Note 11 at Eph 1:6: It is through the grace of God that we have been accepted in Christ. It is not due to any effort of our own, outside of putting faith in Christ as our Savior.

Note 12 at Eph 1:6: What a wonderful thing this is! It would have been more than any of us deserve to be forgiven by God, but then to be given certain rights and privileges would have been more than we could have expected. The Lord went further than that--He has actually accepted us.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines "accept" as "2. To receive (something offered), especially with gladness or approval. 3. To admit to a group, organization, or place." The Lord does not just tolerate us. He actually loves us. He even likes us. He rejoices over us with joy (Zep 3:17).

Most religions share the belief in a supreme being and the possibility of our being reconciled to him (see note 3 at Joh 6:28), but only Christianity presents the truth that God can actually be pleased with us (Heb 11:5-6).