“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32, NKJV)
The message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is liberating!
Using the foundations of the English Language as an example, knowledge of the letters of the English Alphabet, knowledge of the smallest part of spoken language, knowledge of the smallest part of written language, being able to hear, identify and manipulate the individual sounds in spoken words improves children’s ability to read words. It also improves their reading comprehension. It also helps children learn to spell. Effective phonics programs provide ample opportunities for children to apply what they are learning about letters and sounds to the reading of words, sentences, and stories.
Having grasp that knowledge–taking ownership of it–children have been made free or set free to read and comprehend stories. They are well on their way to enjoying the benefits of literacy.
I remember the joy and excitement that I felt when I first realized that my niece knows how to read independently. Each family member played an active role in reading to her on a daily basis. One day in particular, my niece came to me with one of her books. Instead of me reading the book to her, she began to read the book to me. At first, I thought that she had memorized the book. (Children are able to do that if the same book is read to them frequently.) When I realized that she was reading–that she knew the words–I jumped with excitement and ran to my sisters, “Ashley is reading! Ashley is reading! Ashley knows how to read!” I rejoiced when my niece learned how to read because that knowledge would open doors of opportunities for her. It would set her free to enjoy different genres of literature. It would set her free to research and gather information. It would set her free to become a critical thinker.
On a far greater scope, knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior; knowing God as your Heavenly Father is the gateway to freedom on every level! His Words or truth are messages of good tidings, healing, liberty, freedom to those in bondage, favor, comfort, beauty, joy, and strength.
“To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3, NKJV)
Like the Apostle Paul, I too have come into the knowledge of Jesus Christ and with the help of the precious Holy Spirit, He has been teaching me more about my Savior and my Heavenly Father. I can truly testify that I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16). The truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was presented to me and I embraced it wholeheartedly. As a result of embracing the Word, it has produced salvation and healing for me in remarkable ways.
Jesus says, “If you abide in My Word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32, AMP)
Now let’s examine those same verses in the following versions:
John 8:31-32
New King James Version
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Contemporary English Version
Jesus told the people who had faith in him, “If you keep on obeying what I have said, you truly are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The Message
Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6, NKJV)
Knowing the Truth, knowing Jesus Christ as The Door, has released me from the grip of satan, the enemy, and the shackles of his lies that had held me bound. Jesus says of Himself, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9, NKJV).
In this week’s study, we shall come into a deeper revelation and appreciation of Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life.
My prayer for you today is that you will embrace the truth that God loves you with an everlasting love and that receiving and embracing His love for you is far greater than the love of any other; because His love is perfect! I also pray that you will embrace Jesus as the perfect sacrifice. Embracing this truth, confessing it with your mouth and believing in your heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead, the gift of salvation is yours–free of charge.
I rejoiced when my niece gained the knowledge of reading.
Well, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance (Luke 15:7). You will experience the joy of the Lord when you acquaint yourself with God, your Heavenly Father. The truth that you know of God will set you free from humanistic viewpoints, traditions of men, deceptions, mental slavery, sin; and empower you or release you to live the life that He has ordained for you to live before the foundations of the world.
As God reveals Himself to you, that truth revealed becomes yours! Hold fast to it and treasure it. Let nothing, no trial or situation steal that precious truth from your heart.