We worms, we mortals, we sinners!
Back to Spurgeon GEMS volume 2
"Accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6
What a wonderful state of privilege! It includes our justification before God—but the term "acceptance" in the Greek means more than that. It signifies that we are the objects of divine delight, nay, even of divine joy! How marvellous that we worms, we mortals, we sinners—should be the objects of divine love! But it is only "in the beloved."
Some Christians seem to think that they are accepted in their own experience. When their heart is lively, and their hopes bright—they think God accepts them, for they feel so high, so Heavenly-minded, so drawn above the earth! But when their souls cleave to the dust—they fear that they are no longer accepted.
If they could but see that all their high joys do not exalt them, and all their low despondencies do not really depress them in their Father's sight—but that they stand accepted in One who never alters, in One who is always the beloved of God, always perfect, always without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing—how much happier they would be—and how much more they would honour the Saviour! Rejoice then, believer, in this—you are accepted "in the Beloved."
You look within, and you say, "There is nothing acceptable here!" But look at Christ, and see if there is not everything acceptable there. Your sinstrouble you—but God has cast your sins behind His back, and you are accepted in the Righteous One. You have to fight with corruption, and to wrestle with temptation—but you are already accepted in Him who has overcome the powers of evil.
The devil tempts you—but be of good cheer, he cannot destroy you, for you are accepted in Him who has broken the red dragon's head! Even glorified souls in Heaven—are not more accepted than you are! They are only accepted in Heaven "in the Beloved," and you are even now accepted in Christ, after the same manner!
Back to Spurgeon GEMS volume 2