John 8:34, 36 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

This is a very important truth, one that Paul expounded on at some length in Romans 6 and 7. There is a minor grammatical difference between the NIV and the Japanese here in verse 34. The Japanese says, “Everyone who is sinning.” That is, it is in the progressive tense, indicating current, continuing action. Even Christians, while they are in the middle of sinning, are acting like slaves to sin. That’s why immediate repentance is so important. When we recognize, acknowledge, and choose to turn from our sin, then we are set free from it and cleansed, as it says so famously in 1 John 1:9. Jesus’ point here is that He is the one who sets us free, and He has the authority to do it. If I were to go to a prison and walk around telling people they were free, it would make no difference. However, if the Governor or the President were to issue an official pardon, such a person would be released immediately. Jesus is not only the Son, He has officially and completely paid the price for our sin on the cross, so His pardon is absolute.

In my observation, a major issue here is whether we accept and receive the pardon that is offered. Of course that is the issue in salvation, but it also applies to what have been called “besetting sins.” Sometimes we get comfortable with sins, enjoying them more than we do unhindered fellowship with our holy Lord. That’s a major problem! I can think of specific people who are examples of this, and I came close to it myself at one point. There is no freedom in that. I need to preach an uncompromising message of holiness and grace. I am not to excuse sin, in myself or anyone else, but I am to proclaim the grace and forgiveness of God in Christ, so that all who receive that truth may be set free indeed.

Father, You know who came to mind as I wrote that. Each one has different circumstances, but they are all alike deceived. I pray that You would reveal Your truth to them by Your Word and Your Spirit, enabling them to receive it and be set free indeed, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!