Accepted in the Beloved

• Creation
• Gospel
• Grace
• Jesus
• New Testament
• Old Testament
• Revelation
• Righteousness
• Salvation
• Tom Durst

Aug 6, 2014 2046

Ephesians 1:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

…to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Paul emphasizes what believers are “in Christ.” The basis of our acceptance is not how well we are performing but rather our being accepted “in Christ” Who is our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6). We are made the very “righteousness of God” in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). Our good works and spiritual disciplines are not to gain God’s favor but are expressions of our gratitude for what we have “in Christ” and to spend time in sweet communion with our Savior.

I think sometimes we overlook the simplicity of the gospel and make it far too complicated. Every other religion is based upon trying to obtain salvation (wholeness) and to earn God’s favor through works of some kind. In the Christian gospel we have a Savior who is now our Great High Priest at the right hand of the Father (see Acts 2:33; Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:14-16). Paul felt the need to remind the believers of what the gospel was really all about and it would be well if his example were followed more faithfully today (see 1 Corinthians 2:2; 15:1-4). The gospel still has the power to transform lives and I’m so thankful for that (see Romans 1:16-17).

When so many are forgetting I encourage you to remember what a wonderful Savior we have at all times and in every time of need. The central theme of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation is about Messiah Jesus and His plan of redemption which includes everyone who has ever lived or ever will live (see John 5:39; 20:30-31).

Tom Durst

From the Union with God Devotional Forum.

Used with permission from the author