The Experience of Christ

[OBW]

Originally Posted by Ohio

Truth requires the genuine experience of Christ, because truth has the power to liberate us. Truth without this reality is nothing but deadening doctrines.

This may be true. But the way that John said it was not that truth "requires the genuine experience of Christ, because truth has the power to liberate us." Instead he quoted Christ who said "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Question. What is it to "hold to" teachings? If we want to call anything "experience" that brings truth, that would be it. So what is it?