May 11 AM

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. John 17:19.

Believers have the strongest assurance of attaining the highest degree of holiness their souls are capable of enjoying, from a reconciled God, from an interceding Mediator, and from the influences of the Holy Spirit. How precious is every work of JESUS! Hath HE shed his blood to procure our pardon? Hath HE wrought out a righteousness to justify us? What then? Doth he commit a stock of inherent grace to us, to improve and be faithful to, in order to sanctify and consecrate ourselves to God? O no! ever be aware of this notion: it leads to pride, nourishes a spirit of independence on our head, makes faith void, vacates the office of the Spirit, and is therefore to be rejected as a dangerous heresy.

But, saith Jesus, "for the sakes of all my dear members, I sanctify myself." Not to the office of priest. This was by the call of the Father, Heb. 5:4, 5—not to make holy his human nature. He was sanctified by the Spirit, Luke 1:35. But our Lord here speaks of his willingly becoming THE LAMB for a sacrifice, to take away the sin of the world. O, to this he most cheerfully set himself apart, consecrated himself to God for the sake of ALL his beloved members, according to the covenant of truth, the law of truth, and the grace of truth: and to this blessed end, "that they also may be sanctified through the truth."

Through this same truth, all the members of Jesus, being yet unborn, and having neither done good or evil, were to be sanctified, set apart, or consecrated unto God. Thus "Jesus suffered without the gate, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood." Heb. 13:12. "God chose them from the beginning, through the sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth." 2 Thess. 2:13. Through belief of what truth doth the Spirit sanctify? Through the faith of JESUS, who is the TRUTH, they are sanctified to God, Acts 26:18—are made vessels for his use and to his glory. Poor drooping believer, thou feelest thy sins and corruptions, thou groanest under a body of sin and death, and therefore sayest, 'I am not sanctified, I have no part nor lot in this matter.' What! believe the truth; believe in JESUS, and yet destitute of the sanctification of the Spirit? Impossible. As verily as Jesus hath consecrated thee to God by his blood, his Spirit hath sanctified thee through faith. "Abide in me," saith the Lamb; so wilt thou enjoy more fellowship with him, and be more conformed to his image.

Did Jesus sanctify himself

Because his members were unclean?

Then all who now believe in him,

Are freed from all the curse of sin.

We're sanctified through the truth:

From hence no lie did ever spring:

But all will sure be liars found

Who dare to say, we have no sin.