Free at Last

Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

John 8:31-32

In today's postmodern society, talking about truth can be tricky. If you want to discuss a truth, feel free. However, talking about the truth is a whole other matter. Talking about the truth would imply that what you're sharing is an absolute truth, something that is true for everyone - whether everyone personally believes it to be true or not.

That's the kind of truth Jesus was talking about to his Jewish audience in the temple treasury as recorded in the Gospel of John. The term Jesus used for truth was the same one used to describe a legal standard, a fact that would stand up in court. This fact was broader than just the truth about who Jesus was. The Jews who were listening already believed. The truth Jesus spoke of is the kind revealed over the course of a lifetime, as those who believe in him choose to obey his words.

In ancient Greek, know means more than "to make a mental note of." It means that you have tested your belief exponentially. By putting Jesus's teaching into practice, you can come to know the truth about God, life and yourself. This knowledge frees you from your chains you may not even  be aware are holding you back, such chains as pride, selfishness, and the temptation to do what is contrary to Jesus's words. Let God's truth lead you to true freedom today.

God's promise of freedom is linked to putting his words to the test. Get to know his words better by reading, meditating on, and praying  about at least one verse of Scripture each day.

Source: The 100 Most Important Bible Verses

Pray to God and give him thanks for the "truth" for it liberates and breaks all chains. In God we trust. ~ MME Team

Eternal Will and Testament

Christ is the mediator of the new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Hebrews 9:15

Words like mediator, covenant, and inheritance in the book of Hebrews give the impression of a legal document. Actually, the entire book of Hebrews differs in writing style from the rest of the letters in the New Testament. Its unknown author presents a thesis-like case, methodically stating why faith in Jesus is a logical and God-designed spiritual progression from Judaism.

The verse at the heart of what the author wanted his readers to understand proclaims that Jesus is both a mediator, "someone who makes peace between two parties," and a testator, "someone who determines the conditions and benefits of the inheritance he leaves behind." The words testament and covenant are interchangeable. The Old Testament and the New Testament could just as easily be called the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, since the two parts of the Bible really focus on covenant. Under the Old Covenant, or Old Testament, God accepted the sacrifice of animals as a way to cover up the wrongs people had done. Under the New Covenant, the wrongs were permanently erased by a different kind of sacrifice - Jesus's gift of his own life.

A last will and testament is valid only after someone dies, and then it is irrevocable. That means Jesus's death guaranteed your inheritance. Jesus saved your life by substituting his own in payment for every wrong you've ever done and ever will do. Because of this, you will receive what you never could have earned on your own - the ultimate freedom of living a life that never ends.

Jesus's testament to you is not only a guarantee, but it is also a true source of encouragement. When God makes a promise, it's like a legal document. He will fulfill every word.

Source: The 100 Most Important Bible Verses

Pray and give thanks to the Lord all mighty who gave us Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice so that we may be saved. Our part is to go to him, our Father, and declare that indeed we need saving. Let no man, woman or beast depart you from your Savior. Salvation is a personal matter and it begins with repentance. No matter where you are (work, home, church, homeless) reach out to him in prayer and testify all that you know to be true of yourself. For he knows you perfectly and loves you always. God is waiting to hear from you, to strengthen you with his love.  ~ MME Team