With thanks to Ian for this message
Sanctified by the truth
In Genesis ch.3 v.1, The serpent sowed doubt into Eve’s mind by starting his conversation with – “Did God Really say, – ?” That question started a chain of deceit and lies which continues to this day. In Jn.8 v.44 Jesus said, “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” In there we find the source of the battle for our minds. In this modern world our minds are constantly bombarded by negative voices of doubt echoing the serpent – “Did God really say?”
In Jn. 8 v.32 Jesus said – ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ In his prayer, John 17 v.17, Jesus prayed – “Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth.” In Eph.5 v.25b/26 Paul writes – “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.” In Jn.14 v.16 Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit saying – ‘I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever – the Spirit of Truth.’
In this world of ‘fake news’ whose voice are you listening to? In Rom. 12 v.2 Paul writes – “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Too often our thoughts are influenced by the spirit of this world but Paul brings us back to that often misunderstood word – repent; – to reset our thoughts towards God and the truth in His word.
Zec.13 v.1 reads – “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.” – Our minds are polluted daily, do we allow those things we see and hear to fester in our minds or do we, on a regular basis, go to the washing station opened for us on the cross? Do we allow the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of truth – to sanctify us by the truth in the knowledge that God’s word is truth?
There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains.
William Cowper
