Holy in the Truth
Jesus is the embodiment of Holiness. Abide in Christ and holiness will work itself out.
Sanctify them in the truth.
Some versions say sanctify, others say make holy—they mean the same. But what does it actually mean to be holy?
It’s a tough word—holy. For many people, perhaps most, it is a scary word. Unattainable. Untouchable. We think that maybe there are other people who can receive the label, but probably not. But certainly not me.
Yet it is the call of God from very early in scripture, all through the Torah. Exodus calls God’s people to be a holy nation. Leviticus says, Be ye holy as I am holy, multiple times. Regardless of how we might feel about the reality of holiness, God is clear in calling his people to it.
So we can have faith that it is attainable. Or, better put, it is something God’s grace can establish within us. Maybe it’s not about attainment.
This is where Jesus himself helps significantly. If, as Leviticus says over and over, it is a call from God to be like God, looking at Jesus tells us what that looks like. Jesus is holiness. In all his love and grace and sacrifice and relational capacity and sharing space with any and all who are willing…this is holiness.
Avoiding sin? For sure! But that is not the true essence of holiness. Jesus is.
Speaking of truth - what’s this phrase he gives us? Make them holy in the truth. He goes on to say that the Word is truth. Yes, the Bible helps us understand what truth is, but that’s not what Jesus is saying here. He is not talking of the Bible. He is talking of himself. Not a text, but a life. Remember back to John 1 - In the beginning was the Word…and the Word became flesh and lived among us.
That is the truth of holiness, the reality of sanctification - Christ himself, living in the world.
Doesn’t that seem more attainable than a pure, golden, flawless thing that you and I can’t be? So if holiness freaks you out, just let what you love about Jesus reign in your heart, mind, body, and soul. That’s what this whole abiding in Christ thing in John means in the first place.
Abide in Christ and holiness will work itself out.
John 17:16-19
They don’t belong to this world, just as I don’t belong to this world. Make them holy in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. I made myself holy on their behalf so that they also would be made holy in the truth.
Psalm 119:9-16
How can young people keep their paths pure? By guarding them according to what you’ve said. With all my heart I have sought you; don’t let me stray from any of your commandments! I keep your word close, in my heart, so that I won’t sin against you. You, Lord, are to be blessed! Teach me your statutes. I will declare out loud all the rules you have spoken. I rejoice in the content of your laws as if I were rejoicing over great wealth. I will think about your precepts and examine all your paths. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget what you have said.
Prayer
God
Holiness feels far away sometimes. But you have shown us what it looks like in Jesus—full of grace, truth, and love. Help me to remember him. Always Jesus. All the time, Christ.
Help me to abide in him. Shape me by his life. Make me holy—not by my effort, but by your presence alive in me.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.