The Benefits Of Being Accepted In The Beloved
Passage: Ephesians 1:6
“…to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”
Why did Paul use this obscure term for the Lord Jesus here? It is used no where else in the New Testament, in fact, the word is used only one other time in the Bible, and there it used of Mary when she was told that she would be the mother of the Lord in Luke 1. Why then, did Paul choose this particular word to use in this context? Surely we believe that God does things with all deliberation. Paul is not simply waxing poetic here, there must be a rhyme or a reason for it.
Of course, there is such a reason, it simply lies for us to try and discover it!
The dictionary entry for “beloved” tells us that the verb ἀγαpάw is most often translated love (primarily of Christian love); to show or prove one’s love; long for, desire, or to place first in one’s affections. It refers here to Christ, not to the believer. We, as believers are accepted in the Beloved, namely, in Christ Jesus. The term has some interesting implications when used in this context.
First, and most obviously, it speaks of God’s love for Jesus. That God loves His only Son ought to go without saying, but it seems needful to mention it here. As much as God loves the world; as much as God loves His children; He loves His only begotten Son more! Christ is the Beloved of God in that God has a unique passionate love for Christ. That love is unfathomable to us, and goes beyond any kind of love of which we can even conceive.
It also speaks of the relationship that God had with Christ. “Beloved” is obviously a term of endearment, that speaks of a closeness of relationship that is most closely resembled by the marriage relationship. A husband and a wife relationship is the closest, most intimate relationship possible. They know all about one another, and understand each other in ways that no one else can know or understand. The Father and the Son have a closeness of relationship that goes far beyond even the intimacy of the husband/wife relationship. The Father knows the Son and the Son knows the Father. It is only because of this knowledge, and the Son’s willingness and ability to communicate it to us that we are able to know the Father as well.
This name also speaks of the Sons’ influence with the Father. Roman Catholicism puts forward the idea that there are all manner of human beings who are sufficiently holy so as to act as an influence on the Father with regard to the issues of salvation and spirituality. The Word of god no where even hints at such an idea. However, there is One who can influence the Father – the Beloved – the Lord Jesus Christ! He can act as a mediator between God and man – as the Word of god proclaims. It is His “influence” that enables us to stand before God boldly and unashamed – clothed in His righteousness!
The term “Beloved” also speaks of His ability to intercede for His friends. As the “beloved” of God Christ has access to Him and influence with Him; and, we are told elsewhere in the Bible; He is willing to use that influence on the behalf of his friends. This is important to us as this is precisely what we need – someone with influence with God Who can act on our behalf with Him, as we are unable (not to mention unwilling) to do so ourselves. So many are so ready and willing to commend us to other, human intercessors (priests, saints, etc.) that often the leave out an appeal to the only one who really can help in time of trouble, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lastly, the term speaks of His acceptability before God. His obedience to God was complete and full; He is not merely “OK”; He is beloved for His service to the Father. There is no reserve or conditions to His place before God. God has completely and without reservation accepted Him and receives Him into His presence. That standing is the benefit of His (Christ’s) completely righteous life of obedience to every requirement of god’s Law and justice. That righteousness is imputed to us at salvation and thus, we are also every bit as acceptable to God as is Christ! This is the root of salvation – the imputed righteousness of Christ that is the entire foundation of our standing before a just and holy God. This is the real significance of our being “accepted” in the Beloved!