Matthew Poole and continuators on John 15:2

2 Every branch in me, that beareth not fruit, he taketh away : and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit .

And concerning his Father's care, he tells us, That as the good Vine-dresser cutteth off those branches in the Vine which bring forth no fruit; so his Father will take away such branches in him as bring forth no fruit. But here ariseth a Question, viz. Whether, or how any can be branches in Christ, and yet bring forth no fruit? Ans. Some say, there is no need of translating the words so, which may as well be translated, Every branch not bringing forth fruit in me. Indeed no true fruit can be brought forth but in Christ; but yet much that looks like fruit, much that men may call fruit, may be brought forth without any true spiritual Union with Christ. All acts of moral Discipline ▪ or any acts of formal Profession in Religion, may be brought forth without any true Root and Foundation in Christ; and God will in the end discover, and c[illegible: 1 letter]t o[illegible: 1 letter]f those who b[illegible: 1 letter]ing forth no other fruit. But 2dly, Men may be said to be branches in him, by a Sacramental implantation, being baptized into him, Rom. 6.3. and are hereby Members of the Visible Church, and make a visible profession of adhering to him, with respect to their own good opinion and perswasion of themselves, tho they be not so in respect of any true, spiritual, and real implantation. But those who in the la[illegible: 2 letters] sense, are not in him, bring forth no fruit unto perfection, and God will cut them off, either by withdrawing his restraining Grace, and giving them up to strong delusions to believe lies; or to a reprobate mind, and vile lusts and affections; or by taking away their gifts; or some way or other, so as they shall never have any eternal Communion with God in glory.

But if any man bringeth forth true spiritual fruit in Christ, him God the Father will purge by the [illegible: 1 word] of Christ's Blood yet further upon his Conscience, Heb 10.22. and by his holy Spirit working on [illegible: 1 letter]im like [illegible: 1 word] to purge away his dross, and like water, to p[illegible: 2 letters]g[illegible: 1 letter] away his fi[illegible: 1 letter]th; and by his Word, 1 Pet 1.22. by Faith. Acts 15.9. by Crosses, and Trials, Isaiah 1.25. and [illegible: 1 letter]7.9 that he may be more fruitful in works of Ho[illegible: 2 letters]ness and Righteo sness.

Marginal references: Matt. 15.13.