John 8:36 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” This verse points to the incredible gift of freedom that Jesus offers us through faith in Him. But what does it mean to be “free indeed”? Let’s explore the context, meaning, and implications of this profound promise.
The Context of John 8:36
To fully appreciate what Jesus meant by “free indeed,” we need to understand the context. In John 8, Jesus was in Jerusalem teaching in the temple courts. The religious leaders confronted a woman caught in adultery and challenged Jesus regarding the Law of Moses and its command to stone her (John 8:3-11). After Jesus showed mercy to the woman, He continued teaching about His identity as the Son of God and the Light of the world (John 8:12-30). Jesus told the unbelieving Jews that if they held to His teaching, they would know the truth, and the truth would set them free (John 8:31-32). This prompted their defensive response – “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” (John 8:33). Jesus explained that He was referring to freedom from sin, while they were still slaves to sin (John 8:34-36). It is in this context that Christ promises, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
The Meaning of True Freedom in Christ
When Jesus spoke of the freedom He offers, He was not talking about freedom from political oppression or physical slavery. Rather, Christ came to set us free from the spiritual bondage of sin. Because of sin, all human beings are slaves – either to their own sinful desires or to Satan’s deception (John 8:44, Romans 6:16). Sin creates guilt, shame, and fear. It leads to all kinds of addictions and unhealthy behaviors as people try to medicate their pain and find purpose outside of God. Ultimately, sin results in eternal separation from God. We are powerless to escape sin’s clutches through our own efforts. Just as the Jews in Jesus’ day needed freedom despite being Abraham’s descendants, we need freedom though we may look “free” on the outside. Our greatest need is redemption from the penalty and power of sin.
Jesus alone provides that redemption. By dying on the cross for our sins and rising again, He offers complete forgiveness and new spiritual life (Colossians 1:13-14). When we repent and put our faith in Christ, He sets us free from sin’s penalty, breaking the chains of guilt and condemnation (Romans 8:1-2). He also sets us free from sin’s power, giving us new desires and the ability to overcome temptation by the Spirit’s help (Romans 8:5-6, 13-14). As adopted children of God, we are no longer slaves to sin but obedient sons and daughters motivated by love (1 John 3:1-3, 5:3-5). Being “free indeed” means we have been set free from deception, fear, and compulsion to find life apart from God. We now belong to Christ and freely serve Him from the heart.
The Implications of True Freedom
This radical freedom offered by Jesus transforms every part of our lives. Here are some key implications:
- We can live with hope and joy, not anxiety or depression, because our worth is in Christ not our circumstances (John 8:36, Romans 8:1-2).
- We relate to God as beloved children, not slaves cringing in fear of condemnation (Galatians 4:1-7).
- Obedience is motivated by love, not external pressure or guilt (1 John 4:18-19).
- We are no longer enslaved to people’s approval, because we belong to God (Galatians 1:10).
- Sin loses its power as we live each day in fellowship with Christ by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17).
- Eternal life is a certainty, not something we strive for, because Jesus has already set us free (John 8:36, 1 John 5:13).
In summary, being “free indeed” means we have been released from sin’s control over our hearts and lives. We now belong to God and freely serve Him out of love and gratitude. While we wait for the full manifestation of this freedom in eternity, we can start living in light of our new identity in Christ, no longer slaves to fear or sin.
Freedom from Condemnation and Addiction
Two specific areas where we can apply the promise of freedom in Christ are condemnation and addiction. Many Christians still struggle under a heavy weight of guilt over past sins and shortcomings. Others wrestle against addictive behaviors that repeatedly drag them down, despite their desire to live godly lives. What freedom does Jesus offer in these battles?
If we have accepted Christ’s offer of salvation, Romans 8:1-2 assures us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Freedom from condemnation means we do not need to live under guilt and shame. Yes, we should confess and repent of sins, receive God’s forgiveness, and make amends when possible. But in Christ all penalties have been paid. We can hold our head high as dearly loved children, no longer condemned slaves.
Freedom from addiction begins by understanding it is slavery to sin, not just a bad habit. Admitting we are powerless over it and asking Jesus to liberate us is the first step. Joining an accountability group provides support and prevents isolation. But the key is allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our desires, take away compulsion, and give strength in weakness (Ezekiel 36:26-27, Galatians 5:16-17). Freedom from addiction is a process, but in Christ we can have hope of victory even over besetting sins.
Living as Saints, Not Sinners
Before meeting Christ, the woman caught in adultery surely saw herself as “damaged goods.” That identity shaped her thoughts, emotions, and behavior in detrimental ways. But Jesus offered her freedom indeed – a new identity and future (John 8:11). Ephesians 1:1 calls believers “saints,” meaning holy ones. This is now our true identity in Christ. Though we may still stumble, we are no longer “sinners” under sin’s control. Our new self-image empowers us to make choices consistent with who we are as God’s dearly loved children.
In Christ, from Death to Life
Jesus said that whoever the Son sets free will be free indeed. To be “free indeed” or “truly free” means that our freedom in Christ breaks the chains of slavery to sin once and for all. It is complete and permanent spiritual liberation. Jesus confirmed this by declaring, “I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins” (John 8:24). The only alternatives are continuing in slavery to sin, ending in eternal death, or being set free by Christ unto eternal life. Freedom in Christ moves us from death to life, from lost to saved, not just for now but for eternity. Knowing this gives us boldness to live abundant lives of righteousness in His power and joyfully share the good news of this freedom with others.
Freedom to Love and Forgive
The freedom Christ provides enables us to love others sacrificially, the way He has loved us. We are now free to serve, give generously, and esteem others more highly than ourselves without expecting anything in return (John 13:34-35, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Philippians 2:3-4). Jesus also modeled radical forgiveness while being crucified, even forgiving His executioners (Luke 23:34). As forgiven people, we too can forgive those who wrong us, instead of demanding justice or clinging to bitterness (Matthew 6:14-15). The healthiest relationships are between two free people, not between one freer and one more bound. As we grow in the freedom Christ gives, we are able to love and forgive others graciously.
Free to Obey from the Heart
Before salvation we might have kept God’s commands outwardly to avoid consequences or earn His favor. But our hearts were far from Him. Christ sets us free to obey out of love and gratitude, not compulsion (Deuteronomy 30:6, Romans 6:17-18). We delight to do His will when He transforms our desires. His commands become promises of greater joy in Him, not burdensome chores. This voluntary obedience brings peace, while forced compliance breeds resentment and rebellion. Freedom in Christ produces obedience from the heart.
Free to be Holy
Without Christ, we lack the power in ourselves to resist sin’s pull. But freedom in Christ includes freedom from sin’s grip over us. We are now empowered to pursue holiness by putting sin to death in the power of the Spirit (Romans 8:13, Galatians 5:16). Saying no to sin becomes a joy, not a chore, as we see its fleetingness compared to eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Being holy reflects God’s character. As His children, we are called and enabled to live holy lives that please Him. Our freedom empowers our holiness.
Free for a Purpose
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free (Galatians 5:1). But this is not just negative freedom from sin. It is also positive freedom for good works, faith and love for God’s glory (Matthew 5:16, Galatians 5:6). We are not aimless or floating, but focused and purposeful. 1 Peter 2:16 puts it this way: “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” Jesus freed us from being slaves to sin so that we could freely choose to be slaves to righteousness, finding life’s meaning and fulfillment in wholehearted service to God (Romans 6:16-22).
The Source and Glory of Our Freedom
We must never forget Jesus is the exclusive source of true freedom. He declared, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:31-32, 36). Our freedom was infinitely costly, purchased by Christ’s shed blood. As we stand in grace, we do not boast in our own strength but in God’s power at work in us to liberate us (1 Corinthians 1:30-31, Colossians 1:11). Our freedom also results in great glory to God. As redeemed saints, we declare His praises for the marvelous light of freedom we now enjoy in Christ (1 Peter 2:9). He alone is worthy of all glory for setting us free!
In conclusion, being “free indeed” means being released from slavery to sin in order to live a new life of righteousness in fellowship with Christ. This freedom changes everything, empowering us to love, forgive, find purpose, and bring glory to God. If we hold to Jesus’ teaching, the truth will set us free. And “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). This is His precious promise that we can confidently claim and boldly walk in today.