Eternal life is a gift which always retains the quality of being received; it is not an inheritance which once accepted may pass into the control of the one who has inherited it. Eternal life has to be received from moment to moment without intermission, just as a branch of the vine is always receiving its ability to bear fruit; any break in the connection would be fatal.

The disciples have accepted Jesus' life-giving word. They are invited and encouraged to continue to live on, to abide in Jesus as the branch lives on the vine. Jesus insistently repeats "remain in me". His return to the faithful disciples is in the form of "indwelling". This indwelling love or 'remaining' in Jesus through love is the new commandment. This indwelling will continue as long as they continue to love one another. If this happens and only when this happens will they bear fruit.

This new life they have received exalts them to a new consciousness and experience of existence, for it provides them with access to one who is totally available and attentive to all their needs, released from the inhibiting influence of the past. They will experience the freedom to ask for anything and be confident of receiving it, for the object of their love is none other than the giver of life eternal.