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NASB | John 8:31 ¶ So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 8:31 ¶ So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples. |
Bible Question:
What does it mean to be "Free In Christ"? I am aware of being free from the law of sin and death, but I had a interview with a pastor today who talked of the centrality of God's word and then he claimed to be free in Christ which seemed to allow him some latitude but am not sure what. |
Bible Answer: Hi, sonofmom... 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." (John 8:31-32 NASB) The phrase "free in Christ" alludes to salvation. People imagine that they are free, just as the Jews did here in John 8. Instead, they are slaves to sin (v34) doing the deeds of their father the devil (vv41,44). They have an illusion of liberty. Our Savior is the only One who can grant freedom (v36). The saved person is adopted into the family of God (Ephesians 1:5). The evidence of that adoption is that the believer continues in the Word (John 8:31) and bears much fruit associated with the Word (John 15:1-7). This is not the freedom to do whatever one wants but rather that freedom to do whatever one ought. Herein is God glorified (15:8) and the child of God receives great blessing (Romans 8:15). In Him, Doc |