23. He said to them, You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world (of this earthly order); I am not of this world.
24. That is why I told you that you will die in (under the curse of) your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He [Whom I claim to be–if you do not adhere to, trust in, and rely on Me], you will die in your sins.
25. Then they said to Him, Who are You anyway? Jesus replied, [Why do I even speak to you!] I am exactly what I have been telling you from the first.
26. I have much to say about you and to judge and condemn. But He Who sent Me is true (reliable), and I tell the world [only] the things that I have heard from Him.
27. They did not perceive (know, understand) that He was speaking to them about the Father.
28. So Jesus added, When you have lifted up the Son of Man [on the cross], you will realize (know, understand) that I am He [for Whom you look] and that I do nothing of Myself (of My own accord or on My own authority), but I say [exactly] what My Father has taught Me.
29. And He Who sent Me is ever with Me; My Father has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him.
30. As He said these things, many believed in Him [trusted, relied on, and adhered to Him].
31. So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples.
32. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.
33. They answered Him, We are Abraham's offspring (descendants) and have never been in bondage to anybody. What do You mean by saying, You will be set free?