Adopted and Accepted

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

We started our Good Morning Girls study of Ephesians this week and boy have we just jumped right in there!  What's really stuck out to me so far are the words "adopted and accepted".  I'm so thankful that I've been adopted by the King of Kings!  "The beloved" Paul's referring to at the end of verse 6 is Christ.  I am accepted not because of my righteousness but because of His sacrifice and grace!
With that adoption and acceptance came SO many benefits!  One of our deacons testified Sunday that Jesus was first his Savior but He's also SO much more.  I'm thankful his blessings didn't end upon salvation.  In fact, it was only the beginning.  Let me back up to the 3rd verse of Ephesians 1: 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Did you get that?  When it comes to spiritual blessings we don't receive just one but "ALL spiritual blessings".  When He adopts us and accepts us He continues daily to give us His love, grace, joy, peace, strength and so much more!

So many today are looking for acceptance in all the WRONG places.  I love what John MacArthur said on these scriptures:

You know, I think people today are looking for a sense of self worth. I think they're looking for a sense of value, for a sense of self acceptance. They want to be somebody that matters. They want to have identity. And, man, this is the answer.

Jesus is the answer.  Anything else will only be a temporary fix.  Until you've completely given your life to him you can't begin to truly live, to feel accepted, and to be blessed with "all spiritual blessings".  Twenty-four years ago my adoption was finalized. I've failed him many times but He's NEVER failed me!  How sweet it is to be adopted and accepted by the King of Kings!

Are you studying Ephesians along with us?  I'd love to hear your thoughts so far!


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