Holy and Blameless – The Presidential Prayer Team

For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. – Ephesians 1:4

Think of God’s glory, holiness, and purity contrasted with the human condition. Even people who try to do their best fall far short. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But imagine standing before God, holy and blameless. That is what happens when you receive the gift of salvation bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Can you think of a greater gift than that? One day, each soul will stand before God. Believers who have received this gift will be declared holy and blameless. Today’s verse says this has been His plan since before the creation of the world. It is an awesome thing to think about. The most important thing a person can do in a lifetime is to be reconciled to God in Christ.

Paul requested prayer from the Colossians that “God may open to us a door for the word to declare the mystery of Christ… that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak” (Colossians 4:3-4). He also advised the Colossians, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6). As you intercede for the nation, pray for doors to be open for the gospel and for wisdom to share your faith with others. Pray for a great revival to come to this country and around the world.

Today’s Verse: Ephesians 1:4

even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: John 15:5-17

⁵I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ⁹As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ¹⁰If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

¹²“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. ¹⁷These things I command you, so that you will love one another.