Hey Candice, I will, if you do not mind! Hope you are doing well in walking the walk!!
Years ago, after reading some devotionals that were compiled by Mrs. Cowman, I became very impressed by what Mr. Spurgeon had written that I downloaded one of his books and began to read it. It was nothing like what I had read in the devotional. I believe that Mrs, Cowman had sanitized, by a partial quote, just giving that which was true.
Amazingly, and I did not know it at the time, my forum on Truth or Error was examining a devotional written by Mr. Spurgeon. The content was what I considered to be 99% of the best Biblical Truth. The other 1% was totally false, not my opinion, but according to the Bible! The more Truth and the less error makes the most powerful deception.
I do not believe what is written by Mr. Spurgeon to be an accurate understanding of what Paul was trying to say. The explanation is long so I will just deal with what Mr. Spurgeon has done, in my opinion. He takes a few words out of the Bible and sort of defines or redefines the meaning of those words and adds a doctrine that is supposed to be supported by those words.
In looking for Truth it is always important to read a number of translations to see what the verse says as well as the chapter is trying to say. Then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to you. The Net Bible is my pick for best translated. Add to that the Strong's definition of grace, put the verse in context with the chapter and you will have something a bit different than what Mr, Spurgeon got out of the verse.
KJ Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Net Bible Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of his grace that he has freely bestowed on us in his dearly loved Son.
Amplified Eph 1:6 [So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
Amplified uses a doctrinal correct Old Testament definition of grace so my understanding of the verse will be a bit different than what they have in parenthesis.
Eph 1:6 (My understanding of the verse) God is to be honored for what He has given us because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His dearly loved Son. God has given us, at no cost and totally undeserved, His Holy Spirit to be a divine influence upon us, living within our bodies and changing our lives as we obey His Spirit rather than the flesh or our old nature, which causes us to be grateful for all things.
My belief is that we either accept that grace, divine influence or we choose to go back to the influences of the world, presuming that we have the benefits of grace. In reality the person that goes back has rejected God's grace and is living in darkness while believing they are in the light. The Bible says that their darkness is very great! In Romans 12:2 I believe that Paul demonstrates that this is what he believes or would explain his letter to say also.
Mr, Spurgeon's belief, as I read it, says that it does not matter what you do after first accepting God's grace (Spurgeon most likely defines grace as 'divine favor') God, eternally, looks at you through Jesus and does not see your life, past, present or future. (This would be a foundation for the doctrine of 'eternal security'. I just posted my thoughts on 'eternal security' at <https://ecommunity.c...ge-7#entry19627>)
Amplified Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
Below are the 'sort-of' supporting details.
If you look up the Strong's definition of the Greek words that is translated "he hath made us accepted" are G5487 G2248. Anyone can look up their definitions.
Strong's says that G2248 means "us".
G5487 "charitoo?" Came from another word "G5485"; "to grace, that is, indue with special honor:"
Just to see what another Greek dictionary says I looked it up in Thayer's Dictionary.
Thayer Definition of G5487 "charitoo?":
1) to make graceful
1a) charming, lovely, agreeable
2) to peruse with grace, compass with favour
3) to honour with blessings
I looked up a couple of unfamiliar words in Noah Webster's Dictionary.
Peruse PERU'SE, v.t. s as z. [Some of the senses of this word would lead to the inference that it is from the Latin perviso. If not, I know not its origin.]
1. To read, or to read with attention.
2. To observe; to examine with careful survey.
....and COMPASS, v.t. (I only included the applicable definition, there were quite a number)
2. To surround; to environ; to inclose on all sides; sometimes followed by around, round or about.
Now all the blessings of a glad father compass thee about.
With favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield. Psa 5.
The willows of the brook compass him about. Job 40.
I hope that I did not loose your attention or bore you yet, but we need one more of Strong's Greek definitions, the definition of "grace". It is the Greek word that would be considered the 'root' word for G5487 "charitoo?" to grace....
G5485 graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)
Mr. Spurgeon's statement with definitions; It signifies that we are the objects of divine complacence, nay, even of divine delight.
Old
Noah Webster; complacence - Pleasure; satisfaction; gratification. It is more than approbation, and less than delight or joy.
Modern
Word Web; complacence - The feeling you have when you are satisfied with yourself.