Where to Find Full Acceptance Now
One of the greatest needs that we all have is to be loved and accepted unconditionally. Acceptance is such a part with our relationship with God. Adam and Eve, when they sinned, died spiritually; they were separated from God. We all come into this world, living life independently of God—and then we just strive for acceptance. You can see it in little children. “How do you like my drawing today, Mommy?” Always looking for affirmation and acceptance—it’s probably the greatest need that humans have today, but I personally believe that’s only truly and lastingly found in Christ, in our relationship with Him.
We are to accept one another as Christ accepted us. How did he do that? “While I was still a sinner, Christ died for me” (Romans 5:8). I don’t have to jump through any hoops. You can separate Christianity from every other religion in the world with one question: on what basis are you loved and accepted? There’s nothing we can do to earn that from God; it’s a gift that He’s given to us. Truth of the matter is—it all comes through our relationship with Christ.
After I finished a conference on resolving personal and spiritual conflicts, a lady wrote me this:
I came from a Christian family, and although there was a lot of bickering and hostility between my parents, I think I had an average childhood. My parents provided for our needs well intellectually, and I knew I was loved. But the feeling and assurance of being totally accepted and okay always seemed to escape me. After 35 years of marriage and several grandchildren of my own, I was still subconsciously trying to earn my mother’s approval and prove my love to her which resulted in many arguments between my husband and myself. During our years of marriage and a lifetime of ministry, I have been on some rabbit trails because I did not realize who I am in Christ. I have listened to negative thoughts against myself thinking they were my own. I did not realize that Satan can use our past experiences and put thoughts in our minds to condemn and defeat us. Neil, what blessed news to hear your teaching on our identity in Christ. I am no longer a product of my past; I’m a product of the work of Christ on the cross. I know who I am now; I’m a child of God. And the basis for my acceptance is in Him, not in man. I got chills when we sang the theme song for your conference: “In the beloved, accepted am I, risen ascended, and seated on high, safe from all sin through His infinite grace with the redeemed ones accorded in place. In the beloved, God’s marvelous grace calls me to dwell in this wonderful place. God sees my Savior, and then He sees me, in the beloved, accepted and free.”
There is nothing that is more fulfilling in my life than knowing that God loves me and has accepted me just as I am right now—and you as well!
Neil T. Anderson is the founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries. He began the ministry in 1989 and continues to spread the message of freedom to this day.