{"id":333,"date":"2022-01-24T00:04:13","date_gmt":"2022-01-24T00:04:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deadmannotwalking.org\/?p=333"},"modified":"2022-01-24T00:04:18","modified_gmt":"2022-01-24T00:04:18","slug":"truth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deadmannotwalking.org\/?p=333","title":{"rendered":"Truth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, \u201cIf you continue in My word, then<\/em> you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.\u201d   (John 8:31-32, NASB)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I write, I look out my window and see a fresh blanket of snow from God’s storehouse (Job 38:22).  It’s beautiful.  Our neighbor’s grandsons shoveled our driveway, so that’s one less thing Sue has to worry about.  I thank God for those young men.  Shoveling snow is yet another item I’m unable to do for her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sue and I used to be involved in party politics in our county.  It always amazed me that even though the people on our committee agreed on 99% of the issues, there were still arguments.  More than once during these disputes, I heard one party say to the other, “The truth shall set you free.”  What that person was really implying was that the other was lying (Another phrase I heard a lot was, “I’ll pray for you.”  I knew that person wouldn’t pray for the other, but I always thought I would respond by saying, “Really?  And how will you pray for me?”  Or give them a list of my prayer requests!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once while reading this passage I realized that there is a lot more to this than just an accusation or a retort while arguing.  There is a progression that leads one to finding the truth before he is set free.  There is also the aspect of truth being found in a Person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Apostle John’s account, Jesus is speaking with some Jews who believe in what He has been saying.  He begins this “If . . . then” progression with “If you continue in My word,” meaning they believe in Jesus, and love Him, and follow His commandments.  The result of this condition?  ” . . . then you are truly disciples of Mine.”  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"free\"\/
John 8:31-32 image. Found at Simply Thankful https:\/\/simplythankful.blog\/2016\/06\/27\/scripture-of-the-week-then-you-will-know-the-truth-and-the-truth-will-set-you-free-john-832\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So in order to become a disciple of Jesus, you must believe in Him, love Him, and listen to His words.  Jesus goes on to say that once that condition is met “you will know the truth.”  Once one knows the truth, then “the truth will make you free.”  So in order to be freed, you must know the truth.  To know the truth you have to be a disciple of Jesus.  And to be His disciple, you must believe in Him, love Him, and follow His commandments.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simply put (I’m all for simplicity, as I’m very simple!), in order for the truth to make you free, you have to know Jesus.  After all, truth is a person, He has a name, and His name is Jesus. 
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