Acceptance Precedes Change

In “Acceptance Precedes Change,” Paul Scanlon tackles a pivotal issue both in the early church and today: the concept that God’s acceptance is unconditional, a grace gift, rather than a reward for change. Scanlon argues against the human tendency to treat acceptance as a commodity, highlighting that genuine acceptance should always come before any change. This principle, he asserts, lies at the heart of the Gospel. He urges a shift away from the mindset of charging others for acceptance, advocating for embracing and offering acceptance freely, just as it is received from God, fostering an environment where change can naturally and healthily occur.