The familiar saying “The truth shall make you free” has been the subject of several sermons and messages from the pulpit, and often only half the truth as expressed in the Bible is exposited on. The Bible says that “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) but the four verses preceeding that gives the account of many who believed in Jesus when he spoke of being lifted up and being recognized as the Messiah. Then said Jesus to those who believed on him, that if they continue in his word (i.e) in their belief, that he indeed is the promised Messiah, they would be his disciples (John 8:28-31). It is this truth that Jesus is the Messiah and the knowing of this truth, that shall make one free.

The half truth is “The truth shall make you free”. The truth is “When you  shall know the truth that Jesus is the Messiah and when you believe in him, you shall be made you free.” Jesus said, I AM the truth (John 14:6) and to know him is eternal life (John 17:3), meaning total freedom from spiritual death.

John 17:3 (KJV)
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.