Know the Truth
by Mike Rule

In Matthew 3:8 and 9, John the Baptist had some strong words to say to people who took great glory in their identity. He said, "Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God. Don't just say, 'We're safe-we're the descendants of Abraham.' That proves nothing. God can change these stones here into children of Abraham." In other words, knowing who you are in Christ (your true identity) is not enough. I think the real question is, does it really make any difference in the way that we live? Knowing our identity may save us from bad feelings about ourselves, but has it really helped us to KNOW Jesus? Today I wonder if God's word to us is, "Don't just say, 'We are safe - we know who we are in Christ.' That proves nothing! God can change stones into what they never were before and make them His children."

Knowing who I am in Christ is not as important as knowing Jesus. It is not who I am in Him, but who He is in me. Many people know all the identity truths and how He exchanged our old sinful life for His holy life. They understand the truths of abiding in Christ. Each of these things has a place, but knowledge has never truly saved anyone from anything. Only Jesus saves. Knowing Him is the greater truth. Any truth of God that is taken out of order and given precedence over Jesus is an untruth. Jesus IS the way, the TRUTH, and the life, and no one comes to His Father except through Him (John 14:6). Truth is a person, not a concept.

"…you shall know the truth (Jesus), and the truth (Jesus) shall make you free." (John 8:32)