“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
I want to begin by expressing the importance of the fact that the truth is singular, constant, and able to be comprehended. God not only preserves his truth, but he also makes it possible for you and I to know what that truth is. The truth is none other than Jesus Christ and the fullness of his gospel.
The word “know” as it is translated here means more than just a head knowledge, it implies a heartfelt realization and understanding. A head knowledge of Jesus is to realize I am a lost sinner worthy of an eternal hell where I am forever separated from God. A heart knowledge of Jesus is to accept his sacrifice for my sins, vow to live according to his purpose and turn away from sin altogether. Do you have a head or heart knowledge of Jesus?
The obvious aspect of this promise is freedom. Sad to say so many confuse the principle of freedom. In a country like America, land of the free, citizens have the ability to choose how their life will go. This is true within reason. Even today many Americans are not completely free. Millions live in financial debt while others are stuck at a job or career they don’t enjoy. I have heard it said, “They live quiet lives of desperation.” There are natural constraints of life that limit a person’s freedom.
In the spirit of man there is obedience to either God or the devil. Our natural tendencies are to follow the ways of the devil. The freedom that accompanies the truth is power over self and natural tendencies to sin. Jesus allows us to escape the bondage of the devil, thus we are “free.” In our freedom we have both the knowledge and ability to love God by our obedience here on earth. Without Jesus (the truth) there is no power to do what is pleasing to God.
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