Called to be Holy

Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him (Ephesians 1:4, ESV) 

There is a common idea that election is all to do with going to heaven or hell. As if God has a heavenly daisy field and every petal on every flower has someone’s name on it. So he just plucks off the petals and randomly throws them into the Saved box or the Lost box. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

There is a sovereign purpose in what God does. We are chosen for two reasons. 

First, we are chosen to be holy. We have already seen that this word means to be separate—separate from sin and all its evil effects. Like the Old Testament high priests, we have the words ‘Holy to the Lord’ engraved on us, as it were. And like the priests, we are to be disentangled from the world and its wickedness (Exodus 28:36-38; 1 John 2:15-16). In fact, virtually every reference to election in the New Testament mentions holiness or godliness. More than likely, some who complain that they are not chosen might actually be unhappy if they were—living a holy life might well be abhorrent to them. 

We are chosen to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29-30); to live for God’s glory (1:12); to learn humility (1 Corinthians 1:27-29) and to suffer for Christ’s sake (Philippians 1:29; 2 Timothy 1:8-9; 1 Peter 2:21-23). 

If holiness is required of believers generally, it is definitely a requirement for those in ministry. Charles Spurgeon, acclaimed 19th century ‘prince of preachers’, wrote, ‘If a man has not been called to holiness, he certainly has not been called to the ministry.’

Second, we are chosen to be blameless. This word means without defect or unblemished. It is frequently used in the Old Testament of sacrificial animals who were to be without any flaw (Leviticus 3:1, 6). In our case, it means without sin. This is the primary goal of election (Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 2:21; 3:9). 

This does not mean what is sometimes called sinless perfection; rather it means sin-free protection. To put it succinctly, it is not impossible to sin but it is possible not to sin. Can you see the difference?

Blameless living is also a prerequisite for Christian leadership (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7). 

Election does not remove our freedom of will. We can still choose what we do. We can decide to stay away from sin, to be free of it. That is what the apostle John means when he says that those who are born of God do not sin (1 John 3:9). If we do sin, the blood of Jesus cleanses us (1 John 1:7-9). But it is far better not to sin in the first place. And this is what constitutes blameless living. In reality, anything less is unacceptable.

So what?

1. Sins may involve either acts of commission or omission. Think about the last 24 hours in your life. Write down up to five sins in each category that you may have committed. 

2. How could being more aware of your calling and election help you to reduce this list? 

3. Revise and memorise Ephesians 1:1-4