Accepted in the Beloved

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:5,6 KJV).

Friend, are you looking for acceptance today? Find it in the Lord Jesus Christ!

In this confused world, desperate souls always seek acceptance. They are willing to do practically anything to get it too. Since their parents ignore them, young people will turn to gangs where they feel wanted. A neglected husband or wife might pursue an extramarital affair for the sake of finding “true love.” Lowly workers may strive to fill management positions in hopes of gaining more respect. Academics might enroll in additional education to appeal to their colleagues. The reality is, no matter what we do, we may never be accepted anyway. Due to sin, we will never gain some people’s affection, respect, or approval.

Yes, it is only human nature to want to be valued. In the grand scheme of things, however, what matters is not our earthly associations but rather our heavenly ones! While we may obtain numerous advanced educational degrees, earn huge salaries, drive luxurious vehicles, dwell in castles, have attractive spouses and decent children, enjoy good physical health, and own various forms of entertainment; these are all temporary. As the mind ages, specialized training diminishes. Fortunes are lost in financial crises. Automobiles break down. Mansions crumble. “Beautiful” mates grow slower, grayer, and wrinklier. Children become uncontrollable. Health fails. Entertainment develops into monotony.

To find true acceptance, we must look to God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). “…[M]y beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased…” (Matthew 12:18). “…[T]he Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29). When we trust Christ’s finished crosswork at Calvary as sufficient payment for our sins, we acquire His identify before the Father—gaining His unconditional love forever. We are “accepted in the beloved” (today’s Scripture). By the way, the Greek word translated “accepted” here (“kecharitomene”) was rendered “highly favoured” concerning Mary the virgin when God chose her as the mother of His Son’s human body (Luke 1:28)!