"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away” (John 15:2).
Federal Visionists love passages like this because Jesus says that someone can be in Christ, but if he does not bear fruit, he will be taken away. Federal Visionists argue that this is referring to non-elect covenant members (NECMs) who are “in Me” yet “taken away.” Obviously, this violates nearly every sola.
First, there is no such thing as an NECM. Neither the Westminster Standards nor the Three Forms of Unity allow for this. The Reformed faith has unequivocally taught that the Covenant of Grace is only made with the elect and is, therefore, unbreakable: “They will all know me” (Jeremiah 31:34). Election goes hand-in-hand with covenant membership.
Second, we are saved by grace alone (sola gratia) through faith alone (sola fide). Election is unconditional, and so our salvation cannot depend upon whether we bear fruit or not. Obedience is optional.
So, what does Jesus mean by “he takes away.” Since the elect cannot lose their salvation, this must be a hypothetical warning. Jesus is just trying to scare the disciples, kind of like parents who never carry out their threats.
