God's Acceptance

OK! So this may step on some toes, and yet when I heard our Pastor say it, the words were driven to the heart.
God does not accept us just the way we are, He reaches us right where we are. He accepts that when we receive the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, that we are washed clean of our old wickedness.
2 Corinthians 5:17
17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

What an awesome thought. He knows all things and loves us anyway. HMMM....
So to end this thought.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.