John 8:28-42. He Instructs the New Believers.

We have followed the Savior through scenes of contempt and insult; but at length we hear, that while he rebuked his enemies, many believed on him. The Lord did not overlook these new believers. As the mother bestows unceasing care, and peculiar tenderness on her infant, especially when so weakly that its life seems doubtful; so the Savior turned towards those who had just embraced the truth, and addressed to them words of counsel and encouragement. Are there any of us who need such instruction? Let us consider the counsels of the all-wise Savior to his weak followers.

"If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Continuance is the difficulty. To believe for a little while will not save the soul. There are many stony-ground hearers, who receive the word with joy. There are many thorny-ground hearers, who bring forth fruit, but not to perfection. These do not continue in the word.

What blessings are promised to those who, in spite of enemies, and temptations, and afflictions, continue in the word! Christ said to them, "The truth shall make you free." Are we not free by nature? Men think they are free--that they can do what they will, and be what they please. But they are deceived. The Jews misunderstood the nature of the freedom of which Jesus spoke--they thought that he spoke of national freedom. But they did not even possess that freedom; for though they said, "We were never in bondage to any man," the assertion was not true--at that very time they were in bondage to the Romans, and paid taxes to the Roman emperor.

But it was not of national freedom that Jesus spoke; he meant the freedom of the spirit. All sinners are slaves. "Whoever commits sin is the servant (or slave) of sin." Satan has power over the spirits of sinners. He stirs up the evil passions of their hearts, and urges them to commit sinful actions. God restrains him in the exercise of his power; but He has not yet deprived him of it. How then can sinners be made free? By believing in the Son of God. Then their chains fall off, their cruel master flees, and their gracious deliverer adopts them into his family.

A little parable seems to be contained in our Lord's discourse. In one large house there dwell together a numerous family. God is the master of this house, and knows the character of each member. This house contains all those who profess to believe in Christ. But some of its inhabitants are really the slaves of Satan, while some are the children of God. Shall Satan's slaves always remain in the house? No! they shall be cast out. But the children of God shall never quit their father's roof. "The servant abides not in the house forever; but the son abides ever." And when the servants of Satan are cast out, then the children of God shall ascend to the upper room, where their Father unveils his glorious countenance, and invites his elder sons and daughters to partake of the heavenly feast.