Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. Any you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31, 32
If you abide in My word, you are My disciples. There is power in the Word. When you get in the Word, the Word gets in you! Church rolls are filled with people who have made a decision for Christ but have never continued in the Word. Have you cut back on your commitment to God, or are you continuing in your commitment? The true test of salvation is not a past experience but a present walk with God. The Word of God tells us how to live and how to think. It gives us guidance for everyday life.
"You shall know the truth." Jesus did not say you "might" know. The Holy Spirit will make sure you know. What do you believe? How you believe will determine how you behave. What you believe as a Christian should be based on the Bible alone.
"The truth shall make you free." Are you still in bondage? Are you addicted? Are you a slave to sin? Jesus can deliver you from whatever binds you. Whether it's poverty, debt, sickness, fear, worry, panic, anger, insecurity, jealousy, lust, addiction, demons, sin, guilt, destructive habits, depression, misery, or just life without meaning - Jesus will set you free! All around the world, people are crying out for freedom. What humanity longs for most desperately can only be found in Jesus.
When God gives us a command, He knows what is best for us. He is not restricting us. He is freeing us. Call on Him and run to Him today with open arms. He will set you free!*
Father, I stand on Your promise that "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Joel 2:32). Deliver me from self and sin, and tear down the strongholds of the Enemy in Jesus' name. Cleanse me with blood of Jesus and fill me with the Holy Spirit. Help me take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. My desire is to hide Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Thank You for victory in Jesus' name. Amen.
*Dr. Grant Ethridge, Hampton, VA