At this point some might say, but the word is Christ, in order to sidestep the issue. They would be right in one sense, however, in this context the word Jesus is referring to is not himself but the scriptures. Earlier in John 7:38 Jesus states, “Whoever believes in me as the Scripture has said…” Here he clearly connects correct belief in himself to the scriptures. Additionally, he uses, “my word.” If Christ were referring to himself he would surely tell them to abide in him just as he does later in John 15:4, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” Later in John 8:51 he states, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” In John 8 Jesus makes the claim to be from God and implies he is God. Thus when he states in John 8:47, “Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not God,” he is referring to his own words, which are now a part of scripture.
Through abiding in his word we will know the truth. What an incredible statement! Today many often doubt whether we can know truth, but Christ has cleared us of any doubt. We will know the truth about God so that we might glorify him because this is his will. What is important here is where the truth comes from. It comes from his word, which naturally comes from God. I would suggest that this is a strong reason to not seek extra-biblical revelation. I could list many verses (Psalm 119 is a great place to start), which testify to the power and life giving function of his word that lead me to believe that his word alone is sufficient.
Now to the more practical part—freedom. Knowing the truth is vitally important to our freedom from sin. Jesus explains this in verse 34 as he responds to the Jews who do not believe they are slaves by stating, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” This is something I think we often fail to realize. When we struggle with sin we tend to try everything, except abiding in his word because his word seems to us to just be some words on a page. Yet, Christ says this is the mark of a true disciple and the way to freedom from sin. In this freedom we find peace, joy, and all the rest of the fruits of the Spirit. All of which is linked to holiness and sanctification. A true disciple is one who seeks to be holy as Christ is holy through abiding in his word. We see this even more clearly in Ephesians 5:25-27 which states, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” As well as in Jesus' prayer for the Church in John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
My prayer is to see people set free. This is the reason I am so passionate about my convictions. Truth sets us free and oh, how I long to see people free. Might we never again dismiss the power of God’s word nor neglect the study of it. May we not dismiss theology, which seeks to understand what God has revealed himself to be through studying the word. May we never be satisfied with not knowing, but push on to know Christ more each day. And may God be glorified through it all. Soli Deo Gloria!
| "'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, |