Q:    Regarding John 15:4, what exactly does “abide” mean?

A:    "To remain in" or "to dwell in."

Question:

I've always been told you can forfeit your salvation. It sounds like you are saying this is impossible when you give your life to Christ. Can't people backslide?

Question:
Regarding Matthew 16:24; Jesus said "If any will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." What was the significance of the cross prior to Jesus' crucifixion? What would "take up his cross" mean to the disciples before Jesus had taken up His own? Is that applicable to us today?

This is a good question because the Greek does give us more insight into these phrases.

John 1:1 literally translated reads: "In beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God was the Word." Here is the breakdown: