THE 27th OF APRIL
BY OBEYING GOD’S WORD WE ARE HIS DISCIPLES, WILL KNOW THE TRUTH AND FIND TRUE FREEDOM
So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” – John 8:31-32
The Jews studied the Law (given from God through Moses) from childhood. The requirements of the Law are complex and strict, and that is why they had to know its content well enough to be able to fulfill it and be saved. As the Messiah came, the Jews who believed in Jesus now needed to change their way of thinking, from being led by the Law, to being led by the Word of Jesus (the Gospel). We too, are to live and be in obedience, according to the teachings of Jesus.
Anyone who comes to Jesus must change their thinking, emotional reactions, speech, and behavior, with what the Word of God says. We do not just need to know what the Word says, we must also live according to its teaching, to truly be Jesus’ disciples. Both Jews and any of us, who have believed in salvation through good works, have to know the truth of salvation through Christ’s grace to get free from the punishment for our sins. Once we have been born-again and come to know the truth, the change in our hearts leads us to choose to do good and no longer want to sin. We do not do good deeds to earn our salvation, but precisely because we have been transformed and do not want to do wrong anymore.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Glory, praise and honor to Your Name Lord Jesus, for all the kindness and love You have for me! Please help me to constantly submit to Your Word and live in obedience to it so that I can know the truth and be truly free! By Your sacrifice You have delivered me from the punishment and the curse of sin. I am free from the bondage of sin and I can choose to live purely, to Your glory! I wholeheartedly thank You for doing everything I need so that I can be with You in heaven forever! Please help me to remain in Your Word so that I will not depart from You, not even for a moment! Glory to You for ever. Amen
Source: thetruthstandsforever