The Bible talks about people being chosen by God “before the foundation of the world.” It makes a strong declaration that He made a choice that affects the saved of all generations. It does not refer to the Calvinistic doctrine of God choosing who would be saved and who would not.

Before He ever created the world, God decided that those who are going to be saved will be “holy and without blame” in His eyes through His love. He starts the process by putting us into His family (adopting those who believe).

In salvation, because of Christ’s payment for sin, God takes the filthy sinner and forgives them of their sin, makes that person His child, and then makes them holy. Holiness occurs in a two-fold way. First, there is the way God sees us because we are “in Christ” – spotless and without blame. Secondly, God wants us to choose to live holy by being separate from the world and choosing to live pleasing to Him in all we do. It is a lifelong process.

God’s plan of working this way in the believer’s life is “according to the good pleasure of his will.” It is the best way. God never chooses any way less than the best way. It leaves us with a free choice to love Him – or forsake Him – as some have done.

Thank God that all who sincerely come to Christ for salvation are instantly and forever saved. Whether you get saved to not is a choice you must make. Once saved, though, He will work on you to help you fulfill His unchanging plan of making you “holy and without blame before him in love.”

Christian, are you helping Him fulfill His plan for your life? Remember that He came to give you an “abundant life,” and it is a joyful life. The old song says: “Let Him have His way with thee.”

Yesterday, it was seen from this same verse that Christians are to be a “living sacrifice” to God. We are to let Him direct our lives in every way.

The rest of that same verse gives us some further insights into what it means to be that “living sacrifice.” The words “holy” and “acceptable unto God” are added.

The word “holy” emphasizes that we should seek to be separated from sin to God. The word implies that we are to avoid sin completely so that we may be God’s servant – a clean vessel ready to be used by Him. Romans 6:6 tells us: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”

The words “acceptable unto God” means that we must know what God expects of us. It can only be learned by having a good understanding of the Bible. It requires daily reading, studying, and meditating on His Word so that we can remember what He teaches.

Obedience is also required. We can only be obedient if we fulfill His Word without changing it to suit our liking. When He says we should go to church – it means go to church regularly. When He says we should tithe – that is what it means.

Only simple obedience can make us “acceptable unto God.” He means what He says. Anything less is not sacrificial, neither does it meet the requirements for being “holy.” Remember that a “living sacrifice” has no will of its own.

Are you living a holy life that is “acceptable unto God?”

God does not want anyone to worship an idol, or bow down to one. What He does want is for His people to come before Him in reverence, humility, and faith.

True respect for God must also include confession and a willingness to obey Him. How else can we say “Lord, Lord,” if there is no desire to do what He says? True worship must also include being truthful before God.

Our God is holy and He cannot tolerate deceit, sin, or lies. If these things be in the heart when you worship, it is in vain. Jesus told the religious leaders. in Mt. 15:9: “in vain they do worship me.”

If our worship is to be real, it needs to follow God’s plan. Although some people cannot be in church on Sunday, many more could than will actually step into a church and not forsake “the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is,” (Heb. 10:25).

Are you really worshipping God the way He is pleased with? Will He commend you for it?