The phrase “free make you free” generally refers to the biblical concept found in John 8:36, which states, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” This emphasizes spiritual liberation through faith in Jesus Christ, signifying freedom from sin and spiritual bondage.
Scripture
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.
35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever.
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Bible Meaning of ‘Free Make You Free’
The phrase “free make you free,” particularly as articulated in John 8:36, encapsulates a profound theological truth about divine liberation through Christ. In this context, “freedom” transcends mere physical or political liberty; it signifies a deep spiritual emancipation from the shackles of sin, guilt, and death. The verse underscores the unique power of Jesus as the Son of God, who offers not just a promise of freedom but the assurance that such freedom is complete and absolute—”free indeed.” This liberating action is further supported by passages such as Romans 8:1, which declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” and Galatians 5:1, which calls believers to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given, urging them not to submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Moreover, this concept of freedom in the biblical narrative extends to a holistic transformation of the believer’s life. Spiritual freedom invites individuals to live according to God’s will, empowered by the Holy Spirit, which produces fruits of love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). It emphasizes a relationship where believers are not only forgiven but also restored and called to live out their faith actively, impacting their communities for good. The freedom that Jesus offers is thus multidimensional—allowing believers to release past burdens, embrace their identity as children of God, and engage in a life of purpose and service to others, all indicative of the transformative power of His grace.
The theme of freedom in the biblical context resonates throughout the scriptures, reflecting God’s intention to liberate His people from various forms of bondage. This spiritual freedom encompasses liberation from the law’s constraints and the sin that ensnares individuals, offering a pathway to a renewed identity. The heart of this liberation can be found in the acknowledgment of God’s grace, which extends beyond mere forgiveness to an empowering relationship with Him. Believers are called to live in the fullness of this freedom, a state where they can boldly approach the throne of grace and partake in the life abundant that Christ promises.
Furthermore, this idea of freedom is intricately linked to the mission of reconciliation. Jesus’ teachings illustrate that true freedom prompts a transformative response, guiding believers to extend forgiveness and grace to others as they themselves have received it. Such a release from internal strife leads to an outward expression of love and unity within the body of Christ, which is emblematic of His kingdom’s values. This ongoing journey of liberation is not only personal but communal, as the church collectively reflects the freedom bestowed upon them, challenging worldly structures of oppression and injustice. The refrain of being set free echoes the call for believers to actively live out their faith, serving as a testament to the profound impact of Christ’s love that sets every captive free.
Spiritual Liberation
The phrase “free make you free” emphasizes the concept of spiritual liberation. In the biblical context, this refers to the idea that true freedom is found in a relationship with God. It suggests that individuals are liberated from the bondage of sin and guilt through faith and grace. This spiritual freedom allows believers to live in accordance with divine principles, leading to a life characterized by peace and fulfillment.
Freedom from the Law
Another broader meaning relates to the freedom from the constraints of the Mosaic Law. In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts from strict adherence to the law to a life led by the Spirit. This signifies that believers are no longer bound by the legalistic requirements of the Old Covenant but are instead invited to experience a new kind of freedom that comes from grace. This freedom empowers individuals to live righteously, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude.
Empowerment for Service
The concept of being made free also encompasses the idea of empowerment for service. When individuals experience true freedom, they are not only liberated from their past but are also equipped to serve others. This freedom enables believers to act selflessly, share the message of hope, and contribute positively to their communities. It highlights that true freedom is not merely a personal experience but also a call to action, encouraging believers to use their freedom to uplift and support those around them.
How to Embrace Truth and Strengthen Your Faith
Embracing truth is a transformative journey that can profoundly strengthen your faith, and it begins with a sincere heart and an open mind. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word of God to illuminate your path and challenge your understanding. Reflect on passages that resonate with you, and don’t shy away from asking tough questions—God welcomes our inquiries and desires a deep, authentic relationship with us. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage you to seek truth together, sharing insights and experiences that can deepen your understanding. Remember, faith is not just about believing; it’s about living out that belief in love, service, and integrity. As you commit to this pursuit, you’ll find that embracing truth not only strengthens your faith but also equips you to navigate life’s challenges with grace and confidence.
Bible References to ‘You Shall Be Free’:
Romans 6:15-23: 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!
16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed,
18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Galatians 5:1-13: 1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.
3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law.
4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.
5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?
8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.
11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.
12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
2 Corinthians 3:12-18: 12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold,
13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end.
14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.
15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts.
16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-4: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
John 8:32-36: 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.
35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever.
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Romans 8:20-21: 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope
21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
Galatians 4:21-31: Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law?
22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman.
23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.
24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.
25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.
26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.
27 For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.”
Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.
29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.
30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.”
31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.
1 Peter 2:15-16: 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
James 1:22-25: 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.
24 for he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.