[John 8, Proverbs 22]

H – John 8:31–32, “[31] So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, [32] and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

E – A Right Belief!

I hear it asked all the time. The question, how do you know if a person is really saved? The question is easier asked than it is responded to. There are things we don’t know about people and their relationship with God. However, there are also clear indications to if a person is genuinely saved. Such as the fruit of His Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), a desire to obey the Father (John 14:15), and the expression of love to God and others (Matthew 22:37-39). Jesus addresses another one of those evidences in John 8. 

True belief in God leads to continual obedience to God through His Word. The sad reality in John 8:31 is that those who claimed to have believed did not have a true belief (read 8:33-37). True belief leads to abiding in Jesus and His Word. And, this is not a one time moment or when we feel like it. To abide in Jesus’ Word means to continue believing what Jesus has said and walking in obedience to Him.

Saving faith must center in Jesus himself, not just his miracles or some teaching about Him. Saving faith must center on Jesus himself, not what we believe about the teachings that other presented us. Saving faith must center on Jesus himself, not riding the coat tails of those from the yesteryears. Saving faith must center on Jesus himself, not anything that you could do to earn it. 

When Jesus is the center of my life, there is freedom. True freedom from truth itself, Jesus. 

A – Abide in Him through His Word and the leading of His Spirit. Walk in the Freedom that comes from Truth. 

R – Lord God, Thank you for Freedom. Thank you for the freedom that comes through salvation. Thank you for the freedom that comes through being changed by your Word. Thank you for the freedom of walking in grace. Lord, may I not use this freedom to continue in sin, but rather allow your freedom to bring continual God change to my life. 

In Jesus Name!