"Accepted IN the BELOVED"

 

Ephesians 1:4-6 "According as HE hath chosen us in HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before HIM in love: 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."

     The eternal purpose of GOD for "the church, which is HIS body" (Ephesians 1:22-23) is to "present it to HIMSELF a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing (Ephesians 5:26-27). This "body" includes all believers from Pentecost to the imminent Rapture. Who will be saved is not the issue in today's text; rather, these verses serve to assure the believer of his or her final glorification. GOD the FATHER has expressly declared that all who are in CHRIST "should be holy and without blame" (v.4) until the glorious Day of HIS return, having the assurance that they will not be lost along the way or miss out on their redemption (v.5). The eternal security of the child of GOD is the glorious truth revealed in the predestination mentioned in verse five; the LORD has preordained every Christian one day to be perfectly "conformed to the image of HIS SON" (Romans 8:29 pictured above).

     The "adoption" (v.5) speaks of the promised end of the believer's sanctification - something the saint is still "waiting for" (Romans 8:23). The time of the adoption is inseparably linked to the redemption of the body, that is, the moment when the believer is finally in the presence of his LORD (Romans 8:23-30). Whether resurrected or raptured (1st.Thessalonians 4:13-18), the child of GOD will, at that time, enter into the fullness of his inheritance. How can we know the apex of our salvation will come to pass ? It is guaranteed by GOD's grace and power (vv.5-6 cf. Philippians 1:6 pictured above). We cannot fully appreciate this consummate gift until we understand that HE has made us "accepted in the BELOVED [in JESUS]." We do not work for acceptance; we already are accepted - in CHRIST ! Our salvation, from start to finish, is all "to the praise of the glory of HIS grace" (v.6). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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