488. JOH 13:32. THE GOSPEL THE CHARTER OF LIBERTY

Joh_13:32. The Gospel The Charter Of Liberty

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."’97Joh_13:32.

We perceive from the preceding verses that many of the Jews had believed on the Saviour. This was an event highly joyous to Christ, and of the utmost benefit to themselves. But the Redeemer, knowing the difficulties and dangers of their path, now endeavors to strengthen and comfort them, by urging the importance of steadfastness and constancy upon them, ver. 31. How very necessary is this truth to be remembered, that we must not only receive but continue in Christ’s word; and thus only can we be his disciples in deed, ver. 31. And it is only thus we can realize all the advantageous ends of our high and heavenly calling. In this way we shall "know the truth, and the truth," &c. We have to consider in the text,’97The Truth,’97The Knowledge of it,’97and Its Influence. Let us consider,

I. The Truth.

It is a term variously employed in the holy scriptures. It means often, veracity in opposition to falsehood; substance, in op position to types and shadows. "The law was given," &c. It often means the whole word of God. It is one of the titles of the Messiah, "I am the way, the life, the truth." "He is faithful and true." In the text it clearly refers to Christ’s holy and blessed gospel. Now the gospel includes every other definition of truth. It is veracity, nothing fallacious in it. It is substance, no mere shadows. It is full of Christ’s person and glory. Gospel of Christ. Its histories are truth; its revelations are truth; its doctrines are truth; its promises are truth; it is divine truth; heavenly truth; gracious truth; infinitely precious truth; eternal truth. Consider then,

II. The Knowledge of the Truth

Now this may, 1 Be merely mental.

By hearing or reading the gospel we may know all its facts and statements the same as we may know any thing in science or history. Now thus we may go through the whole length and breadth of scripture statements, without any effect being produced on the heart or life. There may be a state of non-belief, or it may, 2 Be experimental.

That is, when I have tried and tested and felt what is represented as truth; when I visit the places described by the traveller, ’97when I try the experiments stated by the philosopher,’97when I prove the medicine prescribed by the physician. Now this is experimental knowledge, to which the soul can bear witness. And all who cordially hear and believe the truth know it thus. The woman of Samaria knew it thus. The man born blind knew it thus. Saul knew it thus. All who are converted know it thus. Now this experimental knowledge is alone saving. No extent of speculative knowledge can give true comfort, or lay the foundation for eternal glory. Observe

III. The Influence of the Truth.

"It shall make you free." Now the bondage or slavery of man is here premised. And such is the declaration of the holy scriptures. All men are naturally the slaves of sin and the devil. In the prisonhouse of depravity, guilt, and condemnation, Now an experimental knowledge of the truth makes free, 1 From the condemnation of guilt.

We are all guilty, and against all, the sentence of condemnation has gone forth. He that believeth not," &c. Now the ruth points to the only way of pardon and life. It exhibits the surety, the sacrifice. It shows where God has punished sin, and where he will forgive the guilty. "Be it known unto you," &c. It makes free,

2. From the enslaving fetters of depravity.

Forgiveness is not holiness. We must be changed,’97converted,’97born again,’97sanctified. The truth points to the source of regeneration. The blood of sprinkling. The fountain opened. And by knowing the truth we are sanctified by it. "Sanctify them," &c.

3. From harassing fears of wrath.

Guilt and sin are ever associated with fear and dread. The sinner, whether he looks within, behind, onwards, or above, he is alarmed. God is against him, &c. Under the curse. But the truth reveals the Holy Spirit, the pacifier, comforter, the pledge of divine love, the earnest, &c. of glory. And in receiving the truth, he receives the Spirit of truth, who fills the mind with peace and joy through believing. He bears witness, &c.

4. From the anxious cares of life, and the dread of dissolution.

Nothing more is necessary to our misery than for the worm of care to be gnawing upon the soul. To have anxiety as our constant guest. Fearing a thousand imaginary ills. Never content. Never really happy. Especially cherishing dark forebodings of death, and gloomy, horrifying views of the grave. Now the truth makes free from all these. It points to Christ’s universal reign. It shows that all things are managed by infinite wisdom and love. That all things shall work together, &c. That the presence of Christ shall be ours in life and death, and that to live will be Christ, and to die everlasting gain.

Application

1. Let believers rejoice in their spiritual freedom.

2. Avoid the trammels of human authority in matters of religion.

3. Invite sinners to receive the truth.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS