Embracing Acceptance: Chapter 3 of The Green Letters
Embracing Acceptance: Chapter 3 of The Green Letters
Reflections on Our Unchanging Standing in Christ
In Chapter 3 of The Green Letters, Miles J. Stanford dives into one of the most foundational truths of the Christian faith: our acceptance by God in Christ. This chapter addresses two critical questions every believer must settle: Does God fully accept me? and On what basis does He do so? Stanford reminds us that our standing before God is rooted solely in the finished work of Christ, not in our performance, and that understanding this truth is vital for spiritual stability and growth.
1. The Certainty of God’s Acceptance
Stanford emphasizes that God’s acceptance of believers is an unchangeable fact established in Christ.
Ephesians 1:6 declares, “He has made us accepted in the Beloved.” This acceptance is not contingent on our actions but solely on the redemptive work of Jesus.
Romans 5:1 underscores that through faith, we have peace with God—a peace that originates from Him, rooted in Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
Our acceptance is not something we earn or maintain; it is a gift of grace. As Stanford notes, God’s acceptance of us never wavers, even when we falter.
2. The Danger of Misplaced Reasoning
A recurring theme in this chapter is the tendency to reason from ourselves to God, rather than from God to ourselves.
When life is smooth and blessings abound, we may feel accepted. But in seasons of struggle, dryness, or failure, we may mistakenly believe God’s love and acceptance have waned.
Stanford warns against this flawed perspective, reminding us that our acceptance rests on Christ, not on our circumstances or feelings. J.N. Darby aptly states, “The Holy Spirit always reasons down from what God is, and this produces a total change in my soul.”
By grounding our assurance in God’s character and promises, rather than our fluctuating emotions or experiences, we find true peace.
3. The Unchanging Basis of Acceptance
Stanford highlights that our acceptance is rooted in God’s satisfaction with Christ’s sacrifice.
Romans 5:8 reminds us that God’s love was demonstrated while we were still sinners. His acceptance is not a response to our worthiness but a reflection of His grace.
Hebrews 10:18 asserts that Christ’s sacrifice fully atones for our sins, leaving no further offering necessary.
This truth dismantles any fear that God’s love is conditional or that our sins might undo His acceptance. Instead, it calls us to rest in the unshakable foundation of His grace.
4. The Practical Outworking of Acceptance
Understanding our acceptance in Christ is not merely a theological exercise; it has profound implications for daily life.
When we embrace God’s acceptance, we are freed from striving to earn His love. As Stanford points out, many believers become discouraged because they rely on their performance rather than God’s grace.
Wm. R. Newell captures this beautifully: “Grace, once bestowed, is not withdrawn: for God knew all the human exigencies beforehand.” Our failures do not surprise God or diminish His acceptance.
This realization shifts our focus from ourselves to God, fostering an obedience motivated by love rather than fear.
5. The Motivation of Love
Stanford closes the chapter by contrasting the obedience born of fear with the obedience born of love.
Fear may drive compliance, but love inspires devotion. When we grasp the depth of God’s acceptance, our response is not to abuse His grace but to cherish and reflect it.
As J.W. Sanderson, Jr. writes, “Those who have the deepest appreciation of grace do not continue in sin. Fear produces the obedience of slaves; love engenders the obedience of sons.”
When we are secure in God’s love, we are empowered to stand firm (Ephesians 6:14) and live in the freedom of our identity in Christ.
Conclusion: Resting in the Beloved
Chapter 3 of The Green Letters invites us to rest in the profound truth of our acceptance in Christ. This unchanging reality provides the foundation for a stable and joyful walk with God.
When we truly believe that God’s acceptance is complete and irrevocable, our faith is steadied, our hearts are comforted, and our lives are transformed. Let us embrace this truth with gratitude, knowing that we are forever “accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6).