Sanctify Them In The Truth

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. John 17:17-19

“The Christian cannot assume the truth about God. The truth or doctrine about God is the starting place of sanctification. As he explains from Scripture, Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates that this first truth is what ultimately leads to godliness.” Martin Lloyd Jones on John 17 sermon introduction.

Sanctified, set apart, in truth assumes two things. One, that God has spoken His truth to us. Two, that we have it in the Bible and can plummet this truth.

We have the opportunity to ponder the nature, story and designs of God. He has revealed them in His Son, and in His divine word left to us. Time each day in this word gives us greater insight into the One who made us and this world. This word also carries us along into greater conformity (sanctification) to His Son, by the Spirit who daily works in us.

We have the need to carve out time for God and His word. The idea that there is a balance to be achieved between time in the world with all of its due diligences and time with God is a nonsense. Everything that God asks of us takes priority, discipline and obedience. Saying yes to these divine invitations implicit in the truth of Scripture, demands our response. Saying no to the so many other things wanting to crowd into this more important invitation, equally demands our response.

May God grant us growing clarity of the full extent of our sanctification in truth!