So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, if you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (John 8:31-32)

Although one must not press the application beyond scriptural warrant there are fundamental evidences of those who have been born from above. These evidences are expressed in the internal “wiring” of a person’s soul. Many external evidences can be mimicked by the lost but the internal evidences cannot. A child of God’s circuitry has been given rebirth by God the Father. The life of God has entered into the soul of man.

Part of this change of internal “circuitry” is the response of the believing soul to the Word of Christ. Simply expressed, there is a continuance. Continuing in His Words involve remaining under the reception of His truth in believing response. A child of God has a different view of Christ and His Word. Truth is his desire and nourishment for the sheep follow him because they know his voice (John 10:4). Unbelievers are characterized by the response of the Jews to Jesus’ voice. They debated and argued with Him (8:33, 48), seeking to twist His Words to justify their unbelief.

Another aspect of continuing in His Word is given in John 8:37, yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. God’s Word finds place in the life of a true lamb of God. Placing the Word in the life of a believer refers to the abiding progress of the Word. There is an advancing place, a movement from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). The measure of movement rests on His illumination and our yieldedness, but the movement exists regardless. It is our response to the Word of God which speaks of our spiritual father, whether God or the devil (John 8:38).

John 8:43, 47 gives the last aspect of continuing in His Word. A true disciple of Jesus Christ has a changed ear. He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God. Because Jesus’ Word is truth, a believer hears it. In other words, our circuitry is fundamentally attuned to the channel of God’s Word. Unbelievers, just because it is the truth, do not believe (8:45). Their channel is attuned to lies and deception.

Is not being born from above, life-changing? Our soul, ears, and walk are altered by the living Word of God! What blessing! What responsibility! Brethren, think of the privilege, the Creator of Heaven and earth speaking to you.

As we sit this day under the feet of Jesus, listen to His Word with intensity. Strain your ear to hear every individual Word spoken. Determine to love those Words more deeply and permit their progress in your soul more rapidly. You will find joy and true freedom unto life everlasting.