The statement “the truth will set you free” is a well-known phrase attributed to Jesus Christ, found in the Bible in the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 32. In this article, we will try to understand the meaning of the powerful statement made by Jesus Christ and its impact on those who accept it.
The context
To understand the context and meaning of this statement, it is important to consider the surrounding verses and the broader conversation Jesus was having with a group of Jews.
In John 8:31-32, Jesus said, ““If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (BSB). The Jews responded by claiming they were descendants of Abraham and had never been slaves, implying that they were already free.
Freedom from what?
Jesus then explained that he was speaking about a different kind of freedom, one that goes beyond physical bondage. He said, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34 NIV). Jesus was highlighting the spiritual bondage that sin brings and the need for liberation from it.
Humanity’s Struggle
There is a sense of bondage and lostness in man and the Bible teaches this lostness is rooted in the fact that we live in a fallen and sinful world. We are all infected by a sin nature: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). And despite our best efforts, we cannot free ourselves from the burden of guilt that separates us from our Creator.
The multitude of bondages that sin brings
The slavery to sin brings with itself a multitude of other bondages. Bondages of traditions, culture, habits. Sense of guilt of–not being perfect and missing the mark. Fear of death, life after death, future and unknown. Emptiness and loneliness–the feeling of missing something in life, and from the wasteful efforts stretching till the end of life trying to fill up this vacuum. Insatiable quench for prosperity and sense of wellness and goodness. Worthless efforts for obtaining peace, proximity to God the Creator.
What is the truth?
Jesus’ Unique Claim to be “the Way, the Truth and the Life”
No One Else Has Made Such an authoritative claim as Jesus did when He emphatically stated “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Many tried to show the way, some tried to explore the truth, and multitudes are trying to figure out ‘life’ and its mysteries. But none said ‘I am the way and the TRUTH and the life’, except Jesus.
The Way to God Through Faith in Christ
God sent his Son to solve the dilemma caused by our sin. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Jesus Christ made the way to God for us by his death on the cross. He purchased our salvation by the shedding of his blood. His death and resurrection made a new and everlasting covenant between God and humanity. The way to God is through personal faith in Jesus Christ.
The Choice to Accept or Reject Jesus
Jesus said, “..that is why I told you that you would die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:24. Those who don’t believe in the truth declared by Jesus will die in their sins and will be lost for eternity. Jesus’ statement demands a response. One can choose to reject or accept Him, but His claim cannot be avoided or ignored.
The Truth will Set You Free
So, the truth Jesus referred to is the truth of His teachings and the message of salvation. It encompasses the truth about God’s love, grace, and forgiveness, as well as the truth about humanity’s need for redemption and reconciliation with God. This shows that knowing Jesus, who is the truth, and believing in His words, leads to freedom.
Today, you can come to him by surrendering your life and heart to Christ. The Bible says: “To all who did receive him [Jesus Christ], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). JESUS is the TRUTH. Believe in Him and He will set you free indeed!
