Being above reproach or blameless is an important biblical concept that relates to living a godly, righteous life. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about being blameless and above reproach:
Definitions
The words “blameless” and “above reproach” are used repeatedly throughout Scripture to describe the behavior and character that God desires from His people.
Some key definitions include:
– Blameless – Free from fault or defect; having no just cause for blame or accusation. Morally upright and virtuous.
– Above reproach – Free from any charge of wrongdoing; having an untarnished reputation. Characterized by integrity and innocence.
– Unblemished – Free from imperfection or impurity. Without spot or stain.
Biblical Examples
Several biblical figures are described as being blameless or above reproach:
– Job – “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1).
– Noah – “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9).
– Zechariah and Elizabeth – “And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord” (Luke 1:6).
This shows that being blameless is possible through a devoted relationship with God.
Old Testament Requirements
God’s law given to Israel emphasized moral purity and flawless obedience. For example:
– Sacrificial animals were required to be without blemish or defect (Leviticus 1:3). This foreshadowed Christ’s sinless sacrifice.
– The high priest had to be “blameless” (Leviticus 21:17-23). This was a picture of Jesus’ perfect high priestly ministry (Hebrews 7:26-28).
– God told Abraham, “Walk before me, and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1). All of God’s people were called to live in purity.
A Heart Condition
More than just outward behavior, being blameless refers to an inward heart condition. A few examples:
– 1 Kings 9:4 – God told Solomon, “If you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness…then I will establish your royal throne.” Being blameless flows from a heart of integrity.
– Proverbs 11:20 – “Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are his delight.” God searches the heart and is pleased with sincere devotion.
– Philippians 2:14-15 – “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish.” Blameless living springs from a transformed heart.
A Lifestyle of Righteousness
Rather than perfection, being blameless refers to one’s direction and devotion to God. It results in a lifestyle characterized by:
– Purity – 1 Thessalonians 5:23 – “May your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Avoiding impurity in thoughts and actions.
– Obedience – Philippians 3:6 – “…as to righteousness under the law, blameless.” Careful to follow and obey God’s commands.
– Love – Ephesians 1:4 – “He chose us…to be holy and blameless before Him in love.” Sincere love for God and others.
– Wisdom – Philippians 2:15 – “That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God…” Pursuing spiritual wisdom and discernment.
– Good works – Luke 1:6 – “Walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” Diligently serving God and others.
Enabled by God’s Grace
Though God’s standard is perfection, believers are enabled to live blamelessly by God’s grace and power:
– 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 – “May our God…make you increase and abound in love so that…He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness.” God establishes blamelessness within us.
– 1 Corinthians 1:8 – “He will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God keeps us blameless through faith in Christ.
– Jude 24-25 – “He is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory.” God’s power guards our lives.
– Hebrews 8:7-12 – In the new covenant, God enables us to know Him, be forgiven, and have righteous desires. This allows blameless living.
Presented Blameless Before God
At salvation, believers in Jesus are washed clean from sin and seen as blameless in God’s sight:
– Colossians 1:21-22 – “Once you were alienated from God…but now he has reconciled you…to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Christ’s blood removes our guilt.
– Ephesians 5:25-27 – “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…so that he might present her to himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless.” Through Christ the church is made perfectly pure.
– 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 – “So that you are not lacking in any gift…waiting for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Believers will be found blameless when Jesus returns.
– Jude 1:24 – “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy…” At Christ’s return, God will present His people faultless.
Pursuing a Blameless Life
Though fully forgiven in Christ, believers should still make every effort to live blamelessly:
– Philippians 2:14-16 – “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent…holding fast to the word of life.” We are to live out the gospel through blameless actions.
– 1 Timothy 6:11-14 – “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith.” Like Paul, we must continually pursue blamelessness.
– 2 Peter 3:14 – “Be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” Make every effort to remain morally pure through Christ’s grace.
– Ephesians 1:3-4 – “He chose us that we should be holy and blameless before him.” Our election is both an accomplished fact and an ongoing goal.
Enables Effective Ministry
Blameless conduct gives weight and influence to our words and ministry:
– Philippians 2:14-16 – “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent…holding fast to the word of life, so that…I may boast…that I did not run in vain.” A blameless life validates our gospel witness.
– 1 Timothy 3 – Church leaders must be “above reproach” so that their ministry is not discredited. Similarly, all believers should avoid hypocrisy.
– 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 – We want to avoid any wrongdoing “so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift… For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.” A blameless reputation enables ministry.
– Titus 1:5-9 – Elders must be “above reproach” so no one can accuse or discredit them. Blameless conduct lends credibility to lead others.
Brings Blessing
The Bible connects blameless living with God’s favor and blessings:
– Psalm 119:1-2 – “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.” Obeying God’s Word brings blessings.
– Proverbs 28:20 – “A faithful man will abound with blessings.” Faithfulness and reliability reflect blamelessness.
– Psalm 15 – “Lord, who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly.” The blameless will enjoy close fellowship with God.
– Psalm 84:11 – “No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.” God abundantly blesses the blameless.
In summary, being blameless involves much more than outward actions – it flows from a heart transformed by God’s grace to pursue obedience, integrity and righteousness. Though we can never achieve perfection in this life, we are enabled by Christ’s redemption to live in a manner “worthy of the calling” we have received (Ephesians 4:1), bringing glory to God and furthering the gospel witness.