(John 17:17) Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
God’s word is factual
The word “truth” here denotes being “real” or “reality.” God’s word is reality. It depicts something real, something that we can trust and hold on.
When we try to compare God’s word and Man’s word, there is a contrasting point between the two. God’s word is factual and reliable but man’s word is flawed – some are true, some are not.
God’s word is different. It is the truth. Since He can see all things, hear all things and know all things, therefore His words are true. It is impossible for God to lie. Heb 6:18 so that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.
Thus, God’s Word is factual, as contrasted to the flawed word of man.
God’s word is pure
The Bible says God’s word is pure, as contrasted to that which is unclean.
Psa 119:140 Your Word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it.
Pro 30:5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
1Pe 2:2 desire the sincere milk of the Word, as newborn babes, so that you may grow by it;
Man’s word may sound good to the ear, but it is not all that good in its entirety. We have to understand that God’s words are reliable and if we have to use it, we have to use it in the right way – we have to believe it – we have to trust it.
Sanctify them
The meaning of this is to render pure, or to cleanse from sins. 1Co 6:11 And such were some of you. But you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Sanctification is a process of cleansing the spiritual part of our being and must be progressive. It is a process of getting less attracted to the world we live in and getting full control of ourselves against evil thoughts, passions and impure desires.
Sanctification can also mean to consecrate, to set apart to a holy office or purpose. Jesus prayed that God would sanctify His Apostles – to be more consecrated to God as ministers of His word. (John 10:36)
Thy word is truth – All that thou hast spoken – that is, all that is contained in the Bible. All the commands and promises of God; His representations of His own character and that of man; His account of the mission and death of Jesus; of the grave, the resurrection, judgment, and eternity, all tend to represent things as they are, and are thus fitted to sanctify the soul. We have here also the testimony of the Saviour that the revelation which God has given is true. All that God has spoken is true, and as Christians, we should rejoice and the sinner should tremble.
Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Psa 19:12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Psa 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
