“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”
Ephesians 1:1-6
Many people have been made to believe that they must earn God’s approval. They engage in so many activities in the church thinking, that in doing so, they will earn points with God. The reality is there is nothing that we can ever do to earn God’s approval. Why? Because we are already accepted in the Beloved.
The word “accepted” comes from the Greek word “charito,” meaning “highly favored,” or “full of grace.” Look at the word “accepted.” Did you notice anything? It is in the past tense. It means it is already done. Even before we tried to earn God’s approval, we are already accepted.
We are accepted because of the “Beloved”, who is Jesus Christ. Our relationship with Jesus makes us highly favored before God. This may be harsh but when we try to earn God’s approval, we are saying to Jesus that His sacrifice on the cross is not sufficient. Hebrews 10 tells us that Jesus’ perfect sacrifice has made us perfectly holy and complete for all time.
So, stop striving. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus, rest in the knowledge that you are already accepted by God. If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, this is the day to do it.
Today is the day of your release.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. I do not need to earn God’s love and approval because of your sacrifice. I am already accepted by the Father because of you. You are more than enough for me. Amen.
APPLICATION
Find a place where you can just sit in God’s presence and let Him pour His love on you.