You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – John 8:32
Among other things, early Greek philosophers were on the hunt for knowledge, honesty, and truth. Socrates admitted, “I know that I know nothing.” Plato wrote, “Renouncing the honors at which the world aims, I desire only to know the truth.” Aristotle said, “For though we love both the truth and our friends, piety requires us to honor the truth first.” Diogenes is said to have carried a lantern through the city, holding it up to faces in the dark, looking for one honest person. Knowing truth may have been their goal, but each missed the mark.
God alone is the source of all truth. The Amplified version of Isaiah 45:19 says, “I, the Lord, speak righteousness [the truth—trustworthy, a straightforward correlation between deeds and words], declaring things that are upright.” Truth came into the world exemplified in Jesus (John 1:17). Both of these verses are powerful declarations of God’s character and nature. Moreover, they are a rebuke to those who worship false gods.
Knowing the truth and finding freedom in it, theologian Charles Spurgeon says, “is the result of being a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. With Christ, who is the truth, to be our Teacher, and the Holy Spirit to bless his words, we come to know the truth; and the operation of the truth upon the heart is to deliver us from the bondage of sin and of error.”
Theologian and former professor of biblical studies, Dr. David Thompson, writes, that God’s truth, found in His Word, “frees a person from sin, from guilt, from condemnation. This is not only true positionally, but also practically. You can be set free from any sin that enslaves you through the truth of God. To know the truth is more than just knowing academic subjects. It is knowing Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s Word. It is so important to be in and under the Word of God. True disciples will be set free by God’s truth.”
Bible teacher and author, J.C. Ryle wrote, “Until truth comes into a man’s heart, he never really knows what it is to feel true spiritual liberty.” If you are searching for truth, forget the Greek or other ancient philosophers, and those who are false teachers today. Turn to the Bible instead, and immerse yourself in the Word of God. Pray that those serving in government would find Scripture and read it often, and that those who read it, would heed its words.
Today’s Verse: John 8:32
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: John 8:21, 27-36
21 So he said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.”
27 They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
