April 14

You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. — John 15:3 BSB

Everything God does, He does by the word of His grace and the influences that accompany that word. Always remember that God does nothing apart from His word. The sanctifying and cleansing effects that accompany His word by the work of the Spirit are described as “the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26). The "word" refers to the written Scriptures; the "water" refers to the power of the Holy Spirit; the "washing" is the cleansing effect of the application of the word. Let me ask you this: How are we to remove the burden and guilt of our sins from our conscience, the defilement of mind caused by sin, the bondage of spirit that sin creates, and the fear that sin brings to the soul? You might say, “By believing in Jesus Christ, for being justified by faith we have peace with God.” That’s true, but how do we believe in Jesus Christ so that we can find this peace? By the word of His grace, accompanied by the special influence, unction, and dew of the Holy Spirit, revealing and making known our pardon and acceptance with God. This is what is meant by “the washing of water by the word.” Just as water cleanses the body, so the word of truth cleanses the soul by washing away the guilt, filth, and defilement of sin. As the Lord said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” And again, “He that is washed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean.” Thus, as water cleanses the body from physical dirt, so the word of promise, the word of truth, the word of salvation revealing and making known the Savior’s precious blood, cleanses the conscience from the guilt and filth of sin.