The abiding is mutual as expressed in v. 4. As men abide in Christ, Christ dwells in them and they become partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Their thoughts become so identified with the divine will that only such requests are made as are in harmony with that will (see 1 John 5:14; DA 668). Furthermore, no sin intervenes to prevent a favorable answer.

 These words show that the indwelling of Christ is not wholly a mystical, inexplicable experience. Men receive Christ by receiving His word. As they feed upon that word it enlightens the mind. And as they make an intelligent choice to follow that word and obey it implicitly through the enabling power of Heaven, Christ, the hope of glory, is formed within (Col. 1:27). Furthermore, for this experience to be constant they feed daily upon the word. See on John 6:53.