Ephesians 1:6
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Study Note
Study Note
'To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved' — the phrase 'accepted in the beloved' (echaritōsen en tō ēgapēmenō) is a compound of grace and love: we are 'graced' in the one who is God's beloved, i.e., Christ. The three doxological refrains of Ephesians 1 ('to the praise of his glory,' verses 6, 12, 14) structure the passage as a trinitarian hymn of election (Father), redemption (Son), and sealing (Spirit). The verse's insistence that our acceptance (standing before God) is located entirely 'in the beloved' — not in ourselves — is foundational for Reformed understandings of union with Christ as the basis of justification.
Other Translations
to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved:
to the praise of the glory of His grace, in which He did make us accepted in the beloved,
To the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely gave to us in the Loved One:
Cross References
Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.
That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.
Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before …
Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: …
This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.
Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all …
In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from …