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(1) QUESTIONS
Everyone loves to know the truth and hopes to be set free in life.
Firstly, what does Jesus mean by saying “Know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32)?
Secondly, is there any precondition for believers to be set free based on that context?
Thirdly, who is Jesus addressing?
Nevertheless, it is good to look into its contexts, before drawing any personal conclusion.
Since believers can accept the Amplified bible’s definition of the word “Grace” as “Unmerited Favor”. We shall look into the context with both AMP and AMPC. Good about the Amplified bible is that they define most of the keywords.
(2) SCRIPTURE
Scripture reading:-
| (John 8:31-32, AMP) 30 As He said these things, many believed in Him. 31 So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” (John 8:31-32) |
| AMPC 30 As He said these things, many believed in Him [trusted, relied on, and adhered to Him]. 31 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32) |
(3) “AND” CONDITION
Clearly, verse 32 starts with “And”. Some translations use “Then” instead. This means verse 32 has to be read with the previous verse.
Obviously, Jesus was addressing those people who had already believed Him (verses 30-31). In short, it is referring to Jesus’ earthly ministry’s believers. They believe in His teaching on the rest of John 8 and beyond. Next, Jesus further outlined the meaning of the word “believe”. It means “Abiding to God’s word” and as:
1. hold fast to His teachings, and
2. live in accordance with them.
That means it is only by abiding by His word and living according to Jesus’ teaching can then be qualified as His disciples.
Then verse 32 comes in place by saying “And or then” you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”.
It shows that for believers to know and be set free by the truth, they have to hold fast and live according to Jesus’ teaching. It is not just proclaiming His word and doing nothing. It is the “doing” that sets them free. “Doing” has its place in setting Christians free in life.
(4) ANSWER
The next question is what to be set free for.
Indeed, this was the question those believers asked Jesus (verse 33). The whole verse is as below:-
| 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been enslaved to anyone. What do You mean by saying, ‘You will be set free’?” (John 8:33) |
Jesus gives His answer in verse 34
| (John 8:34, AMPC) 34 Jesus answered them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Whoever commits and practices sin is the slave of sin. (John 8:34) |
Undoubtedly, Jesus was talking about setting free from habitual sin and enslavement.
(5) CONCLUSION
In conclusion, for believers to know and be set free by the truth, they have to hold fast and live according to Jesus’ teaching first. Hence, to believe in Jesus and as His disciple is two different things.
Interestingly, Jesus brought in another famous quotation by saying “If the Son set you free, you will be freed indeed”, in the rest of His teaching in John 8. We shall continue Part 2 again.
CONTINUE READING:
The Truth Will Set You Free- Part 1
Know The Truth- Part 2 (If The Son Set You Free…)
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