Jun 27, 2021
Scripture Reading: John 8:30-47
This section of Jesus' statements is addressed to those who believe and yet do not believe. These folks seem inclined to think that what Jesus said was true. But it is clear that they were not prepared to see themselves as sinful rebels in opposition to the God of Abraham.
Thinking that being descendants of Abraham made them acceptable to God, they repeatedly justified themselves to Jesus, oblivious to the wretched state of their hearts … and hardened against the holy assessment Jesus was making of their true spiritual status.
Abraham may have been their ancestral father, but the devil was their true spiritual father (Jn 8:44). Outward forms of religion do not always reflect the state of the heart. This is why Jesus says, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (Jn 8:31,32).
According to this passage, there are professing disciples and then there are true disciples. The test of genuine faith is not profession … it is abiding, remaining, persevering in the words of Christ. Such endurance is not the cause of salvation, but the effect of salvation. "He that has true grace will not fall away. He that falls away has no true grace, and must not flatter himself that he is a disciple" (J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, 2:77).