July 4

Morning

Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. — John 17:17 BSB

Sanctification begins at regeneration. The Spirit of God imparts new life into a person, making them a “new creation” in Christ Jesus.

This work, which begins at the new birth, continues in two ways—mortification, where the desires of the flesh are subdued, and vivification, where the new life God gives us grows into a spring of living water that wells up to eternal life. This process continues daily through perseverance, where the Christian is preserved in a state of grace and grows in good works for the glory of God. It culminates in glory, when the soul is fully purified and taken up to dwell with the holy beings at God’s right hand.

While the Spirit is the author of sanctification, He uses a visible means that must not be overlooked—Jesus said, “Sanctify them by Your truth—Your Word is truth.” Scripture shows that God’s Word is the instrument of our sanctification. The Holy Spirit brings God’s truth to our minds and applies it powerfully. When we hear and receive His Word, it works in us, enabling us to desire and act according to His will.

God’s truth sanctifies us, and if we neglect to hear or read His Word, we won’t grow in holiness. We only progress in godly living as we progress in sound understanding. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Don’t dismiss any error by saying, “It’s just a matter of opinion.” No one holds onto a wrong belief without eventually adopting wrong behavior. Hold fast to the truth, for it is by the truth that you are sanctified by the Spirit of God.

Evening

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully. — Ps 24:4 BSB

Outward holiness is a precious mark of grace. Sadly, many who profess faith in Christ have distorted the doctrine of justification by faith, treating good works with contempt. If so, they will face shame at the last judgment. If our hands are not clean, we must wash them in the blood of Jesus, and then lift up pure hands to God. But “clean hands” alone are not enough; they must be accompanied by a “pure heart.” True religion is a matter of the heart. We can clean the outside of the cup and platter all we want, but if the inside remains filthy, we are unclean before God. Our hearts are the truest reflection of who we are, and the very core of our being lies within, making inward purity essential. Only the pure in heart will see God; everyone else is spiritually blind.

The person born for heaven “has not lifted up his soul to vanity.” Everyone has something that lifts their spirit; for the worldly person, it’s the empty pleasures of this life, but the believer delights in the substantial things of God. Like Jehoshaphat, their soul is lifted up in the ways of the Lord. Anyone content with the world’s empty pleasures will be counted among the swine! Does the world satisfy you? Then you’ve received your reward in this life—enjoy it while it lasts, for there will be no other joy.

“Nor sworn deceitfully.” God’s people are still people of integrity. For a Christian, their word is as good as any oath; it’s as trustworthy as twenty oaths from others. Lies will shut anyone out of heaven, for no liar will enter God’s house, no matter their professions or actions. Reader, does this text condemn you, or do you have the hope of ascending the hill of the Lord?