God Accepts…Man Excepts

By Chad McComas

I used to get confused in English class when it came to accept and except. I wasn’t always sure when to use which word. In our walk with God we often get these two words mixed up as well. We believe that God accepts anyone and everyone, but then our “religion” turns it around to God accepting anyone EXCEPT those who ________ (fill in the blank).

I had someone come to my office recently to remind me of the dangers of taking communion when we are unworthy. She wanted me to make sure I taught people that they needed to be worthy to partake. She was making exceptions about who could take communion. This is another good example of Except over Accept.

One dictionary states this warning about confusing the two words.

“Accept and except are sometimes confused as verbs because of their similar pronunciations, esp. in rapid speech. Accept means “to take or receive” (I accept this trophy), while except means “to exclude” (Certain types of damage are excepted from coverage in this insurance policy).”

GOD ACCEPTS

The Gospel (Good News) is that God accepts. We read that because He loved the world He sent Jesus to die so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. (See John 3:16) Paul tells us that God “was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.” 2 Corinthians 5:19 Paul also tells us: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

God’s acceptance of us is not because of us! It isn’t because we have done something to be accepted. He chooses to accept us because He wants to accept us…period.

MAN EXCEPTS

To except is: “To take or leave out (anything) from a number or a whole as not belonging to it; to exclude; to omit.” We take the “Accepting” gospel and make “Exceptions” to it. We turn the “Good News” into “Bad News.” We create many rules telling people that if they keep the rules they can be more acceptable to God. For example: the Jews created over 600 laws on how to keep the Sabbath. It was impossible to keep all 600 rules, therefore God wasn’t pleased with anyone who broke the rules. You may remember that Jesus was always getting into trouble with the Pharisees when He’d heal on the Sabbath. They were so angry that they plotted how to kill Jesus. Acceptance flew out the window and except thinking came in.

James talks about how we “accept” people into our churches. He compares how we “accept” the rich into the church vs. not “accepting” the poor. (Read James 2) We show favortism that God doesn’t show. He accepts people from all races, cultures, backgrounds, ages, sexes, religions, etc. We don’t.

THE CHALLENGE

If God “accepts” how can I make “exceptions?” I’m challenged to learn to accept those God accepts. That includes the people I don’t particularly like or feel comfortable with. That includes those of different races, education, culture, perhaps even denominations. It includes the rich and the poor. The housewife and prostitute. The business owner and wino. I must see them all as Jesus sees them.

I’m so glad that He accepts me, forgives me, gives me eternal life and makes no exceptions.

Chad McComas writes from Medford, Oregon. info@thechristianjournal.org