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
For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it …
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for …
And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from …
In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all …
This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: …
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it …
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth …