Truly Free
John 8:32-36
It all began in the Garden of Eden. God planted the garden with trees and plants and added many animals. He created man in His own image and gave instructions to care for the garden and watch over it. The Lord also provided instructions about what he could eat.
But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.
- Genesis 2:16-17
God told Adam that he could eat from any tree in the garden except one. Adam was free to choose from many different fruit trees, but he was not to eat from one specific tree.
How would you define freedom? Maybe it’s the freedom to do whatever you want. Is it freedom from worry? From hard work? Or from sickness or pain?
Voices around us offer many suggestions, ideas, and expectations. Many people firmly believe that no one should have control over their choices, values, or desires.
The Truth Will Set You Free
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
- John 8:32
Disobedience in the Garden of Eden caused spiritual separation and physical death. Jesus spoke to people about their spiritual freedom. He encouraged everyone to follow Him and be free from sin and its consequences. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
A Slave of Sin
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.”
- John 8:34
We have all sinned, and Jesus says that we are slaves to sin. Since sin dominates our hearts, experiencing true freedom becomes impossible. Our sinful nature directs our choices, decisions, and values.
We may think we're free, but God’s Word clearly says we're slaves. The practice and habit of sin control every aspect of our lives. We are not truly free!
The Son Sets You Free
So, if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
- John 8:36
Only Jesus can set us free—it is not possible to break free from sin by our own strength—and give us new life. Through this personal relationship with the Son of God, we can experience true freedom. The problems and difficulties of this world may not all disappear, but the Holy Spirit will provide everything we need to face challenging times.
Head to Heart
Jesus taught, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” We are each faced with this choice—will I continue to live as a slave to sin, or will I turn and follow Jesus?
As believers, we make the daily choice to walk with God. We choose to open the Bible and read the truth-filled Scriptures. And we joyfully accept the gift of life today and for all of eternity.
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
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