What does the Bible say about being accepted in Christ?

Ephesians 1:6 proclaims that God the Father has made His people accepted in the Beloved, referring to God the Son, Jesus Christ. This acceptance is a profound reminder that our hope before a holy God cannot rest on our own efforts, such as baptism, church work, or moral reformation. Instead, it rests solely on Christ's finished work. The assurance of being accepted in Christ provides immense consolation as we recognize that, despite our sinful nature, God has chosen to embrace us through His Son, who is the object of His eternal love.

Furthermore, being accepted in the Beloved signifies a deep and abiding union with Christ. This union means we share in all the benefits of His life, death, and resurrection. As believers, we are 'members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones,' which speaks to the intimate relationship we have with Christ. This acceptance transforms our identity, recognizing us as objects of God's pleasure because of our union with His Son. Therefore, we ought to find great comfort and confidence in the knowledge that God is pleased with us for Christ's sake.