Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:22-24
blameless
The Confirmation
“I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-8 (KJB)
The apostle was writing to the Corinthian Church, saints, and was about to deal with some very difficult problems within that congregation. He was troubled by their popularity competitions about who was the greatest preacher, teacher. They had a problem with mystical revelations by emotional out burst, which caused trouble through confusion.
If you read the whole first chapter you will see that Paul does recognize them as “Saints” (v. 2), and in verse 2 you will see in the KJB that the words “to be” is in italics which means that was added into the text, supposedly for clarity and understanding. However, the words “to be saints”; at least to me; seems to be that some day in the future they will be saints. “Called saints” is the way it should read. Not by Paul, not by a pope or a religious hierarchy. Called saints by heavenly declaration, by God Himself.
The saint of God is an individual who is not perfect, neither without sin; but is daily being sanctified, set apart by God to honor and glorify Him. The saint of God never reaches a state of sinless perfection. The saint of God realizes that as we get closer to the Lord God just how sinful, and awful we really are, thus depending, relying, trusting the only One who can bring us to completion.
The apostle Paul notes to confirmations for the saint of God:
- That the testimony of Jesus Christ is in their waiting for the coming of the Lord;
- That because of their faith in Jesus Christ they are blameless at the day of the Lord Jesus.
Blameless does not mean sinless; but because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1).
Who are you in Christ Jesus? Has your faith in Him been confirmed by the Spirit of God, the awaiting of the coming of the Lord? He will complete His work in you, and find you blameless.
Christmas Day Fifty and One
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to always be open, praising and thankful; to the Spirit of God to work in me, through my family, friends, Church, work, recreation, troubles, trials, sorrow, and strife to make me a sanctified vessel for the glory of Jesus Christ.
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (KJV)
Be Just With God
“I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? If he will contend with Him, he cannot answer Him one of a thousand. He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against Him, and hath prospered?” Job 9:2-4 (KJV)
Remember Job’s three friends who came to comfort and encourage him are now speaking after seven days of silence.
Bildad the Shuhite has spoken, and just as Eliphaz has done; so does Bildad; accusing Job of unrighteous deeds, because of his loss, sickness, and disease. Has anyone noticed that is still a problem in our world? Even among Christians? Maybe especially among Christians? May God forgive us.
Job raises a very good question, “How should a man (anyone) be just with God?” We are told in the Psalms, and the apostle Paul writes it in Romans; “There is none righteous; no not one” (Psalm 14:1-3; Romans 3:10-11). “Just” means righteous, or blameless.
In the first two chapters of Job we see events take place in heaven where God declares Job as righteous, blameless, just –“a perfect and upright man…” (1:8; 2:3). The only way for anyone to be “Just” with God is by God’s own declaration.
Because God Himself is holy, and righteous He cannot just overlook our sin. There must be a sacrifice for sin; and God Himself provides the sacrifice. That ultimate sacrifice was/is His own only begotten Son Jesus Christ.
Jesus was our payment for our sin upon the cross where all our sin was laid on Him; the Just for the unjust. He took our sins upon Himself, that He might place on us His own Righteousness; declaring us righteous when we trust in Him.
How should you be just with God? Through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
The Fire and Hammer 