What does it mean that we are free indeed (John 8:36)?

Answer

In John 8, Jesus urges His listeners that if they remain in His word, they will truly be His disciples, they will know the truth, and that truth will set them free (John 8:31-32). They were somewhat surprised to hear this because, being descendants of Abraham, they believed they had never been enslaved “They answered him, We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves to anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”, (John 8:33). Jesus then explained that if a person is sinning, that person is enslaved by sin, and slavery is not suitable for sons (John 8:34-35). But if the Son—referring to Himself as Jesus—sets us free, then we are “truly free” “So if the Son sets you free, you will be truly free.”, (John 8:36). He is the Son who remains forever, so what He decides will endure. When He provides the instruction that we are “truly free,” it is a trustworthy instruction because of who He is. The requirement to become “truly free” is for His listeners to abide (or dwell) in His word. He later explains that obeying His word leads to eternal life “At this, the Jews exclaimed, ‘Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death.'”, (John 8:52), and He challenges His listeners to believe in Him “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me?”, (J

John 8:46).

The apostle Paul provides a further insight into the meaning of “we are truly free” «If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. », (John 8:36). After stating that there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus « There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. », (Romans 8:1), Paul adds that through Christ Jesus we have been liberated from the law of sin and death «For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. », (Romans 8:2). With this newfound freedom, we are no longer enslaved to sin, and we can now choose righteousness (Romans 9:12-15). Peter also advises us to not misuse this freedom for wrongdoing but to use it to serve God wholeheartedly—as His devoted servants «as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. », (1 Peter 2:16).

Jesus came offering something extraordinary, and if we believe His words, then we are genuinely liberated. He is “the truth” «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6), and He desires us to remain in Him and walk with Him. As He conveys in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus aims to liberate us from the bondage of sin, shame, and death.

He gave His own life so that we could be “free indeed” and asks us simply to believe in Him.

The true freedom that Jesus gives is freedom (1) from the penalty of sin—there is no more condemnation for those in Him « There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. », (Romans 8:1), and no longer are we children of wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3); (2) from the power of sin—no longer are we in bondage to sin, but now we can do righteousness; without faith it is impossible to please Him, but, with faith, we can please Him «But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. », (Hebrews 11:6); and one day we will be free (3) from the presence of sin—when our eternal life is fulfilled, we will be like Him and without sin (Romans 8:28-30).