“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”

John 8:32 NIV

As I'm leading a study in the Book of John, I felt it was time to take a pause and meditate on this verse, because honestly, it jumped off the pages of my Bible and pierced my heart.

I get 2 take-aways from this verse: 

First take-away - Jesus is saying there is “A Truth”. 

We live in a culture where there is

“the” Truth,

“relative” truth,   

and “your” truth. 

Truth can be misconstrued in our day and age.  I have a tendency to do things my way, to live on my own accord, to march by the beat of my own drum. Basically to live life in a way according to my own standards. But Jesus says that’s not really the way life works.  There's actually a right way we're to live our lives, and Jesus says the right way is His way. He says it himself in another scripture, John 14:6 -“I am the way, the Truth and the life”. The truth is ultimately found in Jesus, the truth is found in the Word of God, and there is one truth and one right way to live our life. 

Second take-away - He also takes it a step further and doesn’t just end by saying there is a truth we all ought to know, but He says there is actually a reward for living by that truth. When we live by the truth of God’s Word, with our trust and faith in Jesus Christ,  it ultimately leads to true freedom. 

*freedom from sin 

*freedom from shame 

*freedom from regret 

*freedom from your past 

*freedom from addiction 

*freedom from bondage 

Scripture says that freedom is ultimately found in the person of Jesus.  He is the Truth and when we follow His truth we find life and freedom.

Beware though, because this verse has been known to be taken out of context.  It's written on many of the great badges and symbols of American universities.  What they're referring to is academic truth, when you know "academic" truth, you will be set free.  That's not what Jesus means.  What He means is the Truth about Him will set you free. It's specifically about Him.  How do I know this?  John 8:36 says, "therefore, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed".  That's the context, it's the truth about the Son, nothing about academic truth.  Someone could be very smart, but at the same time be locked in eternal bondage.

So what do we do with all this and how do we apply it to our lives?  As a Christian Life Coach, I would suggest 2 things:

1. We continue to learn the truth of God’s Word. The more we do that, the more we know His Truth.
2. We walk by His Truth.  We follow His Word and as we do, we experience the reward of freedom that is found in our Savior Jesus Christ.