We often talk about salvation as being freed from the grip of sin. And it is absolutely true! Yet Christians still seem to walk in slavery in some areas of their lives. Why?

This is one of those favorite verses of many Christians. A verse that is often displayed on a nice picture in our social media or on a bumper sticker. “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32 NKJV). Many evangelists use this verse to invite unbelievers to repent and embrace a new life in Christ. Knowing the principles of salvation and applying them in our lives leads us to this new eternal life.

But what is interesting to notice in the passage here is that Jesus was not speaking to non-believers. “As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him : If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:30-32 NKJV). Believing in Jesus is not enough to be freed from all our bad habits, from all our sins. Believing that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior, is not enough to be free in all things. We must abide in His words, which will lead us to truly be a disciple, and to walk in the truth.

When we give our life to Jesus, with sincerity, many things change. Carnal desires, bad habits, will disappear immediately. But sometimes other details cling to us. Concessions that we do not seem convinced to make. We have a struggle inside of us (Hebrews 12:4). We can be saved, be a child of God, but still have some chains, still be a slave to some flaws.

How to break free? As Jesus says: by His Word. Not only by reading the Bible, but by meditating on it, letting it become a revelation within us. When a verse becomes more real, more true, than our circumstances, that is when our faith wins the fight. Our body may have the desire to do something, but when a verse convinces us beyond doubt that our spirit prefers the opposite. Then we find the power to follow the Spirit instead of our flesh.

We find everything we need in the Word of God. Everything was given on the cross: there is no reason we should continue to live in slavery in any area of ​​our lives. We only need to receive the revelation of the Word, by reading it, meditating on it, and of course, by applying it. “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9 NKJV).

On the day of our salvation, a miracle happened. But this is only the beginning! God still has many other deliverances to operate in us. That is why as we apply ourselves to reading the Word and putting it into practice, we grow more and more. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NKJV).

Receive this edification today to be motivated to pursue your freedom in Christ. But also use this revelation not to oppress those who have not yet received their freedom in certain areas. Maybe it is clear to you that a habit is harmful, but your brother or sister in Christ has not yet had the revelation. Pray for them, but remain compassionate. It is the Holy Spirit who convinces, and He does all good things in His time.