True Freedom in Christ

While studying this particular passage, it hit me that the religious Jews were still reliving the bandage that their ancestors had gone through, like it was deeply engrained in their identity. Though they were no longer slaves (indentured servants) they still were not truly free, the freedom that Christ offered. They were still bound by religious traditions, and the truth that was to set them free had to be embraced and worked out through divine process of spiritual maturity. The reality is the truth of who Christ is, and that brings us more freedom. 

We need to realize that though our ancestors (parents, grandparents and so on) may have been saved, that does not guarantee our salvation. We must embrace it ourselves and come into a close personal relationship with Jesus. If you do not know Jesus or have walked away from him, I encourage you to reach out.

True Freedom in Christ: A Reflection on John 8:31–38

Scripture:
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ 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”?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.’” (John 8:31–38, ESV)
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Abiding in the Word

Jesus begins by addressing those who had believed in Him. He draws a distinction between a surface-level belief and genuine discipleship. The mark of a true disciple is not just hearing His words but abiding in them—living, remaining, and holding fast to His teaching. Abiding is not passive; it is active, requiring daily surrender, trust, and obedience.

The Promise of Freedom

Jesus promises that when we abide in His Word, we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free. This freedom is not political or social; it is spiritual. The people listening could not grasp this—they insisted they had never been enslaved. Yet their history told a different story: Israel had been under Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. More importantly, Jesus was pointing to the deeper reality: slavery to sin.

Slaves vs. Sons

Jesus draws a powerful contrast. A slave may be in the house, but he has no permanent place. A son, however, belongs forever. When we live in sin, we live as slaves—bound, powerless, and without lasting inheritance. But in Christ, we are not treated as slaves; we are welcomed as sons and daughters with a secure place in the Father’s house.

Freedom Through the Son

The freedom Jesus speaks of is more than escape from guilt—it is release from sin’s power. To be “free indeed” is to no longer be ruled by sin, fear, or shame. Only Jesus, the Son, can grant that freedom. Our efforts, heritage, or good works cannot break the chains. Christ alone sets us free, and that freedom brings lasting peace, joy, and security in the Father’s love.
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Reflection Questions:

1. Am I simply listening to Jesus’ words, or am I truly abiding in them?


2. What areas of my life still feel enslaved by sin or fear?


3. How can I live each day in the freedom that Christ has already won for me?

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A Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for offering true freedom through Your Word and Your sacrifice. Forgive me for the times I have lived as a slave to sin rather than as a child of God. Teach me to abide in Your Word daily, to walk in Your truth, and to rest in the freedom You provide. May my life reflect the joy of being set free by the Son. In Your name I pray, Amen.

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