Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on Tue, 08/12/2009 – 14:05
Bible Book: John / Johannes
Chapter: 8
Verse: 31 – 32
Text: John 8:31 & 32
When Jesus says in verse 32 that “the truth will set you free”, this truth is in the first instance the truth that we come to know in Christ, the truth in which He leads us. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:17, 15:26 and 16:13 say that Jesus called the Holy Spirit the “Spirit of truth”.
So when Jesus tells his disciples that the truth will set them free, He means the freedom that we will find in Him. In verse 34 Jesus puts this truth in contrast to the addictive power of sin. The truth of the Gospel, the truth in Christ, the truth of the Holy Spirit, is a truth that sets us free en liberates us from sin. This is a truth that should be of the utmost importance to all believers under all circumstances. 1 Timothy 3:15 states in no unclear terms that “God’s household, … the church of the living God, [is] the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
There is also a more general meaning of “truth”. I refer to the truth that stands against lies, falsehood and dishonesty. In Ephesians 4:25 we are called upon to “put off falsehood and speak truthfully”. That is why Christians’ involvement with the problematic issues of HIV and AIDS should be characterised by truth, honesty and sincerity.
What we say and spread about HIV and AIDS and what we do to make a difference, should therefore be faithful to the truth. This truth should never humiliate or enslave, but bring life and set free.
Author: N du Toit (Ds)
Language: English