Vice President-elect Mike Pence chose a Bible that will connect him to America’s 40th president when he is sworn in Friday. Pence will place his hand on the Ronald Reagan family Bible, which the president used for all of his swearing-in ceremonies as commander in chief and during his time as governor of California.
According to a statement, the Bible will be opened to 2 Chronicles 7:14.
“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land,” the Old Testament scripture says.
The vice president-elect also will become the first officeholder, since President Reagan, to take the oath using the Reagan family Bible.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas will administer the oath of office to Pence. Thomas will be the first black justice in history to administer the oath of office to either the vice president or president.
“President Ronald Reagan placed his faith in a loving God and the goodness of our country,” Pence said in a statement. “He set out to change a nation and in doing so, he changed the world. In the march of history, Ronald Reagan’s time in office was limited, but his legacy inspired a generation and will continue beyond.”