The phrase “the truth will set you free” comes from John 8:32, where Jesus says, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” This profound statement invites reflection on the meaning and implications of “truth” in the teachings of Jesus.
To understand this phrase, it’s important to look at the context. Jesus spoke these words when addressing a group of Jews who had believed in him (John 8:31). He contrasts freedom in the truth with slavery to sin (John 8:34), and goes on to say that true disciples abide in his word and know the truth (John 8:31-32).
When Jesus claims to be “the truth” (John 14:6), he is pointing to himself as the full revelation of God. Jesus reveals the truth about God’s character and will. He also exemplifies what it means to live in truth, untainted by sin or falsehood. Knowing Christ sets people free from deception and from bondage to sinful desires and behaviors.
Thus, the “truth” that sets people free is intrinsically connected to Jesus Christ – both who he is and his teachings. This truth is not just abstract facts or propositions, but rather a lived experience of embracing Jesus and walking in his ways. Let’s explore this deeper:
1. The truth frees us from deception and falsehood
On our own, none of us has a perfect grasp of truth. We are all influenced by wrong ideas and perceptions picked up from the world around us. Often without realizing it, we operate under flawed assumptions and beliefs that shape our values, priorities, and actions.
By looking to Christ, who embodies truth, and immersing ourselves in God’s Word (John 17:17), we can begin to align our thinking and convictions with God’s perfect truth rather than the half-truths and lies woven into our fallen world. As we submit our minds to Christ, we gain an accurate perspective on everything from God’s character to our identity to the purpose of life. Our minds are cleansed from distorted thinking, and we experience the freedom of seeing things as they truly are.
2. The truth frees us from the power of sin
In John 8, Jesus tells the Jews that without him they are slaves to sin (John 8:34). All of humanity, mired in the fallout of the entrance of sin into the world, is corrupted by sinful desires and tendencies. On our own, each of us is ensnared and dominated by sinful patterns of thought and behavior.
Those who put their faith in Christ and walk in relationship with him discover that the power of sin is broken in their lives. As we come to know and experience God’s love and grace, as we fill our minds with His truth, as we rely on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment rather than our own willpower, sin loses its grip over us. Though we still struggle and stumble at times, the truth frees us from being helplessly dominated by sinful compulsions.
3. The truth frees us to live in line with our created purpose
We were created by God, in His image, for good works (Ephesians 2:10). But sin mars us from living out that glorious purpose. We need redemption and re-creation in Christ. God’s truth reshapes us from the inside-out as we embrace the new life Christ offers.
Walking in the truth – in alignment with Christ – liberates us to live as we were created to live. We are set free from aimlessness and the frustrating cycle of sin and shame to thrive in intimacy with God, others, and creation. We are set free to partner with God to do meaningful work that reflects His glory and beauty. We are set free to discover and develop God-given strengths and callings. We find freedom in fulfilling our created potential.
4. The truth frees us from striving for worldly success
Without Christ, our sense of worth and purpose is inevitably tied to what we achieve in the eyes of the world. We strive endlessly to prove ourselves, gain status and recognition, and accomplish what the world labels as success. Our value seems tied to social standing, financial affluence, popularity and fame, physical appearance, or some other shaky measuring stick.
In Christ, we discover we are already loved and accepted by God apart from anything we do. As we walk in that liberating truth, our worth and identity are anchored in who God says we are – His beloved child. Our efforts are no longer driven by a desperate quest for validation. We find the freedom to live and serve humbly, for God’s glory rather than our own.
5. The truth frees us from anxiety about the future
It’s easy to be plagued by fear and anxiety about the future when our perspective is earthbound. The uncertainties and risks of tomorrow weigh heavily when we forget the parameters of God’s sovereignty and purpose. In Christ, we gain an eternal vantage point. Knowing God holds the future, and that our lives are in His hands, allows us to face each day with confidence and hope.
As Christ-followers, we know that our lives play out within the parameters of an all-powerful and loving God working out His purposes. We also know that in the end, either through death or Christ’s return, we will transition into eternity with God. So we do not need to be crippled by worry. We are free to walk in peace, one day at a time, because God has us and our tomorrows.
6. The truth frees us to love boldly
On our own, apart from Christ, our attempts to love others are often tainted by mixed motives, insecurity, fear of rejection, and the tendency to use relationships for selfish ends. But Jesus shows us what it means to purely and selflessly love others, even at great personal cost.
As we follow Christ’s example, and walk closely with Him, His unconditional love fills our hearts and flows through our lives. We find the freedom to love others with openness, generosity, compassion, honesty, and sacrifice, without needing anything in return. The truth of Christ’s love sets us free to follow His lead in loving freely and fearlessly.
7. The truth frees us from condemnation
Though we have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), the truth is that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Our wrongs have been atoned for through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. We have been justified and reconciled to God by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
As we trust and abide in the truth of God’s complete forgiveness through Christ, we gain freedom from guilt, shame, and condemnation. When the enemy, or our own minds, replay our past sins and failures, we cling to the truth that we are new creations, holy and blameless before God by the blood of Jesus. We walk freely in God’s love and acceptance rather than shrinking in self-condemnation.
8. The truth frees us to rest
Our world today glorifies busyness, hustle, constant productivity, and accomplishments. It’s easy to get caught up in an exhausting cycle of striving, without stopping to rest and delight in God’s presence. But this leads only to burnout and joylessness.
Jesus, however, invites us to walk in a different rhythm – one characterized by prayer, slowing down, celebrating God’s grace, and resting in His finished work rather than our frantic efforts. The truth is that our worth is not defined by productivity, so we can rest, create margins, practice contentment, and enjoy God’s good gifts.
9. The truth frees us to worship fully
Sometimes we hold back in our expression of praise and worship to God. We allow doubts, distractions, shame, or cares of the world to make us self-conscious. But the truth that Christ reveals is of a God passionately and extravagantly in love with His children.
As we grow in revelation of God’s heart, we experience freedom to worship with abandon. We can lift our voice, dance, kneel, or weep with gratitude – not worrying what others think. The truth unveils a God worthy of wholehearted, unhindered worship.
10. The truth frees us to hope
This world is full of tragedy, suffering, injustice, and pain. Sometimes circumstances seem hopeless. But in Christ we have an unshakeable hope that this life is not the end. Jesus assured us He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33) and is preparing an eternal home for us (John 14:2-3).
No matter how dark things appear now, we can cling to the certain hope of eternity with God in a world made new. There is hope of justice and reunion. The truth is that despair is never the whole story, no matter our earthly plight. This hope-filled truth sets us free from despair’s paralysis.
11. The truth frees us from fear of death
For those without Christ, death represents the unknown – something to be deeply feared and avoided. But Jesus tells us that all who believe in him pass immediately into eternal life when they die (John 11:25-26). Death has lost its power, and instead becomes a doorway into unbroken fellowship with God.
Knowing and trusting this promise releases us from the oppressive fear of death. With the certainty of eternity with Christ awaiting, we gain courage to embrace each day here, whether easy or hard. We can let go of clinging to this life, and instead live with eternity’s values in view.
12. The truth frees us to sacrifice
Our human tendency is be preoccupied with self – making decisions based on comfort, pleasure, and self-interest. But Jesus shows us the joy of self-sacrifice as He surrendered heaven’s splendors to meet our needs. Full of the Spirit, Jesus’ followers boldly sacrificed comforts, ambitions, status, and even their lives to spread the gospel.
As we grasp the truth that our lives are not our own – we’ve been bought at price by Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and we live for God’s kingdom purposes – we gain joyful freedom to sacrifice. Our lives become fueled by eternal treasure rather than earthly trinkets.
13. The truth aligns us with reality
Sin deceives us into feeling entitled to put ourselves first and decide truth for ourselves. But Christ reveals reality – we were created by God for His glory. Our fulfillment is found in loving God and others. Truth is not defined by our preferences, but by God’s revealed Word.
Walking in the truth orients us to reality. We relinquish foolish ideas of autonomy and submit joyfully to our Creator. We realize we flourish when living in sync with how God designed life to work. We gain the freedom of being aligned with the true order of things.
14. The truth frees us from deadly illusions
The world markets many deceptions – “Money will make you happy,” “You deserve a perfect life,” “Indulge yourself,” “There is no absolute truth.” Tragically, chasing these illusions leads only to emptiness.
Jesus shows us that sacrifice, not self-indulgence, brings joy. He demonstrates that truth is absolute and anchored in God. Only Jesus can truly satisfy our soul’s hunger. As we embrace Christ’s truth, we find freedom from futile worldly cycles. We walk in contentment based on eternal riches.
15. The truth frees us to forgive
When others wrong us, forgiveness often gets choked out by our anger and offended sense of justice. But harboring unforgiveness poisons our own soul. In Christ we see the ultimate example of forgiving even His executioners. He provides the power to release others from indebtedness to us.
As we turn to Him, He gives us strength to forgive “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). We gain freedom from anger’s destructive grip. We are set free from rehearsing past wrongs. We walk in grace, as Christ has so graciously forgiven us.
These aspects only begin to scratch the surface of the multi-faceted freedom Christ offers us. His truth permeates every dimension of life. Whatever imprisoning thoughts, patterns, fears, or obstacles bind us, Christ stands ready to liberate us as we embrace His truth. Indeed, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free! As we walk in His truth, we will discover that freedom more and more.