John 17:17

Make them ready for your service through your truth. Your teaching is truth.

Sanctification begins in regeneration. The Spirit of God infuses into man that new living principle by which he becomes "a new creature" in Christ Jesus. This work, which begins in the new birth, is carried on in two ways; self-discipline, whereby the lusts of the flesh are subdued and kept under control and reanimation, by which the life which God has put within us is made to be a well of water springing up into everlasting life. This is carried on every day in what is called "perseverance," where the Christian is preserved and continued in a state of grace, and is made to abound in good works to the praise and glory of God. It culminates or comes to perfection, in "glory," when the soul, being thoroughly purged, is caught up to dwell with holy beings at the right hand of God on high. But while the Spirit of God is thus the author of sanctification, yet there is a visible agency employed which must not be forgotten. "Make them ready" said Jesus, "through your truth: Your word is truth." The passages of Scripture which prove that the instrument of our sanctification is the Word of God are very many. The Spirit of God brings to our minds the precepts and doctrines of truth, and applies them with power. These are heard in the ear, and being received in the heart, they work in us to will and to do God's good pleasure. The truth is the sanctifier, and if we do not hear or read the truth, we shall not grow in sanctification. We only progress in sound living as we progress in sound understanding. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light on my path." Do not say of any error, "It is a mere matter of opinion." or "a personal choice". No man indulges an error of judgment, without sooner or later, tolerating an error in practice. Hold fast the truth, for by so holding the truth shall you be sanctified by the Spirit of God.