15:16 Does what Jesus say here have anything to do with individuals being specially chosen or predestined for salvation, as some teach?
15:16 Does what Jesus say here have anything to do with individuals being specially chosen or predestined for salvation, as some teach?
No! Salvation is not in view here. Jesus is simply referring to His choice of Christians as those He has ordained to go and bring forth fruit for the eternal kingdom (CP Jn 15:4-5; Eph 2:10; Col 1:1-6, 10).
Every Christian has been chosen and ordained by God to bring forth fruit for the kingdom (CP Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-18; 1Cor 3:6-9; 2Cor 5:18-20). Fruit is described variously in scripture as souls won to Christ (CP Jn 4:36; 12:24; 15:16; Ro 1:13-16; Col 1:6); holiness (CP Ro 6:22); fruit for God (CP Ro 7:4); Godly attributes (CP Ga 5:22-23); righteousness (CP Php 1:11; He 12:11; Jas 3:18); praising God and giving thanks (CP He 13:15) etc.
It is evident from our study of Jn 15 thus far that V16 does not focus on how we are saved, but that once we are saved how Jesus expects us to bear fruit for the eternal kingdom (see also comments on Mt 25:14-30; Lu 19:11-27; Jn 15:2 and Jn 15:4-6), and author's studies Salvation - A Free Will Choice or Predestinated? and Chosen by God? in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 1).