 7} If you remain in me^(D) and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.^{(E) 8} This is to my Father’s glory,^(F) that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.^(G)

⁷ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor^(A) and immortality,^(B) he will give eternal life.^(C)

¹² May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other^(A) and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. ¹³ May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless^(B) and holy in the presence of our God and Father^(C) when our Lord Jesus comes^(D) with all his holy ones.^(E)