Bible Verses About Blameless

There are many Bible Verses About Blameless in terms of spirituality. Being blameless is an important aspect in doing what God says. Let’s support this by reading from 1 Timothy 3:2 – “A bishop then must be blameless….” The Holy Scriptures call on all followers of Jesus Christ to strive for a blameless life. Living a blameless life is pleasing to God. And he/she who pleases God is considered His son/daughter through Christ (Romans 8:16). Such a person will live to see God’s throne and dwell in His presence through Christ. Let’s support this by reading from Psalm 15:1-2 – “LORD, who may enter your Temple? Who may worship on Zion, your sacred hill? Those who obey God in everything and always do what is right, whose words are true and sincere,” In simple terms, those whose “walk is blameless” may dwell in God’s Sanctuary and Sacred Hill.

While you might be quick in associating blameless with perfect, we’ll call on your attention that only God is perfect. The Bible tells us that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:10). Whatever the case, this is not a call for us to dwell in unrighteousness or spend our days sinning. It is our duty to strive towards perfection by obeying the Key Teachings of Jesus Christ. And for sure, he/she who Sincerely Repents and strives for perfection is made perfect through the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross at Calvary. Salvation or eternal life in the presence of God is centered around loving Him. And loving him is all about obeying his commands. Those who obey His commands will be located in His mercy and favor. Most Bible Verses On Being Blameless are pointing to this spiritual truth.

Bible Verses About Blameless

Overview

The Old Testament concept of being Blameless

In the Old Testament, the concept of blamelessness carries two different, yet not dissimilar ideas from God. The first has to do with sacrificial animals that were completely “without defect“. We can read about this first implication from Leviticus 3:1, Lev 1:3, Num 6:14 and Leviticus 3:6. Note here that only physically undefiled animals were accepted as sacrifice to God. Blemished animals were not worthy of being offered as sacrifice to the Living and Most High God. Offering these blemished animals was in violation of Biblical laws and a demonstration of disrespect for God. It was from this religious ritual idea that the notion of moral perfection for individuals came into existence. “Blameless” people are those who cannot be accused of wrongdoing before others and God (Romans 18:23; 15:2)

Worth your attention is the fact that in the Old Testament, “blameless” is the translation of the Hebrew words “tam” or “tamin” coming from the root word “tamam” which means complete or sound. Hence, moral completeness has to do with a life of uprightness and ethical soundness, and not necessarily a life which is sinless. Never forget that we have all sinned. But if a person follows the part of repentance and strives hard in doing what God wants, he/she is made complete through Christ in the presence of God.

The New Testament concept of being Blameless

The New Testament heightens the concept of moral blamelessness. The concept of moral blamelessness is employed almost exclusively as a characteristic of Christ and His followers. In the New Testament, the sacrificial terminology is applied to the work of Jesus Christ when He is referred to as the “true lamb of God without defect or blemish“. Let’s support this by reading from 1 Peter 1:19 – “It was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw.” Christ through the eternal spirit offered himself unblemished to God. The blameless character of Christ is portrayed by his continuous work as the believer’s high priest who “meets our need – one who is pure, blameless, holy, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the Heavens and the Earth.

10 Characteristics of a blameless person

1. She practices praise

This point has to do with regularly contemplating the holy nature of God. Fully recognizing his worthiness will guide us into obedience. Acknowledging God for who He is should be the duty of all His creatures. Get more info on this by reading our Best Bible Verses About Acknowledging God.

2. She lives with integrity at home

In striving to live a blameless life, we must watch our words and actions at home as well as other places that we find ourselves. At times, we fail to purposefully watch our words and actions thereby leading ourselves into sin. We shouldn’t let our guard down thereby allowing our first, sinful instinct to rule.

3. She turns away from everything vulgar or vile

In our effort to obtain a blameless life through Christ, we should work hard in order not to be compromised by the sinful ways of this world. That is, we should not allow ourselves to become desensitized to crudeness, or immorality.

4. She does not use her words to tear down others

In search of a blameless life through Christ, our speech should be edifying and encouraging. Although this does not mean that everything we are going to say will be easy, it is a call for us to provide value to all those listening to our speeches. Remember that there is power in words. For sure, you are aware of the spiritual truth that God created Heaven and Earth with words. Let’s support the fact that there is power in words by reading from Proverbs 18:20-21 – “You will have to live with the consequences of everything that you say. What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.”

5. She ruthlessly guards against evil thoughts and behaviors

As followers of Christ, we have to free our lives from the captivity of evil thoughts and behaviors. It is only by so doing that we can hope for an everlasting life in His presence.

6. She values and embraces honesty

We are told by the scriptures that Satan is the Father of lies. And behold, anytime that we are less than honest, we have given into Satan’s temptation there by going against God. That is why we should be committed to honesty in our lives and conducts. In the same light, we should also expect honesty from those around us while distancing ourselves from those who reject honesty.

7. She does not collaborate with ungodly, wicked people that do not want to change

In striving for a righteous life through Christ, we should not hurry our feet or join hands with wicked people to do things that are against God. Calling on you to have nothing to do with wicked people is a call for you to completely depart from this world. While this is not possible, we are trying to advice you not to keep on dwelling or joining hands with wicked people who are not willing to welcome God’s light and start doing good. Keeping company of such people might push you into loosing focus and joining them in their wicked ways. Not that this is not a call for you not to show them love. For it is by showing them love that you are identified with Christ. You should rather not join them in their evil ways but call on them to join you in the light of God.

8. She squashes conceit and pride

Pride gives birth to an abundance of sins. That’s why you should stay away from it when embarking on the journey to achieving a blameless life through Christ. As followers of Christ, we should always embrace humility by having the right perspective about God and ourselves.

9. She does not seek gain that brings harm to others

It is true that God wants us to prosper as we can read from Jeremiah 29:11. But for the achievement of this prosperity, He wants us to make use of the skills, talents, gifts that He blessed us with. God wants us to support the advancement of His Kingdom, serve others, and provide for ourselves and family members.

10. She encourages, helps, and protects those who remain faithful to God

In striving to achieve a blameless life through Christ, we should always give value to stretching out our hands to help those in need, speaking forth words of encouragement to those who are about to give up and reassuring them of God’s ability to protect us. Never forget the importance of Trusting God in the Face of Impossibilities.

Bible Verses About Blameless

Psalm 119:1 – “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,who walk according to the law of the Lord.”

Psalm 15:2-3 – “The one whose walk is blameless,who does what is righteous,who speaks the truth from their heart;whose tongue utters no slander,who does no wrong to a neighbor,and casts no slur on others.”

Philippians 2:14-16a – “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”

James 3:2 – “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”

ALSO READ Bible Verses About Action In Faith

Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Psalm 18:30 – “As for God, his way is perfect:The Lord’s word is flawless;he shields all who take refuge in him.”

2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Group 1 – Bible Verses About Blameless

1 Thessalonians 5:15 – “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”

Job 23:10-11 – “But he knows the way that I take;when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.My feet have closely followed his steps;I have kept to his way without turning aside.”

Psalm 119:1 – “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,who walk according to the law of the Lord.”

John 16:24 – “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

James 1:27 – “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.“

2 Samuel 22:31 – “As for God, his way is perfect:The Lord’s word is flawless;he shields all who take refuge in him.”

Matthew 19:21 – “Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.””

Proverbs 2:7 – “He holds success in store for the upright,he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.”

Hebrews 5:9 – “And, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”

James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

John 15:11 – “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.“

Group 2 – Bible Verses About Blameless

Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

2 Peter 3:14 – “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.”

Philippians 2:15 – “That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,”

Psalm 119:1 – “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!”

Genesis 17:1 – “When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,”

Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

1 Timothy 3:2 – “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,”

James 1:1-27 – “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. …”

Group 3 – Bible Verses About Blameless

1 Thessalonians 5:23 – “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 1:8 – “Who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Genesis 6:9 – “These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.”

Titus 1:6 – “If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.”

James 1:27 – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

1 Timothy 3:10 – “And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “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 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Romans 8:29 – “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

Matthew 5:48 – “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Group 4 – Bible Verses About Blameless

1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

Job 1:1 – “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.”

1 John 2:1 – “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Colossians 4:12 – “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.”

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.”

Philippians 3:6 – “As to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.”

Luke 1:6 – “And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.”

Psalm 15:2 – “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;”

Group 5 – Bible Verses About Blameless

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Jude 1:4 – “For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

James 3:2 – “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”

1 John 4:1 – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.“

ALSO READ Bible Verses About Trusting Your Heart

James 1:17 – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

Hebrews 12:14 – “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

2 Timothy 4:3-4 – “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”

Hebrews 7:26 – “For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.“

Group 6 – Bible Verses About Blameless

Hebrews 9:15 – “Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.”

1 Timothy 5:7 – “Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach.”

1 Thessalonians 2:10 – “You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.”

Colossians 3:14 – “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.“

Philippians 2:14-16 – “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

Philippians 1:10 – “So that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,”

Group 7 – Bible Verses About Blameless

Romans 5:8 – “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

John 3:3 – “Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.””

Matthew 7:15-20 – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. …”

Matthew 25:1-46 – “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. …”

Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

John 16:24 – “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

Proverbs 28:6 – “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”

Group 8 – Bible Verses About Blameless

Amos 3:3 – “Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?”

Psalm 18:30 – “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”

Job 23:10-11 – “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside.”

Psalm 15:2-3 – “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;”

Leviticus 26:12 – “And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.”

2 Samuel 22:31 – “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”

Job 2:3 – “And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.””

Revelation 20:12 – “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.”

Group 9 – Bible Verses About Blameless

Genesis 3:1-24 – “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” …”

1 John 1:6 – “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”

ALSO READ Bible Verses About Selfishness

Revelation 22:14 – “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.”

Revelation 1:1 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,”

1 John 1:8 – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

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,”

1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Group 10 – Bible Verses About Blameless

1 Peter 4:17 – “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

Hebrews 11:10 – “For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”

1 Peter 2:12 – “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”

1 Peter 4:12 – “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

1 Peter 1:22 – “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,”

Hebrews 5:9 – “And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,”

Titus 1:7 – “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,”

Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,“

Group 11 – Bible Verses On Blameless

1 Timothy 3:1-16 – “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? …”

1 Timothy 4:1 – “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,”

2 Thessalonians 2:10 – “And with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.“

1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”

Colossians 1:22 – “He has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,”

Philippians 3:9 – “And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—”

Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Group 12 – Bible Verses On Blameless

Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

Philippians 2:1-30 – “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, …”

Ephesians 5:27 – “So that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”

Ephesians 4:22-24 – “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Galatians 6:6 – “One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.”

Ephesians 5:2 – “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Galatians 5:16-17 – “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”

Group 13 – Bible Verses On Blameless

Galatians 6:1-18 – “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. …”

2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Romans 15:16 – “To be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

1 Corinthians 1:9 – “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

1 Corinthians 1:1-31 – “Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— ...”