Truth and Freedom | Billy Graham Classic Sermon

 The Truth That Sets You Free: A Reflection on Billy Graham's Message

In a world where truth often seems elusive, the words of Jesus Christ from John 8:32 resonate deeply: "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." These powerful words from the Gospel offer not just a promise but a challenge—a call to understand and embrace the truth that leads to spiritual freedom. Billy Graham, in his timeless messages, often focused on the importance of truth and its transformative power. In this post, we’ll dive into some of the core ideas he shared, reflecting on truth, freedom, and the profound impact of knowing Jesus Christ.

What is Truth?

We live in a society where the concept of truth is often debated. People search for truth in many forms: philosophy, science, religion, and even within themselves. Yet, as Billy Graham pointed out, there is only one place where we can find the fullness of truth—through Jesus Christ. Jesus made a radical claim in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” This statement challenges all other ideologies, suggesting that truth isn’t just an abstract concept but a living, breathing reality found in the person of Jesus Christ.

Billy Graham spoke at length about the two opposing forces: God, who is truth, and Satan, who is the father of lies. In John 8, Jesus directly confronted the religious leaders, calling them out for their hypocrisy and their rejection of the truth. He said, “You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.” (John 8:44) The contrast is stark—God represents truth, and Satan represents lies. It’s a constant battle for the hearts and minds of people, and the truth can set us free from the lies that bind us.

Truth vs. The Lie

Billy Graham often warned that in the last days, as mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2, a “strong delusion” would sweep over people. Many would believe the lie and reject the truth. Paul also warned in Romans 1 that people would exchange the truth of God for a lie. It’s a tragic reality we see in our world today: people rejecting absolute truths in favor of relative ones, distorting reality to fit their desires.

Graham emphasized that knowing the truth is not just about intellectual understanding; it’s about how we live. Romans 1:18 speaks about those who “hold the truth in unrighteousness,” which means they know the truth but choose not to live by it. Jesus warned against this hypocrisy, telling the Pharisees of His day that they honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him. This is a call to examine not just what we believe but how we live according to those beliefs.

The Freedom That Comes with Truth

Jesus promised that “the truth shall make you free.” But what does that freedom really mean? According to Billy Graham, knowing the truth through Jesus Christ brings freedom from several things:

1. Freedom from the Penalty of Sin: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross frees us from the penalty of sin, which is spiritual death and eternal separation from God. As Graham said, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), but Jesus took the penalty for us.

2. Freedom from the Power of Sin: When we accept Christ, we are given the power to overcome sin. Sin no longer has dominion over us. Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live righteously, to resist temptation, and to live in victory over the things that once enslaved us.

3. Freedom from the Presence of Sin: Ultimately, Christ’s return will bring about a world where there is no sin, no suffering, and no pain. Revelation 21 paints a beautiful picture of the new heaven and new earth, where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more tears, death, or evil.

The Search for Truth

Everyone is searching for something deeper—something that satisfies the soul’s longing for purpose, meaning, and truth. Some turn to philosophy, some to religion, and others to materialism. But as Billy Graham pointed out, no matter where we search, it’s impossible to find the fullness of truth apart from Jesus Christ.

Many people, especially younger generations, are on a spiritual quest, seeking fulfillment through various means, including drugs, new-age philosophies, or self-help ideologies. Graham highlighted that even though people seek “mind-expanding” experiences, the truth is not found in altering our minds but in submitting to God’s Word. True freedom comes through knowing Jesus—the embodiment of all truth.

The Call to Repentance and Conversion

Jesus didn’t just reveal the truth—He also called people to action. He told us we must repent and be converted (Matthew 18:3). Repentance means turning away from sin, changing the direction of our lives, and following Christ. Conversion is not just an intellectual decision but a heart transformation. It’s a complete change of life, where we choose to live for God rather than for ourselves.

Billy Graham often spoke of the need for personal conversion—an experience of being born again (John 3:3). He stressed that true conversion isn’t just about joining a church or following a set of rules. It’s about having a personal relationship with Jesus, allowing Him to transform your heart and mind, and living with a new purpose.

How to Find the Truth

Billy Graham’s messages were clear: finding truth isn’t just a matter of intellect. You can’t come to Jesus purely through reason; you must come with the simplicity and faith of a child. Jesus said, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3) The gospel is simple enough for a child to understand but profound enough to change the heart of anyone who believes.

Jesus invites all to come and know the truth. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) This is the invitation: to accept Jesus as the truth that brings freedom, peace, and eternal life. No matter your background, no matter your struggles, you are invited to experience the truth that can change your life forever.

A Life of Truth

The truth that Jesus offers is not just for the hereafter; it’s for today. When we embrace Christ as the truth, we begin to live differently. We find purpose in serving others, as Jesus taught in Matthew 25. We find freedom from the shackles of sin and guilt. And ultimately, we find hope in the promises of eternal life with God.

So, I ask you today: Are you living in the freedom of the truth? Have you embraced Jesus Christ as the ultimate truth that sets you free? As Billy Graham often said, you can receive the truth today. You can be transformed by it and live a life of purpose, joy, and peace. The truth is waiting to set you free. Will you accept it?

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If you're seeking answers and want to know more about how Jesus can change your life, reach out today. Don’t wait until tomorrow—now is the time to come to the truth and experience the freedom that only Christ can offer.