John 17:17 Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth. Here is — I. A COMMENDATION OF THE WORD OF GOD. If we could suppose a man saying, "It is not God's word! It is not the truth!" we have an answer in the words of Christ: He declares it to be the truth of God; and we may safely suppose that "if it were not so, He would have told us." But the Scriptures areal. Professedly the truth. We might here direct our attention to the whole of the Scriptures; and remark on the unity of design kept up by so many men writing in different ages, and without the possibility of concerting their plans. We might appeal to the predictions, and their fulfilment — to the promises, and their accomplishment — to the various miracles wrought, by which nature was called in to attest its truth. People may say that there are difficulties in the way of the Christian faith; but there are a thousand times more difficulties in the way of not believing. From all this we might say, without looking at its internal evidence, its moral effects, "Thy Word is truth." 2. Perfectly the truth. (1) Its doctrines are perfectly adapted to man, and to the whole of man — to all his circumstances, to all his obligations. They enlighten his understanding, form his judgment, and enrich his heart. Here is pardon for his guilt — righteousness for his unworthiness — purity for his depravity — strength for his weakness. (2) It has in it a perfect adaptation to the whole state of man: it attends him through life; it visits him in death; it accompanies him to the grave; it furnishes him with glorious anticipations; it goes with him to the bar of God, and into the eternal world. 3. The most important truth. Other things are true; a person who reads of the heavenly bodies or studies natural philosophy and what is made known may be all true. But all these are truths of an inferior description. The Scriptures place us in immediate contact with God and all that relates to time and to eternity. 4. Independent, majestic, all commanding truth: that is, truth connected with a kingdom which is "not of this world," which reduces men to a level with each other, with which man has no interference. It comes from God; it contains not the sentiments of Moses, of the prophets, &c. — it is the Word of God. 5. The only truth. Men may question its truth and excellency, but none have ever attempted to bring the Koran or the Shasters and place by its side! No; it is like Aaron's rod, and will swallow up all their enchantments. No; they who would deprive us of this truth would leave us without any communication from God! II. THE IMPLICATION WHICH THE TEXT CONTAINS. An agency is implied here — without which the means would be vain. This agency is spoken of in the preceding chapter as "the Spirit of truth." He is so — 1. On account of His inspiration of the truth. "Prophecy came not in old time," &c. 2. As He carries on His general operations by revelation. We have been acquainted with man in all the various stages of civilization, but we have never seen anything like sanctification where there is no revelation. Some persons, when they speak of missions, are very apt to say, "Oh, when the Lord's time to evangelize the nations is come, He can do it!" Yes; and He will do it by His own means — by His Word of truth. 3. On account of the Holy Scriptures being the standard by which He works. He does not lead into fancies and conjectures; but brings us to this standard, that we may judge whether what we have received is the truth or not. Many suppose that to depend on the Spirit's influence leads to wild and enthusiastic imaginations; but it is to the truth that He leads. III. THE END DESIGNED TO BE ACCOMPLISHED BY THE MINISTRY OF THIS DIVINE WORD. Three ideas are conveyed. 1: Separation. It calls a man from his former purposes and pursuits. Man, by nature, is a violator of God's law; this is taught him with the greatest effect by the Word of God. "The Word of God is quick and powerful," &c. It leads him to exclaim, "What shall I do? Where shall I flee?" And then the Word says, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate." He comes out, asks for a place of safety, seeks provision for his soul, and through the Word finds repentance and remission of his sins. 2. Purity. Infidels in general have bowed respectfully to the purity of the Bible. It would be easy to prove that every part of this book — its doctrines, its promises, its precepts, have "Holiness to the Lord" written upon them. But I would rather show how the Word of God sanctifies. (1) By its realization. Whoever believes the Word of God, and participates of the truth as it is in Jesus, is brought into a new state. (2) By its associations. It brings the mind into contact with its God, and this cannot but purify. (3) By its teaching about sin and salvation. (4) By the end it sets before us — God's glory in this life, and heaven in the life to come. "He that hath this hope in him purifieth himself." 3. Designation. Christians are set apart — (1) To dignified and important characters. When God says to sinners, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate;" He says also, "I will be a Father to you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters."(2) To most interesting services. To support the cause of truth; to live for the truth. (3) To particular trials. (4) To special and wonderful deliverances. (5) To immortality and eternal life. (Isaiah Birt.) Parallel Verses KJV: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. |
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