John 8:31–32 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Just as the Jews represented in the passage above, many today will say they are believers in Jesus. The instructions of Jesus apply to all who say they believe in Jesus and want to know if they are truly His disciples.
The first thing Jesus presents as evidence of a true disciple is abiding in His word. Abiding in the word of Jesus is more than having a consistent quiet time. Abiding in the word of Jesus means knowing the truth and ways of the Lord while trusting in His enabling grace to live them out. It is in this way we know the truth and the truth sets us free.
Abiding in the word of Jesus is not a way to earn life and security by committing to some form of a cooperative effort with Jesus. We believe Scripture is clear. Salvation is by God’s grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. There are no required works to show that we deserve or can earn the favor of our God (Ephesians 2:8-9). But Jesus is making the point that true disciples have hearts that learn, love and live the gospel truth about Him found in Scripture and are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
It is the Holy Spirit’s presence and power which makes the word of God living and active in the lives of all who rest in the gospel work of Jesus (Hebrews 4:11-12). As the truth illuminates our path and directs us away from the entangling web of sin and selfishness, the Holy Spirit comes through with enabling grace, empowering followers of Jesus to have the desire and the ability to work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).
The believer’s life is not one of sinless perfection, but one of supernatural correction heading consistently in a direction that honors and glorifies our Lord. This is what it means to know the truth and to have the truth set you free. In light of what Jesus says, are you truly His disciple?
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