Dictionary of Bible Themes: 6604 acceptance, human

6604 acceptance, human

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 6000 Sin and salvation » 6600 Aspects of salvation » 6602 acceptance » 6604 acceptance, human

The response of human beings to the revelation and grace of God. It is seen in receiving Jesus Christ, his words and the message of the gospel, and in the acceptance of one another for his sake. Believers are called, too, to accept instruction and discipline and to submit to God's will for their lives.

Human beings are to accept Jesus Christ

Receiving Jesus Christ

John 1:12 See also Colossians 2:6

Accepting Jesus Christ by accepting others

Accepting Jesus Christ's words

Refusing to accept Jesus Christ and his words

John 1:11; John 3:11,32; John 5:43-44; John 6:60

Acceptance of the gospel

The gospel is worthy of acceptance

1 Timothy 1:15; James 1:21 See also Matthew 13:23 pp Mark 4:20 pp Luke 8:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Timothy 4:9-10

Examples of those accepting the gospel

Acts 2:41 3,000 on the day of Pentecost; Acts 8:14 the Samaritans; Acts 11:1 the Gentiles

Believers in Corinth:

1 Corinthians 15:1; 2 Corinthians 11:4 Galatians 1:9 believers in Galatia

Believers in Thessalonica:

1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Rejection of the gospel

Acts 22:18; Romans 11:15; 1 Corinthians 2:14

Acceptance of one another

A right self-acceptance

1 Corinthians 15:10 Paul accepts himself as a sinner saved by God's grace and entrusted with an important ministry ; Galatians 5:14 Loving others requires a proper self-love: the recognition that people are made in God's image and are the objects of his love. See also Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39 pp Mark 12:31; Mark 12:33; Romans 13:9; 1 Timothy 1:12-14; James 2:8

Acceptance of one another because of God's example

Romans 15:7 See also John 13:34; John 15:12

Acceptance of those whom God has accepted

Romans 14:1 See also Deuteronomy 10:18-19 God's people should reflect his concern for the weak and defenceless; Matthew 19:13-14 pp Mark 10:13-14 pp Luke 18:15-16 Jesus Christ rebukes his disciples for turning away children.

Ananias' acceptance of Saul:

Acts 9:11-17; Acts 22:12-13 Acts 9:27 Barnabas' acceptance of Saul

Acceptance of the Gentiles:

Acts 10:15,28,47

Acceptance of outsiders who join God's people

Leviticus 19:33-34 See also Ezekiel 47:22-23

Acceptance of itinerant ministers

Galatians 4:14 See also 1 Corinthians 16:10-11; Philippians 2:29-30

Acceptance of things given

Acceptance of gifts

1 Samuel 25:35 See also Genesis 33:10-11; 1 Samuel 10:4; 1 Timothy 4:3-4

Refusal to accept gifts

Genesis 14:23-24 Abraham refuses gifts offered by the king of Sodom; 2 Kings 5:15-16 Elisha refuses a gift offered by Naaman; Esther 4:4 Mordecai refuses fine clothes from Esther.

Acceptance of instruction

Job 22:22; Proverbs 4:10; Proverbs 10:8; Proverbs 19:20; Isaiah 29:24

Acceptance of discipline

Acceptance of God's will

Matthew 26:39 pp Mark 14:36 pp Luke 22:42 See also Job 2:10; Psalm 40:8; Isaiah 50:5; Romans 8:28

Acceptance of bribes forbidden

Exodus 23:8

God is impartial and cannot be bribed:

Deuteronomy 10:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7 Psalm 15:5; Proverbs 17:23; Isaiah 33:15