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The Bible Teaching Commentary on Genesis: The Book of Foundations
Commentaries that specialize on training the teacher!
Truth's Transforming Power
"And the truth shall make you free!"
John 8:32
Paul J. Bucknell
Index
#1 Drifted Away from the Truth
#2 Developing Confidence in the Truth
#3 Being Set Free by the Truth
A. Have we really drifted from the truth?
2. How does truth relate to freedom (John 8:32)?
Many believe truth is dependent on what they have learned or believed. In other words, truth is relative; it depends on what one believes.
For them, freedom is that ability to live out what they believe to be true. Freedom of expression has become the world's prized moral for life. Anyone who takes away from this becomes as an oppressive Lord. This explains in part the intensity of animosity between those who want to see freedom of expression and those who see those 'freedoms' threatening their own freedoms to do what is right and good.
Discipline is oppression. Structure, for them, ,is reprehensive. We see it in the forms of art and music. They believe much like Rousseau that they need to be able to express their desires and lusts. They desire the freedoms of animals to live without any constraints, conscience or laws. Freedom to express their thoughts, views, feelings is fundamental to a good life. For them, the best religion is a tolerant religion, one which fosters this sense of expression.
Truth,however, is based on the character, will, and purpose of God. Truth is not dependent on our feelings, perspectives, learning or some spiritual experience. True freedom is determined by how much of our lives are in harmony with God our Creator. Obedience to God's principles brings about the most full and satisfied life.
Although our minds will critically influence our lives and decisions, the way we live our lives are the clear proof whether we are free or not. If anyone lives in sin, they are enslaved to sin (John 8:34) and are not able to live a life in the freedom of service to God (Gal 5:1,13). (1)
Our goal is to pursue godly disciplines that shape and constrain our decisions which would be consistent with God's revealed standard. True freedom is to live according to this pattern. As the penguin fits into the North Pole's habitat, so we were made to fit into truth's habitat.
