"Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." -John 8:31-32
This is one of three statements in the Bible that John records for us as evidence of a true believer. The other two speak about how our love for each other will show we truly are His, and how if we truly are in Him we will walk as He did. God's word is freeing and Jesus' commands are freeing. Many don't understand this and see Jesus and His word as something restricting them from a life of happiness. But this couldn't be further from the truth..literally! The problem with people like this I believe is that they haven't come to a saving "belief" in Christ yet. Notice the order here? Jesus is speaking "to those Jews who believed Him". The way to know If you truly believe in the the Word made flesh is if you are obeying the word in the flesh. Listen if you have no love for His word, you will not desire to really observe it, and you will not have an intentional plan to obey it. If this is you or someone you know then I would strongly encourage you/them to go back and see if you/they truly believed in Him to begin with. You see A relationship with Jesus is like no other, it changes people, and it will change you. I know my sins have been forgiven and that Jesus loves me because I repented of my sins, and believed and continue to believe in Him with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength--I love Him and His word. I cannot live without it. They are life to my Spirit and strength for my soul. The question is for you who claim to know Him; do you love His word? If so are you abiding in it?
- HOW HAS KNOWING JESUS CHANGED YOUR LIFE? LIST THE TOP 5 PRIORITIES IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW. WHERE DOES THE READING AND APPLYING OF GOD'S WORD FALL AT?
- "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." -Jesus Christ