So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet 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 commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. I speak the things which I have seen with My Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from your father.”
They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham. But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do. You are doing the deeds of your father.” They said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. ~ John 8:31-42
In the US, we take pride in our freedom. Like the Jews who claimed they had never been enslaved, we proclaim liberty. But Jesus said that if we commit sin, we are slaves to sin. When I think about how often I sin, this is very bad news. But praise God—the Good News is that Jesus has set me free. I am no longer enslaved—I am free indeed. The precious Blood of Jesus has paid the price for my freedom.
Thank You, Lord, that Jesus has set me free, and I am free indeed. Even though I commit sins often, Jesus has paid the price for my sins—past, present, and future. I am now free to serve You and do Your will. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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