We in the United States are filled with pride concerning our freedoms, and so we should be.

Many, however, live in this country of great freedoms and still are not free. In Jesus’ day, the Jews were in captivity to the Roman empire.

Yet Jesus came along and spoke of His true disciples knowing the truth, and it would make them free (John 8:32).

God’s word is the truth Jesus was talking about. So what does the Bible say that provides true freedom?

It helps us to know, first of all, that we can be forgiven (set free) from the guilt and penalty of our sins through faith in Jesus Christ. In Romans, we are told we are free from any condemnation from God when we are in Christ and have His Spirit.

Paul continues in Romans and asks, “Who will bring a change against one who knows Him?” He provides us a great and freeing truth in response: God is not going to charge you; He is the One who justifies, or acquits, pronounces or declares you not guilty.

Who is the One who condemns you? Is it Jesus? No. He is the One who died for you and is alive, seated at God’s right hand and intercedes for you.

So who or what shall separate us from God’s love in Christ? Paul says in that passage that nothing or anything, anywhere, will separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ.

There’s more. In Luke 1, when John the Baptist’s father, Zacharias, was freed to talk and filled with the Holy Spirit, be broke out in praise to God for the fact that at the birth of Jesus, God was making His promised salvation a reality.

He spoke of God delivering them, so they might serve Him without fear and in holiness and righteousness before God forever.

In Colossians 2, Paul helps us understand we are free from Mosaic law written against us that constantly declares us sinners. He says all that was taken out of the way when Christ was nailed to the cross.

As a result, we are free from all the legalistic rituals and observances of special days, certain foods, and other conditions of human performance to be accepted by God and stay in His good favor — free from the futile, guilt-ridden, lacking self performance.

Thank God for freedom given by knowing the truth of the Bible about being in Christ.

Paul also writes in Galations that it was for freedom that Christ sets us free. So stand firm in that, and he warns: if one should put himself back on the performance treadmill, then he has returned to bondage.

Remember, you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8).