Morning By Morning #186

Sanctify them by the truth.

John 17:17

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

Sanctification begins at the point of regeneration. The Spirit of God instills into a person that new living truth by which he becomes a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17) in Christ. This work, which begins at new birth, is carried out in two ways—through mortification, or death, whereby “the desires of the sinful nature” (Gal. 5:16) are placed in submission; and vivification, or life, whereby the life God has placed within us is made into “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14).

This process then continues each day through what is called perseverance, by which Christians are continually preserved in a state of grace and are made to “abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8) “to the praise of [God’s] glory” (Eph. 1:14). Ultimately believers will come to perfection in “glory” when the soul, totally purified, will be “caught up” (1 Thess. 4:17) to dwell with holy beings at “the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Heb. 1:3).

While the Spirit of God is the author of sanctification, there is one visible agent at work that must not be forgotten. Jesus said, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” There are many passages of Scripture which prove that the very instrument of our sanctification is the Word of God itself. Here is how it works: The Spirit of God brings the precepts and doctrines of truth to our minds and then applies them through His power. These truths are heard by our ears and, once received in our hearts, they work in us “to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil. 2:13).

His truth is the sanctifier; therefore, if we do not hear or read the truth, we will not grow in sanctification. We only progress in sound living as we progress in sound understanding. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Ps. 119:105). Never indulge error that conflicts with Scripture as a mere “matter of opinion,” for no one indulges an error in judgment, for example, without sooner or later tolerating an error in his actions.

“Hold fast” (2 Tim. 1:13 KJV) to the truth, for by holding on to it you will be “sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:16).

From the pen of Jim Reimann:

In our Christian walk, especially during difficult trials, it seems it would be easier to simply die and go on to heaven. How many times have we prayed for the Lord to just take us home and leave all our troubles behind!

Yet only two verses before, Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth.” He says, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). Then He prayed, “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” (John 17:20).

Dear believer, when times get tough, remember, Jesus prayed for those “who will believe,” meaning those in the future, such as you. And He prayed you would be protected “from the evil one.” So walk in faith, knowing He cares and that He is in the process of perfecting You to “reflect the Lord’s glory” (2 Cor. 3:18).

Father, grant me the gift of contentment in this life. And may I have a greater passion for Your Word, which You are using to sanctify me.