The Son Has Set You Free – November 1, 2022

Jesus replied “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. . . So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:34,36

The Son Has Set You Free

Jesus always told the truth. So, when he introduces a statement by saying, “Very truly I tell you,” he is emphasizing how truly important his next words are. And make no mistake, the truth here is very important.

It is awful because it reveals the harsh reality of the human condition: “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” We all enter this world with a sinful nature that convinces us that freedom means doing whatever we want.

But freedom to follow your sinful nature does not make you free. You are a slave to your sins: fear, despair, envy, anger, lust. Sinners suppose they have found freedom, but all they have found is more slavery.

The thing about slavery is that you cannot free yourself from it. Someone else has to take action and free you. Thank God that the awful truth of our sinfulness is answered by the important truth of God’s forgiveness: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

How did he do it? Jesus said to the God the Father, “What they deserve, give to me. What I deserve, give to them.” And that’s what happened. Jesus embraced the awful truth of our sinful condition. He became sin for us. He was punished for our fear, despair, envy, anger, and lust. He was damned with our damnation, receiving in his own body what we deserve.

Our freedom was not free and wasn’t even cheap. Our freedom cost Christ everything. The Son willingly gave his life on a cross to free you. And the One who was dead now lives again forever! The resurrection is God’s promise to you: “You are free!” You don’t belong to sin. You belong to the Son, and when the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, protect and comfort me in all temptations with the truth that you have set me free. Thank you. Amen.