Truth sets you free!
John 8:32-“You will also know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (EHV)
Freedom is the hallmark and cornerstone of our country. Unfortunately, it has not always followed through with this in our history. The ugliness and stain of slavery in our country will continue with us for many years to come and will most likely remain so long as we endure as a country. But is Jesus referring to earthly slavery in these verses. He was talking to Jews including Pharisees. They claimed that they were never slaves. Perhaps you could say the same as them. Have you been a slave? Most likely your answer is no, not in earthly terms.
But Jesus is not talking about slavery in earthly terms. The slavery he is referring to is slavery to sin. Jesus said, “Everyone who keeps committing sin is a slave to sin.” Ouch! Even as Jesus disciples, we continue to sin every day. All it takes is an angry outburst, a forbidden touch, one too many drinks, and boom, slave to sin. But the next day, we may be determined to try better, only to fail and fall back to slavery to sin. The guilt piles higher and higher with no end in sight. How free are you?
“The truth will set you free.” However, what truth is Jesus talking about? Remain in Jesus’ word and you will know the truth that sets you free. The key to our freedom is remaining in the word that sets us free. It is remaining in the word that points to Jesus who took all those sins as his own and paid them in full. It is remaining in the word that points to Jesus who carried our guilt to the cross and nailed it there. When we see ourselves as slaves to sin, we remain in the word of truth that Jesus removed that yoke of slavery and placed it on his shoulders. He has set us completely and totally free from all our past, present, and future sins. We are no longer slaves to sin, but children in the household of our Father in heaven. This is the truth that sets us free every day. Remain in the word, and you will be free forever!
Dear Lord of truth. Thank you for giving us your word of truth that sets us free from sin, guilt, and hell itself. Help us remain in your word and the truth that sets us free. In your name we pray. Amen.