If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32 ESV

 

     The statement, “freedom is never free” is true for many different applications. In America we live free by the sacrifices of many service men and women – some with their lives, and others who still carry physical or mental scars. Yet they all gave for the sake of freedom – freedoms all Americans enjoy. There are those who re thankful and those who do not understand nor appreciate the sacrifices that were made. Many who are truly thankful may never be able to express how thankful they are but will always try. There are others who use the very freedom provided, despising those who sacrificed for them. Evaluate for a moment what this freedom means. Freedom doesn’t mean you may do whatever you want, it means you may chose to do what is right. Then the question will arise, who determines what is right? Yes, there needs to be a standard or principle by which right and wrong are made clear. Where are such standards to be obtained? What person has the right to establish such principles by which others should live? Have you considered the one who paid the ultimate sacrifice – God the Father? He paid your debt, so you could be free. Free not for just a lifetime, but for eternity and providing you with heavenly citizenship. Citizenship that comes only to those who have been redeemed by the blood of His Son Jesus, the one who made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross bearing the sins of all who repent and choose to be His disciples. This is true freedom.

Permanent freedom! Jesus told those who believed in Him the way to live and experience true freedom.

 If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples: John 8:31 ESV When filling out certain forms for various reasons, the question is asked, “What is your permanent address?” This is where you live/abide. Abiding in God’s word is where the Believer’s address should be. Believers live and abide in Jesus who is the word made flesh. (John 1:1 & 1:14) In him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28ESB The believer’s desire should be to live with their address being – JESUS.

 And you will know the truth: John 8:31a ESV To know truth is to know Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” John 14:6 ESV Have you ever heard someone say, “When everything came to light we realized the truth”? Jesus also said, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” John 12:46 ESV When you live in darkness you live blinded to the truth. We are all born with this blindness to truth because of sin. We were all in the bondage of darkness without hope/freedom until …. Jesus.

 And the truth will set you free: John 8:31b ESV So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed John 8:36 ESV … Set free from the power of sin and its dominion and bondage in our lives. To give us hope knowing we are not who we were, but we are not yet who we will be in Christ. Freedom living in the grace by which we have been saved. It is making right choices and living the way he taught us to live. Freedom to do what is right.

 My prayer for you……. may you learn this freedom by experiencing the saving grace of God.

Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David