Article May 20, 1911 Issue

THE CONDITIONS OF FREEDOM

JUDGE SEPTIMUS J. HANNA.

The eighth chapter of John is one of the most remarkable chapters of the four Gospels. In it the great Teacher, speaking from the mount of Olives, declared himself to be the light of the world, and said that those who followed him should have the light of life. He further said: "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him." He was talking to the Jews, and it is recorded that many believed on him.

The part of this chapter thus briefly reviewed leads up to that wonderful saying of the Master's which of late years has been so often quoted, and which is one of the favorite texts of Christian Scientists: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." It has become almost a fixed habit to segregate this saying from its context and treat it as if it were a complete statement of itself. In one sense it may be said to be complete, but there is danger of losing its real meaning if it be treated as an independent declaration. Thus used it might imply that all shall know the truth and be made free by it, regardless of anything the individual might or might not do. In other words, the danger lies in supposing that no matter what the individual thinks or does, he will somehow be made free by the truth. It would be pleasant to mortal sense to have it so. It would be an easy and convenient method of salvation or of attaining to freedom. But what of the context? What is the condition attached to this freedom? Let us consider the whole statement: "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

There is a vast difference between studying a part of the text and studying the whole of it. To accept or believe a part of it only is misleading. Nor is it sufficient merely to believe. There must be a continuing in his word. And what is it to continue in his word? Nothing less than full and absolute obedience to the Christ-teaching,—all of it, not merely a part. To continue in his word is to study his word, understand his word, and do his word. Thus only can men become his disciples indeed, and thus only can they be made free.

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GOD'S ONENESS
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