“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). These words are found in our Lord’s High Priestly prayer recorded for us in John 17. The Lord Jesus Christ is the High Priest of His elect people. If you are a believer in Christ, the Lord Jesus Christ prayed for you in John 17, and He intercedes for you even at this present moment (Romans 8:34).
Our Great High Priest prayed for the sanctification of His elect people. They were set apart for God’s use in eternity by the unalterable decree of election (Ephesians 1:4; Jude 1). They were set apart (sanctified), by the redeeming work of Christ (Hebrews 10:10,14). And they are sanctified (set apart) by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (II Thessalonians 2:13-14). Their sanctification is progressive as they are set apart from the world by God working in them of His good pleasure, so that they work out their own salvation (Philippians 2:12-13).
The Word is the means that God uses in the sanctification of His people. Note well that God’s word is THE truth. Our Lord did not say that the Word contains the truth. This is a most vital point in our day and time. The word of God has been under attack from the very beginning when Satan asked Eve, “hath God said?” Satan is still trying to get you to doubt the word of God.
The present attack on the word of God is very subtle. One of Satan’s schemes has been the proliferation of modern translations (so called). Actually this began back in the 19th century when two heretics, Westcott and Hort, compiled a new Greek text to replace the Received Text. Most all the modern translations are based on this corrupt text based on the Alexandrian texts, which had long been rejected by the True Church. These corrupt texts have subtle attacks on the deity of Christ. Most of the modern translations have notes that question the inspiration of much of the Bible. Some of these notes say things like, “older and better manuscripts”, etc. (The reason they are “older” is because they were never used by true believers, and believing scholars do not believe they are “better”.)
God’s word is THE TRUTH. He promised that He would preserve His word for all generations (Psalm 100:5). The God that cannot lie promised that though heaven and earth would pass away His words (note well the plural) would not pass away (Matthew 24:35). God is determined that His people will be sanctified by the word of truth.
One great test of a person’s standing with God is whether or not he believes the word of God. Dear reader, if you do not believe the word of God YOU ARE NOT SAVED. Now you mark that well friend. If you value your eternal soul, read the word of God, and BELIEVE it. There is no salvation apart from the truth of God’s word. It is the means that God has appointed for the sanctification of His people. Do you suppose that God would ordain sanctification through the word and then hide it from His people? This is the theory of liberals and “moderates” today. They will have you think that you cannot be sure if the Bible is God’s word or not. Take my text to heart. Our Lord plainly said, “Thy word is truth.”
The English-speaking people have been blessed for four hundred years with a faithful translation of the inspired word. Our Authorized (a.k.a. King James) version has been honored by the Lord in the sanctification of His people.
I have two booklets I want you to have absolutely free- “By What Standard”, and “The Excellence of the Authorised Version.” If you will call me at 601-927-5070, or email me at brick Floyd@bellsouth.net, I will get them into your hands so you can study this most important subject for yourself.
May the Lord bless you all, my dear readers.
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