Jesus defines Freedom

 Read John 8.

"The truth will make you free."  How often that one-fourth of a sentence from Jesus has been quoted while the other seventy-five percent goes ignored!  When quoted, the one phrase is commonly used to encourage a person to state the truth about an issue or, perhaps, confessing what they had done.  Such is a blatant abuse of Scripture and misses entirely what Jesus said.

The words "true" or "truth" is used throughout the Gospel of John; no less than eleven times in chapter 8, plus "truly" seven times (depending upon the translation).  Jesus continued to reinforce His teaching of the veracity of who He is and the validity of the Scriptures.  He and they are true.  All other beliefs are false and founded by the devil, "the father of lies" (vv.42-47). 

Without Jesus, humans are enslaved to practice disobedience toward God.  Jesus called it slavery to sin (v.34).  A Bible is not required to observe this truth.  It is self-evident.  Isaiah wrote, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6).  The invitation from Jesus is clear.  "I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins." (v.24)  Everyone then is naturally born a slave to sin and, according to Jesus, there is only one way to be free.  "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (v.36).

Receiving Jesus and believing in Him as Savior and Lord changes one's eternal destiny.  How can we know and be reassured of the truth?  How can we live as free while overcoming our sinful practices?  The answer is found in the other seventy-five percent of what Jesus said in verses 31-32.

1. "If you abide in my word..."
There is no understanding, no spiritual growth, and no living as free from sin without obedience to the Scriptures.  One must make the reading, studying and practicing of the written Word of God a lifelong adventure.  "Abide" means to stay, to continue, to dwell, to stand.  Only when we abide in the Scriptures do we begin to understand God, ourselves, life, and others.  Only then do we have confidence to know that our lives are pleasing to God.

2. "...you are truly my disciples..."
Without the first part, one will not enjoy freedom from sin and prove themselves a true follower of Jesus.

3. "...and you will know the truth..."
Again, one will either waste their lives chasing false beliefs as a slave to sin or they will come to know Jesus and experience a life based on the truth.

4. "...and the truth will set you free."
It is the truth of God's word, not ours.  It is freedom from sin that is being offered here.

Christians are not perfect, just forgiven.  "For you were called to freedom, brothers.  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13)