Jesus' Doctrine of Truth

On the great rocks and crags of the California coast near Monterey, one can see cedars of Lebanon growing in the very midst of the rock. In some way the seed found a place in the rock and, with nature's mighty and mysterious power of germination and growth, drove its way straight up and through the heart of the rock until it found the sun and the light and waved its branches over the surges of the Pacific. So is the power of one single seed of divine truth.

One of the better known statements of Jesus is this: "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32) Today this popular statement is often used in a political context, such as:

a. Referring to freedom from political oppression; and
b. Extolling the value of the free press, and freedom of expression

While such are notable virtues, Jesus had something else in mind. He meant freedom from something more serious than political oppression; and that truth that comes from only one source.

Why don't we take a closer look at  the context in which Jesus' statement is found (i.e., John 8:31-36). From a careful reading of it we first note the freedom of which Jesus speaks, the freedom from sin (John 8:33; John 8:34-36); and the bondage of sin (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8; James 2:10-11; John 8:34; Romans 7:14-24).

More oppressive than any kind physical slavery is the spiritual slavery that comes from being a sinner! While man may legislate political freedom, only Jesus provides freedom from the bondage of sin. How He does this can be seen in the truth of which Jesus speaks.

We see this in His doctrine. This is the truth of which Jesus speaks. It is His own word or doctrine (John 8:32-32) which offers freedom from the bondage of sin. But it doesn't just stop there! It offers freedom from the guilt of sin through the blood of Christ (Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7); and freedom from the power of sin through the Spirit of God (Romans 8:1-2, 12-13).

We must obey His doctrine if we are to be his disciples (John 8:31; Luke 6:46), and be set free from sin (Romans 6:17-18; Hebrews 5:9)  How is this done? It starts with  baptism into Christ:       

1. In which we are crucified with Christ -  (Romans 6:3-4a, 6a); and   
2. In which we die to sin, thus freed from sin - (Romans 6:6b,7,11a)

It is guilt removed by the blood of Jesus (Acts 2:38; 22:16); and power weakened by the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Ephesians 3:16). It is His doctrine in which we rise to newness of life, free now to serve God (Romans 6:4c,11b-14,17-18) with the aid of the continual cleansing of Jesus' blood (1 John 1:9); and the aid of the Spirit in putting to death the deeds of the body (Romans 8:12-13).

We have spoke about how His doctrine begins. But how does it continue? His doctrine continues simply with us abiding in His word, as stated by Jesus (John 8:31); and reiterated by John (2 John 9).

In conclusion, perhaps we can now better appreciate the significance of the Great Commission:

a. To make disciples by baptizing them (Matthew 28:19); and
b. To make disciples by teaching them to observe all that Christ commanded them (Matthew 28:20)

Therefore, in carrying out the Great Commission into all the world we offer the truth that really makes one free! Additionally, we offer freedom from sin, the burden which truly oppresses mankind! My dear friend, are you under the heavy burden of sin, both its guilt and its power? Then respond to the Savior's tender invitation:

"Come to Me, all [you] who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father I have learned your spiritual truth. Send your Holy Spirit to me and give me more truth so that I can faithfully apply it to all. in your son Jesus Christ's precious and most glorious name! Amen

Have a blessed day!

Diedre