John 15:2

John 15:2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away:

In some sense, men and women may be in Christ by a mete outward profession; but if they have no evidence of a real union to Christ, if they produce no fruit, they will be taken away, some by death, and others by apostasy; but they will be taken away.

John 15:2. And every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit!.

From these words, it is clear that, many of the afflictions which we have to endure are not brought upon us because we are unfruitful, but because we are bearing fruit.