Sanctified by the truth: John 17:13-19 (KJV) 13. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15.I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from evil. 16. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18.As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I sent them into the world. 19. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. In verse 17, Christ not only reaffirms the fact that the written Word of God is truth but says that it is this Word, this truth, which sanctifies the believer. Gods Word reveals sin in the believers life, enabling him to confess that sin and to be cleansed from it. (Ephesians 5:26 KJV That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,). Sanctification involves holiness in the Christians walk, something that is essential to his spiritual well-being. True sanctification requires daily crucifixion of the flesh (the old nature) and separation from all that defiles. Today, the word sanctification is generally still accepted among most Christians, whereas the word separation is usually disdained. Many believers who say they would like to be sanctified fail to realize that this is impossible without practicing biblical separation, an action that involves not only separation from false teachers but also from disobedient brethren and the world. If we are to be sanctified by Gods Word (V.17 see above), then we must avoid anything that is contrary to it. The walk with God is along the path of obedience to His revealed will. Sanctification is not sinless perfection (nobody on this earth is perfect) 1 John 1:8,10 KJV 8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.), but it does involve such a close walk with the Lord that sin is recognized, confessed and forsaken so fellowship with God and one another will not be broken (1 John 1:7,9 KJV) 7. But we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 9.If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un righteousness.). Such a walk is not popular today and not practiced by many who prefer the approval of men to the approval of God. Our Lord told us this would be so v.14 see above), but He also promised protection from evil for those who walk with Him (v.15 see above). A sanctified, separated walk is the Lords desire for all believers and is available through His Word.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 15:13:22 +0000
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