The truth will set you free

"Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, 3 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8: 31 - 32)

To remain or abide in the word means to be faithful to the teachings of Christ always and everywhere.  When I fellowship with the word of Christ as I fellowship with Christ Himself, the great promise is that I get to know the truth.  The truth is not a philosophical concept but a person, the Person of Jesus Christ.

A true knowledge of Jesus Christ frees us from the worst possible fear – fear of death.  When we are freed from the fear of death, the big stronghold of Satan in the mind is broken.  Every other fear pales in comparison.  Freedom from fear of death gives perspective to the fear of ill health, no money, no job, no peace in the family and the fear of the future.  We come to appreciate what St. Paul means when he says, “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.”  (Hebrews 12:4)

The fear of death keeps many Christians in bondage and victory over this fear is assured through knowledge of the truth.

"Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed. For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night.   They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death." (Revelation 12: 10 - 11)