“To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” – Ephesians 1:6 (NKJV)
🎯 The Purpose Behind Everything
Paul has just taken us through the staggering truth that we were chosen before the foundation of the world and predestined for adoption into God’s family. Now in verse 6, he tells us why God has done all of this:
“To the praise of the glory of His grace.”
Everything God has done in salvation—His choosing, His calling, His adopting—is not ultimately about us. It’s about Him. It’s about His glory. His grace. His worship. He saved us not because we were worthy, but to show how glorious and gracious He is. And our response? Unending praise.
📜 Word Study: Glory (δόξα, *doxa*) and Grace (χάρις, *charis*)
Doxa (glory) refers to splendor, honor, radiance. It’s the manifestation of God’s greatness and goodness. In this verse, it’s paired with charis (grace)—God’s unearned favor poured out on undeserving people. When Paul says “the glory of His grace,” he’s stacking terms to express the overwhelming beauty of what God has done for us.
God doesn’t show grace quietly. He showcases it with brilliance. Salvation is God’s grace on display—meant to make the universe stop and marvel. Every redeemed life is a trophy of God’s undeserved kindness, created to shine with the reflection of His love.
📌 Accepted in the Beloved
This phrase—“accepted in the Beloved” (NKJV)—is deeply personal. The “Beloved” is Jesus, the Son in whom the Father is well-pleased (Matthew 3:17). Through Him, we are now accepted. The Greek word translated “accepted” (*charitōō*) is related to “grace”—it literally means “graced,” or “made favorable.”
In Christ, we are no longer outsiders, orphans, or strangers. We are welcomed, embraced, loved. Not because of what we’ve done, but because we are now in the Beloved One. His acceptance becomes ours. His righteousness covers our shame. His relationship with the Father becomes our reality.
💎 This Is the Heart of the Gospel
There is no deeper comfort than this: You are accepted in Christ. You are not just tolerated—you are treasured. You are not on probation—you are permanently adopted, deeply loved, and fully secure. When God looks at you, He sees Jesus. And He is pleased.
📣 What This Means for Us Today
1. You Were Made for Worship
Your salvation wasn’t just for your benefit—it was for God’s glory. You are a living testimony to the riches of His grace. When you live in light of that, every part of your life—your words, your work, your relationships—can bring praise to Him.
2. You Don’t Have to Strive for Acceptance
Our world constantly tells us to prove our worth. Perform. Impress. Achieve. But the gospel says something radically different: you are already accepted. Not based on performance, but based on grace. Not because you earned it, but because Jesus did.
3. Grace Should Lead to Gratitude
When we grasp the glory of God’s grace, praise becomes natural. Grumbling fades. Comparison melts. Worship rises. We begin to live with joyful awe, knowing that everything we have in Christ is a gift we could never deserve—but can now enjoy forever.
📣 Reflection and Application
- 🙌 What area of your life needs to be re-centered on praising God’s grace?
- 🧭 Are you still striving for acceptance, or resting in the truth that you’re accepted in the Beloved?
- 🔥 How can you reflect God’s glorious grace to those around you this week?
🛐 Prayer
Father, I praise You for the glory of Your grace. Thank You for choosing me, adopting me, and making me accepted in Christ. Let every part of my life bring You praise. Teach me to rest in Your acceptance and live for Your glory, not my own. In Jesus’ name, amen.
📌 Coming Up Next
Ephesians 1:7 — What Does It Mean to Be Redeemed?
Paul now takes us to the cross. In the next verse, we’ll explore the meaning of redemption through Christ’s blood, the forgiveness of our sins, and the riches of God’s grace that flow from Calvary.