by Emmett Smith

One of the most poignant passages in the entire Bible is John chapter 17. This entire chapter is a record of a prayer Jesus prayed the night he was betrayed. He knew what was about to transpire, and these words are reflective of that knowledge. He prayed for himself, for the apostles, and for those of all ages who would heed their words. It would be impossible to even begin to exhaust the truths that can be gleaned from this chapter in a single article. For now, let's look at the following passage:

John 17: 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Note that Jesus specifically prayed not for us to be taken out of the world, but for us to be sanctified, and kept from the evil one. When Jesus prayed for our sanctification, what did He mean? The word literally refers to being separated, consecrated, cleansed or purified. The context makes it obvious that some kind of separation from the world and from the evil one was intended. Not that we would be hermits or monks, but that we would be set apart spiritually as His people to do His will. (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9) But of particular interest to me is the means of that sanctification.

That means was specified in verses 17 and 19 as God's word, "the truth". Jesus prayed that we might be sanctified by the truth of God's word. Yes, contrary to certain philosophers, absolute truth does exist. Not only does it exist, but it is crucial that we know it! The evil one is certainly aware of this. Who do you think is the source of the false philosophies that deny the truth of God's word? Ironically, many so-called "theologians" are among those who deny the truth. Jesus warned us to beware of false prophets.

Peter referred to the word as our spiritual milk, which we should desire like a newborn baby desires its milk (1Peter 2:2). But just how great is our desire for the truth? Jesus said it would make us free! (John 8) He also said that it is by continuing (or abiding) in His word that we become "disciples indeed". It only takes a small change, just a little twist, to change the truth into falsehood. Peter also mentioned this as he warned against perverting or "wresting" the scriptures, because to do so results in "destruction" (2 Peter 3:16).

God's word is absolute truth. Its truth is essential for spiritual growth and sanctification. Thus the things we decide to accept as truth should be tested against this standard. And if they don't pass the test...

Acts 17:11 WEY The Jews at Beroea were of a nobler disposition than those in Thessalonica, for they very readily received the Message, and day after day searched the Scriptures to see whether it was as Paul stated.

Isaiah 55:10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.