Many of us have been taught the phrase, "The truth will set you free", as a motivator for studying the Bible to know the Bible. The suggestion is that the more one knows about the Bible, the more free one can become. Biblical truth alone has no ability to bring about any change in our lives. The Pharisees knew the Bible well, but their knowledge of biblical content did nothing for them. What is defined as 'truth' is very important here. In John 8:32, Jesus said, "and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free." Six chapters later Jesus also said in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." After reading John 14:6, we understand that in 8:32, Jesus is referring to Himself as the truth, "and you will know Me and I will make you free."
We don't study the Bible in order to learn it. We study it to learn Him. Many teachings exist today that focus on what we are to do rather than knowing our Savior more intimately. The emphasis is so heavy on religious performance and so light on Christ Himself. The focus of Christian living is not on doing the right things, it's about knowing Him intimately. All the doing flows freely from that relationship. His works flow through us as the Holy Spirit surrenders our will to His. When the focus is on doing the right things, we end up with nothing more than religious dead works, regardless of how admirable they may look to those around us.
Studying the Bible is not enough. Engaging with the Spirit of Christ through the Scripture is the true path to find real freedom. Paul wrote in
1 Corinthians 8:1-2, "Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know" The truth will not set you free until you connect to the living truth (Jesus Christ) by faith. Eternal truth is personified in Christ, and by knowing Him, we are set free from the lies about ourselves, our lives, others, and even God. By intimately knowing the One who is the truth of the Father expressed to us, you will know that truth, and He certainly will set you free. Paul wrote these words in 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Amen! :-)
1 Corinthians 8:1-2, "Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know" The truth will not set you free until you connect to the living truth (Jesus Christ) by faith. Eternal truth is personified in Christ, and by knowing Him, we are set free from the lies about ourselves, our lives, others, and even God. By intimately knowing the One who is the truth of the Father expressed to us, you will know that truth, and He certainly will set you free. Paul wrote these words in 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Amen! :-)
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