GOD'S FAVOR: IS BEING ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED!

GOD’S FAVOR: ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED

“… [God]… [considers]…us ACCEPTED in the beloved (Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). “…By the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…this is my BELOVED Son, in whom I am well pleased…” Matthew 3:17 KJV).  

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If you read the scripture it says you are accepted “IN” the beloved (which is Jesus) and not “OUT” of the beloved. Remember God spoke from heaven and said this about Jesus, “…this is my BELOVED Son, in whom I am well pleased…” Matthew 3:17 KJV).

You have become the object of God’s divine, endless, unconditional, FAVORABLE love because you have been justified (MADE RIGHT OR ACCEPTABLE) by faith and are now “… in the beloved…”

Without Jesus you are nothing more than an unrepentant sinner who does not live righteous nor do you belong to God, the Holy Spirit. “... Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers DOES "NOT' BELONG TO GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). “... those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

Without Jesus and his finished work on the cross, you would NOT be acceptable. The only thing that makes you acceptable is JESUS and nothing else.  “.... It is the blood (of jesus) ... that makes purification (makes right or acceptable) possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).

Only IN Jesus, are YOU are completely cleansed from sin and made righteous. “... One of the soldiers ... pierced his (Jesus’) side with a spear, and immediately blood (LIFE, ATONEMENT) and water (HEALING, CLEANSING SPIRIT) flowed out...” (John 19:34 NLT).

In addition, you are made Holy and pleasing to God and therefore, have become “…accepted in the beloved…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

LET’S REVIEW GOD’S FAVOR: 1. THE “QUALIFIED” ATONEMENT; 2. THE RESTORAL OF SPIRITUAL LIFE; 3. BECOMING A NEW CREATION; AND 4. REALIZING GOD’S FAVOR HAS “NOW” MADE YOU “ACCEPTED IN THE “BELOVED.”

GOD’S IMMUTABLE LOVE BESTOWS, FREE AND UNDESERVING, FAVOR UPON “YOU.” “... It is the blood, given in exchange for [Jesus’ precious LIFE], that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).  

“... One of the soldiers ... pierced his (Jesus’) side with a spear, and immediately blood (LIFE, ATONEMENT) and water (HEALING, CLEANSING SPIRIT) flowed out...” (John 19:34 NLT).

 “.... It is the blood ... that makes purification (FOR YOUR SINS) possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).

The BLOOD is the ATONEMENT.

The BLOOD of Jesus Christ, flowed out for you, upon the cross “IS” is the ATONEMENT. “... One of the soldiers ... pierced his (Jesus’) side with a spear, and immediately blood  and water flowed out...” (John 19:34 NLT). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son  (and that Spirit “FLOWS OUT” ] “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

“…I  will put a new spirit  (NEW SPIRITUAL LIFE) in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “…The Lord (JESUS) is that Spirit[UAL LIFE]…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus saith…I am …THE LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…this is my BELOVED Son, in whom I am well pleased…” Matthew 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

 “... The old life is gone...” (2 Corinthians 5:14-18 NLT).

“… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“… [GOD HAS MADE YOU]…ACCEPTED in the beloved (Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

“…By the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

I AM ACCEPTED “IN” THE BELOVED.

 “…[JESUS IS]... my BELOVED Son, in whom I am well pleased…” Matthew 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous (ACCEPTABLE), for he [bore] ... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).  “… [God sent the ] …one … who can [REUNITE] God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (WHO DWELLS WITHIN)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… [BECAUSE JESUS DWELLS WITHIN YOU, YOU ARE ALSO]…ACCEPTED in the beloved (Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

“Accepted in the beloved...” is  connected and translated to mean to “bestowed” FAVOR upon as in Luke 1:28 and Matthew 3:17.  “.... thou...art HIGHLY FAVORED , the Lord is WITH THEE; blessed art thou among (whomever)....” (Luke 1:28 KJV). “…[JESUS IS]... my BELOVED Son, in whom I am well pleased…” Matthew 3:17 KJV).

“HIGHLY FAVORED,” “BLESSED,” “WELL-PLEASED,” and “BELOVED” are all endearing titles God MAKES about those who are BONDED to his immutable LOVE through the covenant relationship made possible “IN” Jesus Christ. “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous (acceptable), for he [bore] ... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “.... It is the blood ... that makes purification (being accepted) possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).  “… [God sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (the atoning sacrifice)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

“… [YOU ARE]…ACCEPTED in the beloved (Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

God’s immutable love is the SOURCE of ACCEPTANCE through his PLAN of  SALVATION. “…For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his GRACE (his FAVORABLE ACCEPTANCE) through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).   

GOD’S FAVORABLE LOVE MADE “YOU” ACCEPTED. “…[GOD’S] ...LOVE is patient … [God’s]…love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. … [God’s FAVORABLE]…love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT).

“…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). God “…spared not his own Son, [in order to demonstrate FAVORAVLE LOVE] but delivered him up for us all?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). ^“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

“… “We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). ^“….God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…[Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting  [favorable and IMMUTABLE] love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…God is  [PERPETUAL] love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater  LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT).

It is God’s LOVE that provides A WAY for mankind to RETURN to the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. ” ,,,[god, the holy spirit] ... loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB). “… [God, the Holy Spirit]... will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). “…Christ ...suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). That he might bring us back into UNITY and Spiritual WHOLENESS with God, the Holy Spirit.

When they RETURN to the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit they BELONG to HIM again. “…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Because YOU BELONG to him … (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all.)” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “Know that the Lord is God! It is he that made us, and we are his; we are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). “...[Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  “…But he that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus Christ) is ONE SPIRIT (with God, the Holy Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).“… [they ARE also “now”]…ACCEPTED in the beloved (Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

When they RETURN to the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, they become his sons and daughters again. “… AS MANY as received him (returned to him), to them GAVE HE POWER (indwelling spiritual power) TO BECOME THE “SONS” OF GOD (children of God)…” (John 1:12 KJV). “... [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches INHERITED by God’s children ... because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT). “…if you have the Spirit of God living in you...[and] ...are led by the Spirit of God [you] ... are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…Be IMITATORS of God (the Holy Spirit), as beloved children…” (Ephesians 5:1 NASB). “... AND  [God, the Holy Spirit].. will be a FATHER unto you, and ye SHALL be “MY” sons and daughters, said the LORD, ALMIGTHY (the Word)...” (2 Corinthians 6:18 KJV).

As CHILDREN, sons and daughters, of God, the Holy Spirit, you FREELY have access to ALL the relational privileges offered, to you, by your heavenly FATHER. “..[Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  “…For God saved us (HIS CHILDREN) and called us to live a Holy life (or free from sin). He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his GRACE (FAVORABLE LOVE, MERCY, GIFTS, BLESSINGS, AND  HIS PROMISES) through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).  “…ACCEPTED in the beloved (Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

The “qualified” atonement, the restoral to spiritual life, the making of a new creation, and acceptance into the beloved are “all” expressions and revelations of god’ immutable love and favor toward mankind, in general, and his people, in particular!!  

God reveals his FAVORABLE LOVE to incite HOPE, TRUST in his Word, DEPENDENCY upon his indwelling SPIRITUAL LIFE and POWER, empowered EXPECTANCY, and THANKSGIVING and/or PRAISE. “…BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV). “…He did this... not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show  (demonstrate)...his ..[FAVORABLE LOVE] ...through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).

Is god’ s favorable love for everyone?  “... [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches INHERITED by God’s children ... because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

God’s BLESSINGS are FREELY given and it requires you to RECEIVE his FAVOR. “…Christ hath redeemed us …that we might receive the promise of the Spirit…” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… A man can RECEIVE nothing, except it be GIVEN HIM FROM HEAVEN…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED...” (Matthew 10:8 KJV). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

And GOD GIVES “…all spiritual blessings …in Christ…” (Romans 1:3 KJV). “…There is no partiality with God…” (Romans 2:11 NASB).  “…There is no respect of persons with God…” (Romans 2:11 KJV). “…God does not show favoritism…” (Romans 2:11 NLT). “…ACCEPTED in the beloved (Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

It is “IN” Jesus Christ the “BELOVED” son, that YOU are also NOW “BELOVED” and ALL his spiritual FAVORS are bestowed upon YOU. “…[This is]... the grace (FAVOR) of our Lord Jesus Christ, that... [Jesus] was [spiritually] ...rich, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] ...poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

God is your FATHER “now.” ALL the material wealth belongs to HIM. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). And it belonged to Jesus too. “…All mine are thine, and THINE ARE MINE…” (John 17:10 KJV). "I and my Father are ONE." (John 10:30 KJV).

Jesus knew a GREATER wealth than MERE material WEALTH. He had been around heavenly, spiritual wealth too. “…our Lord Jesus Christ …HE WAS RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

Jesus was RICH with mansions and STUFF, before he came to earth. “…In my Father's house are many mansions…” (John 14:2 KJV).

The bible describes the materials in which the “new Jerusalem” will be built (Revelation 21:2 KJV). “…the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass…” (Revelation 21:18-22 KJV). “…our Lord Jesus Christ …HE WAS RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

With that kind of WEALTH it is no wonder Jesus did not SEEK after material wealth while on earth, but he doesn’t condemn it.

He doesn’t, however, elevate material wealth over spiritual wealth either, but sets up a PRIORITY or standard about it. “… SEEK ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness (favor)…” (Matthew 6:33 KJV).

Remember, one of the definitions of wealth is well-being. The scripture says, “…Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (not as your material wealth prosper)…” (3 John 1:2 KJV).

Material wealth can be a stumbling block for some believers. “…Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” “  ….to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’” The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich. When Jesus saw this, he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God! Those who heard this said, “Then who in the world can be saved?”…” (Luke 18:18-30 NLT).

It was easier for the rich man to follow religious rules and depend on his riches than to give up his life and depend on God. That is why some people want neither material wealth or poverty. “…Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me. Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.…” (Proverbs 30:8-9 KJV).

Lydia was wealthy and worshipped God. Nicodemus was wealthy and came to Jesus. “…And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple …which WORSHIPPED God…(Acts 16:14 KJV). “…there came also Nicodemus…to Jesus….and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight…” (John 19:39 KJV).

It is not the material wealth that matters; it is the heart attitude that matters to God. “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness…[greed for material wealth]...  All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

Material wealth WILL NOT and CAN NOT save you. You will ONLY be wealthy in this world.   “…Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy…” (1 Timothy 6:17 KJV).

In the next world, they will NOT be rich. This world is temporary, but the next is eternal. “…The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

You can’t serve material wealth and God too. “…No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon….” (Luke 16:13 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT). “…Jesus saith…I am THE WAY … and THE LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV).

God WILL and DOES bless his people with material wealth. “…It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it…” (Proverbs 10:22 NASB). “…Remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth…” (Dueteronomy 8:18 KJV). “…The LORD will make you abound in prosperity….” (Deuteronomy 28:11 KJV). “…[To]…every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God…” (Ecclesiastes 5:19 NASB).

However, remember this scripture: “…Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be…” (Matthew 6:19:21 NLT).

Therefore, “… SEEK ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness (favor) …” (Matthew 6:33 KJV).“…Christ hath redeemed us …that we might receive the promise of the Spirit…” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…all spiritual blessings …in Christ…” (Romans 1:3 KJV). “…ACCEPTED in the beloved (Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

GOD’S FAVOR:  IS BEING ACCEPTED “IN” THE BELOVED

THE PROCESS OF GOD’S FAVOR TO YOU!!! It is the shed blood of Jesus, given in exchange for HIS life (death upon the cross), that restores spiritual life to your soul and purifies you from ALL sin.

“... It is the blood, given in exchange for [Jesus’ precious LIFE], that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).  

“... One of the soldiers ... pierced his (Jesus’) side with a spear, and immediately blood (LIFE) and water (HEALING, CLEANSING SPIRIT) flowed out...” (John 19:34 NLT).

 “.... It is the blood ... that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).

The BLOOD is the ATONEMENT. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son  (and that Spirit “FLOWS OUT” ] “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

“…I  will put a new spirit  (NEW SPIRITUAL LIFE) in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “…The Lord (JESUS) is that Spirit[UAL LIFE]…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus saith…I am …THE LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “... The old life is gone...” (2 Corinthians 5:14-18 NLT).

“… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“…[YOU ARE] ...ACCEPTED in the beloved (Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

GOD’S FAVOR:  IS BEING ACCEPTED “IN” THE BELOVED