Our scripture is John 8:35, “A bondservant doesn’t live in the house forever. A son remains forever” (WEB). We need to back up to the previous verse to get our definition of bondservant, or slave. “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin” (John 8:34, WEB).

He who sins is a bondservant and does not live in the house forever. A bondservant can’t abide in eternal dwellings. Are you getting this? A slave, a bondservant, can’t inherit eternal life. They can’t live in the house forever. They may have for a time lived in the house, but they can’t stay there.

Jesus gives us an illustration of this principle. In the story of the prodigal son, we have a son who leaves the house by his selfishly-motivated choice and ends up becoming a servant, and then returns to his loving father who restores him to the position of favored son. So, what’s the lesson? Don’t leave home! The prodigal left his home by his choice to pursue selfish desires—that’s sin. Don’t choose your sin over God.

If you sin, then immediately turn to the Father. Don’t leave home so you can continue in it without feeling bad about it. Confess. Return. The Father welcomes you. The Father didn’t send the son out. It was the son’s choice. You have the choice of what you will love, what you will set your heart on. It should be set on God and His Word.