"free indeed" (jn 8:36, kjv)
"What do you mean by saying, 'You will be free'?" —John 8:33
This is what Jesus means by saying: "You will be free." When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior on His terms:
- You are free to "rejoice with inexpressible joy" (1 Pt 1:8), which "no one can take from you" (Jn 16:22).
- You are free to enter into the throne room of God, drawing near to Him (Heb 12:22-24) with confidence and awe.
- You are free from the fear of death (Heb 2:15). No threat can manipulate you to renounce God (Dn 3:16-18).
- You are free from the captivity and slavery of sin (Jn 8:34ff; Col 2:14-15).
- You are free in the Spirit to worship God with abandon, despite what others think (2 Sm 6:14, 20ff; Jn 12:3-5).
- You are free to proclaim the truth, for Jesus, the Truth (Jn 14:6), has "set you free" (Jn 8:32).
- You are set "free in the open" (Ps 18:20) to evangelize (Acts 2:4ff; Jn 4:28-30).
- You are free from the slavery of trying to please people.
"You have been called to live in freedom — but not a freedom that gives free rein to the flesh. Out of love, place yourselves at one another's service" (Gal 5:13). "It was for liberty that Christ freed us. So stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time!" (Gal 5:1)
Prayer: Jesus, in my freedom, I freely and lovingly give my life to You. I give you the freedom to use me according to Your will.
Promise: "If you live according to My teaching, you are truly My disciples; then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." —Jn 8:31-32
Praise: St. Vincent freely spent himself spreading the Good News in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Flanders, and England.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 27, 2005
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.