So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?” (vv. 31-33)

God knew exactly what we would witness in the present age. The Bible teaches us that there are false believers in churches around the world. Many Jews followed Jesus when He performed miracles. But they deserted Him when He said about Himself.

And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins.” (vv. 23-24)

Christ knew who truly believed in God and who did not. He directly opposed to those who were not His people. Although they pretended to be obedient to God, they despised and rejected Him in their heart. Adam and Eve disdained God’s words and we do the same as we are the descendants of Adam. Unless the Spirit comes and makes us hear and understand the words of God, we are destined to fail and perish. Anyone who receives the Spirit by grace comes to know God through Christ (Word and Truth).

Christ could please many people if He wanted. Many Christians around the world try to find someone to idolize and praise. And some ministers gain much fame and praise from their followers. They have much money and influence on politics. Christ did not do as they do. Instead, He spoke only truth, and this made people angry.

But because I say the truth, you do not believe Me. Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? The one who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God. (vv. 45-47)

But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, because He knew all people, and because He did not need anyone to testify about mankind, for He Himself knew what was in mankind. (John 2:24-25)

We must not forget that God made the world to build His kingdom. God created the devil and his followers to teach and train us. The Bible testifies that there are two kinds of people: the elect and the reprobate. True Christians speak the truths of God, but we do not try to persuade or convince people by making up stories. Anyone trying to convince many people wants money and fame. When the pandemic broke out, many ministers preached that everything was going well, and that they were on the right track. Some made money by writing books about the pandemic. False Christians hear what they want to hear. They believe that their father is God. But Christ has rejected their claim.

Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies. (vv. 43-44)

If anyone claims to be Christ, do not believe him/her. Christ proves Himself by His words. Anyone who knows Christ understands His words. False shepherds can fool people by their sweet talks and miracles. We know Christ by His words. That is why the Bible is the lifeline for the saints.