John 8:23-38

23He said to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world.

24That is why I told you that you will die [unforgiven and condemned] in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am the One [I claim to be], you will die in your sins.”

25So they said to Him, “Who are You [anyway]?” Jesus replied, “What have I been saying to you from the beginning?

26I have many things to say and judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I say to the world [only] the things that I have heard from Him.”

27They did not realize [or have the spiritual insight to understand] that He was speaking to them about the Father.

28So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man [on the cross], you will know then [without any doubt] that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own authority, but I say these things just as My Father taught Me.

29And He who sent Me is [always] with Me; He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.”

30As He said these things, many believed in Him.

31So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples.

32And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].”

33They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been enslaved to anyone. What do You mean by saying, ‘You will be set free’?”

34Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, everyone who practices sin habitually is a slave of sin.

35Now the slave does not remain in a household forever; the son [of the master] does remain forever.

36So if the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free.

37I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you plan to kill Me, because My word has no place [to grow] in you [and it makes no change in your heart].

38I tell the things that I have seen at My Father’s side [in His very presence]; so you also do the things that you heard from your father.”