Loving Biblical Truth
Every believer needs to be rightly related to the Truth. They must have an inward focus through God’s Word, characterized by an ever-increasing movement away from living by human reasoning to living by divine wisdom.
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Tony Evans commentary on John 17:3 and John 8:31-32
Read John 17:3
In his prayer, Jesus gave a definition of eternal life. This is important because it does not merely refer to an existence that lasts forever. After all, everyone will live eternally, either in heaven or in hell. Eternal life, then, is not merely the continuation of life but the experience of God’s reality. This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ. To receive eternal life is to enter into the divine realm with the goal of experiencing an intimate relationship with God through Jesus, a relationship that will grow throughout eternity. It is the uninterrupted, deepening knowledge and experience of God. This is the purpose for which we were created.
In his prayer, Jesus gave a definition of eternal life. This is important because it does not merely refer to an existence that lasts forever. After all, everyone will live eternally, either in heaven or in hell. Eternal life, then, is not merely the continuation of life but the experience of God’s reality. This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ. To receive eternal life is to enter into the divine realm with the goal of experiencing an intimate relationship with God through Jesus, a relationship that will grow throughout eternity. It is the uninterrupted, deepening knowledge and experience of God. This is the purpose for which we were created.
Read John 8:31-32
8:31: To those who had believed in him, Jesus said, If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. So notice that you can believe in Jesus but not continue in his word and, thus, not function as a true disciple. Justification does not automatically result in continuous discipleship.
8:32: You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Note two things. First, there is such a thing as truth. Truth is the absolute standard by which reality is measured. We live in a relativistic society that denies absolute truth, claiming, “What’s true for you may not be true for me.” But truth is not based on our feelings, experiences, or desires. Truth is God’s viewpoint on every matter, and it is not subject to redefinition. Pilate would ask, “What is truth?” (18:38), and the answer to that question is “Jesus” (see John 14:6). Second, knowing the truth results in genuine freedom. Don’t be confused. Truth alone doesn’t liberate; rather, the knowledge of the truth liberates. Deliverance comes when we know the truth—that is, when we hang out in what God says. When this happens, we will experience the truth setting us free from illegitimate bondage.[1]
[1] Tony Evans Bible Commentary Copyright © 2019 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee.
8:31: To those who had believed in him, Jesus said, If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. So notice that you can believe in Jesus but not continue in his word and, thus, not function as a true disciple. Justification does not automatically result in continuous discipleship.
8:32: You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Note two things. First, there is such a thing as truth. Truth is the absolute standard by which reality is measured. We live in a relativistic society that denies absolute truth, claiming, “What’s true for you may not be true for me.” But truth is not based on our feelings, experiences, or desires. Truth is God’s viewpoint on every matter, and it is not subject to redefinition. Pilate would ask, “What is truth?” (18:38), and the answer to that question is “Jesus” (see John 14:6). Second, knowing the truth results in genuine freedom. Don’t be confused. Truth alone doesn’t liberate; rather, the knowledge of the truth liberates. Deliverance comes when we know the truth—that is, when we hang out in what God says. When this happens, we will experience the truth setting us free from illegitimate bondage.[1]
[1] Tony Evans Bible Commentary Copyright © 2019 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee.