“May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”
1 Thessalonians 3:13
In the previous verse, Paul speaks words of blessing to the Thessalonian people, praying that God would make love abound in them. A life here on earth that overflows in love for everyone would be wonderful. But just imagine appearing before the Lord in eternity one day and being declared blameless! I’m familiar with my shortcomings; I know that “blameless” is not a word I can claim.
We might well achieve exemplary conduct in day-to-day living now and then. But on Judgment Day when life as we know it draws to a close, will we be perfectly holy as required to be in the presence of God?
It is through the gift of salvation that God promises we will be blameless and holy before Him. In other words, God is justifying us, making firm the justification He has already declared. Because of Jesus, we can be certain He will do it!
This is an encouragement to Christians who know their lack of love. God is growing you and, as Paul will say in 1 Thessalonians 5, His work will be complete in you one day; He is making you perfect.
We might well achieve exemplary conduct in day-to-day living now and then. But on Judgment Day when life as we know it draws to a close, will we be perfectly holy as required to be in the presence of God?
It is through the gift of salvation that God promises we will be blameless and holy before Him. In other words, God is justifying us, making firm the justification He has already declared. Because of Jesus, we can be certain He will do it!
This is an encouragement to Christians who know their lack of love. God is growing you and, as Paul will say in 1 Thessalonians 5, His work will be complete in you one day; He is making you perfect.
Scripture Focus
Philippians 2:14-18
Insight
“And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” (Romans 8:30)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Kings 21-22
- Proverbs 10
- Hebrews 13
