God's Accepts No Man's Person, But He Does Accept Jesus

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me; God accepteth no man's person;) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me. (Galatians 2:6)

When it pleased God to reveal His Son in the apostle Paul, the apostle did not immediately confer with flesh and blood or go to the other apostles (Gal 1:15-17). He rejoiced in His salvation and enjoyed intimate fellowship with Jesus. He did not need any man to accept him, for God Himself had accepted him in Christ. And he did not need any formal training in ministering the word, for God Himself gave him grace to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. Let it be said of you and I what can be said of Paul: his acceptance by God and the strength of his ministry is of Jesus Christ.

An Acceptable Person. Really, God only accepts one man, the Man Christ Jesus. Jesus is God's elect, God's chosen one. Jesus is the "one chosen" from among the brethren (Ps 89:19). He is the "Just one" (Acts 22:14). Anyone desiring to be accepted by God must find his way to Christ Jesus. "No man cometh to the Father but by Me" (Jn 14:6), Jesus said. Salvation is an enterprise in which "[God] hath made us accepted in the [Christ]" (Eph 1:6). 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:3-6)

We are accepted in Christ because Christ is accepted by God. In Christ we have come to be recognized by God Himself. The issue on the judgment day will be whether or not God knows you. But being known by God is not accomplished by trying to make a name for yourself. No one can climb the religious ladder to a place where God is suddenly impressed. What is actually required is that men humble themselves and become of no reputation. The key to acceptance with God is being found in Jesus, not having your own righteousness which is of the law by works but that which is of God by faith in Christ (Php 3:9). 

Acceptable Ministry. Men, even the most advanced men according to the flesh, can add nothing to the minister of Christ when it comes to serving God. Not even one's own flesh can help him. What men "bring to the table" is irrelevant and must be cast off of said table. All ability to labor in God's field is supplied by God Himself. God is the one who chooses and ordains to ministry. God places each member where He desires in the body of Christ. God is the one who supplies seed to the sower. God is the one who reveals the truth, gives boldness to preach it and opens up the door of opportunity.

Men desiring to be great in the kingdom of God must forsake all of their earthly and selfish ambitions and enter into the ministry of the saints. They must become the servant of all (Mk 10:44) comforting, consoling and encouraging the brethren of Christ (Mt 25:40). They must keep and teach the commandments of the Lord (Mt 5:19). Then they will be great, then they will be called children of the Most High God. When they bow to the Lamb and follow Him whithersoever He goest, then they will become able ministers of the new covenant. If any man wants to be a benefit to God's people he must deny Himself and join Himself to the Lord. As many have well said, "it is not WHO you are, but WHOSE you are."

Conclusion. Our acceptance is of Him. Our election is in Him. Our ministry is empowered by Him. Our preaching and teaching must manifest this truth. Let it be our aim and our desire to clarify this truth to one another: that we are accepted in Christ. Praise will rise up to God; prayers will be more fervent and faith will come as we meditate on this good word from God.