'The Truth Will Set You Free' Usually Misquoted

I often find the 'truth will set you free' phrase being hijacked.

Like so many other portions of Scripture or God's historical imprint on earth, it is hijacked and used in a way far from the original message.

In this way Truth can be thrown to the ground and confuse the simpleminded.

Some manners of this borrowing is to support a political argument, or to expose something darkly occult or seemingly nefarious.

I see it when crimes of past government employees or private citizens are brought to light, and an argument is made in using 'the truth' of such crimes being made known will somehow 'set you free'.

Free to get angry, thats' for sure.

Free to affirm that men can be very sinful and blind.

But usually it is used to pit one group or ideology against another... with the disseminator of that 'truth' being the one that is 'free' and in the light.

But such is not the case.

Let us explore the context of where that phrase is cited.

Let us consider what is being messaged, and in which manner 'truth' is being mentioned.

Every person has their own perception of 'truth'.

For the individual mind and life experience, one thing may seem 'true'... until Truth clarifies things in the Light.

Reading the wider context where the phrase ‘truth will set you free’ is found:

Even as He spoke, many believed in Him. 

To the Jews who had believed Him, Yeshua said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. 

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. 

How can you say that we shall be set free?” 

Yeshua replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 

Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 

- John 8: 30–36

The freedom being talked about is a freedom from sin's grip.

A spiritual realty is being talked about by Christ.

The listeners balked and contended He was talking about a physical state of enslavement.

Thus the phrase was conveyed in spiritual terms in speaking about being free from sin.

Going through the context from first to last, we read about those who 'believed' in Yeshua.

God speaks to those who believe, to those He has chosen to have open ears, open eyes, open hearts.

Although others may 'hear' things, they do not understand... and fail to believe.

Since faith / belief is a gift from God, it is God who elects men to actually believe the testimony of the Gospel. 

Thus not all will believe although they 'heard' the message of the Gospel or have heard about what God accomplished for them in Christ.

Thus, here we can identify how one man's truth is not what another man recognizes as Truth.

Next, notice those who believe are asked to ‘hold to the teachings’ of Messiah. 

Obedience to the Word of God identifies the believer as His disciple (student, follower).

So it isn't only about only believing, but also doing / obeying the Way.

It is by living such a life that ‘truth’ will be revealed to the believer. 

That truth is what sets you free. 

The experience of believing in Christ, of following His teaching of righteousness, of experiencing the trials and tribulations of this world when evil contends against your faithful walk.

THIS is what reveals the truth... and sets you free.

The truth of living a life as described here: 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. 

- Romans 12: 1–2 

This is the freedom in Christ.

It is a spiritual reality that helps the believer avoid sin and patterns of depravity. 

This is what men’s religions attempt to do, but it is Christ who taught it then, and teaches it Today.

It was initially lived out (fulfilled) by Christ so men can have an archetype to follow.

It is through faith in Christ that the believer is able to live it out... and be free.

Nothing to do with political pandering, or suspicions of things dark, or of men's intrigues.

It is actually a freedom from such traps of men's minds.