Nougat 23

We are often assured that life with Christ will make us sin less, though not sinless. But do we realize that we can live a blameless life? Hmmm. Here’s today’s Holy Nougat

“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.” ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The writer of this epistle used the term ‘blameless’ twice before: in chapters 2 and 3. It seems that this is an important issue for the Thessaloniki faith community and/or the writer. It is said that St Olaf was a ‘crusader’ who would behead new converts in ‘heathen’ lands, to ensure that they were sinless until Christ’s return. If that’s true, one might assume that he had not read this epistle and grasped its full meaning. For God is The One Who makes/keeps us blameless; it is not a reflex or natural action. Nor is it someone else’s responsibility.

This doesn’t absolve us from walking according to God’s will, absolutely not. But it could be considered part of God’s covenant with us when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. Renowned songwriter and founder of Methodism wrote, ’No condemnation now I dread, Jesus and all in Him is mine.’ (Amazing Love). Though it was likelier a response to Romans 8:1; the sentiment remains. For siblings, we face condemnation and blame all around us (and sometimes within!)

Our task then is to walk in Faith, believing that God will indeed keep us without blame *simply because* of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is by grace that we are saved. So let’s permit ourselves to ignore the accuser of the saints and listen to that other report.

May our God continue to keep us blameless until Christ’s return. Keep Faith alive.

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May all we seek be found in Christ