The concept of the LORD's acceptance and manifestation is a profound theme woven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting God's interaction with humanity and His revelation of divine presence and favor. This entry explores the theological and scriptural dimensions of how the LORD accepts individuals and communities and how He manifests His presence among them.

Acceptance by the LORD

The LORD's acceptance is often depicted as His gracious favor towards those who seek Him with a sincere heart. In the Old Testament, acceptance is frequently associated with offerings and sacrifices. For instance, in Genesis 4:4, Abel's offering is accepted by God because it is given in faith and righteousness: "And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering" . This acceptance is not merely about the external act but the heart's posture, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, where the LORD tells Samuel, "The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" .

In the New Testament, acceptance by the LORD is extended through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:6 speaks of believers being "accepted in the Beloved" , indicating that through Christ, believers are brought into a state of grace and favor with God. This acceptance is not based on human merit but on the redemptive work of Christ, as emphasized in Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" .

Manifestation of the LORD

The manifestation of the LORD refers to the ways in which God reveals His presence and glory to His people. In the Old Testament, this is often seen in theophanies, where God appears in a tangible form. One of the most significant manifestations is the Shekinah glory, which filled the tabernacle and later the temple, signifying God's dwelling among His people. Exodus 40:34-35 describes this event: "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle" .

The ultimate manifestation of the LORD is found in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" . In Christ, the fullness of God is revealed, and through Him, believers experience the presence of God in a personal and transformative way.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in both the acceptance and manifestation of the LORD. The Spirit is the agent of God's presence in the believer's life, as seen in Acts 2:4, where the Spirit fills the disciples at Pentecost, empowering them for ministry and manifesting God's power. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a sign of God's acceptance and a guarantee of the believer's inheritance, as stated in Ephesians 1:13-14: "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession, to the praise of His glory" .

Conclusion

The LORD's acceptance and manifestation are central to understanding the relationship between God and His people. Through faith, believers are accepted by God, and through His Spirit, they experience His presence and power. This dynamic relationship is foundational to the Christian faith, offering assurance of God's favor and the reality of His presence in the life of the believer.