October 26

The Blameless Life

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. — 1 Thess 5:23-24 BSB

He will do it. There is a tone of unwavering confidence in these words, expressing the Apostle’s absolute faith in God’s faithfulness and power. Paul assures the early Christians, and us, that God will accomplish two things: sanctify us completely and preserve us without blame until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is hard to grasp the significance of these words for those living amid the indulgent and corrupt practices of that time, when religion often meant unrestrained pleasure. A blameless life, self-restraint, and purity seemed attainable only by a few. Yet, Paul confidently asserts that the God of peace will achieve this in them, despite the overwhelming obstacles.

We must distinguish between blamelessness and faultlessness. Faultlessness is something we will experience only when we stand before God’s glory, faultless with great joy (Jude 1:24). Blamelessness, however, is within reach for us now because God promises to accomplish it. He is the agent of our blameless life. No one but God could achieve such a result, and He does it by indwelling our souls. Just as His glory filled Solomon’s temple, so He desires to fill our spirit, soul, and body.

God works as the God of Peace. The mightiest forces are the stillest. Who has ever heard the day break or detected the sound of spring arriving? We don’t hear the forces that ripen the grape or turn the fields golden with grain. So it is with God’s work in our hearts. When we feel we are making no progress, He is often working the most. Just as ozone is detected only by a faint color on a litmus test, God’s work in the soul is revealed by the bloom of perfect love in our lives.

Prayer

Almighty God, You love us and know our deepest desires for this blessed life. Work within us quietly, gently, and mightily, ridding us of the love of sin and producing the blamelessness of soul that is of priceless value in Your sight. Amen.