Topical Bible: Man: Approved of by God

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of being "approved of by God" is a significant theme that underscores the relationship between humanity and the divine. This approval is often associated with faith, obedience, righteousness, and a heart aligned with God's will. Throughout Scripture, various individuals exemplify what it means to be approved by God, serving as models for believers.

Faith and Righteousness

One of the foundational aspects of being approved by God is faith. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This verse highlights that faith is essential for divine approval. Abraham is a quintessential example, as his faith was "credited to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:3). His willingness to trust and obey God, even to the point of being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, demonstrated a profound faith that garnered God's approval.

Obedience to God's Commands

Obedience is another critical factor in being approved by God. The life of Noah illustrates this principle. In Genesis 6:9 , Noah is described as "a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God." His obedience in building the ark, despite the ridicule and disbelief of others, showed his commitment to God's commands. As a result, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8).

A Heart After God's Own Heart

King David is often cited as a man approved by God, despite his moral failings. Acts 13:22 recounts God's testimony about David: "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart; he will do everything I want him to do." David's deep desire to seek God, his repentance when confronted with sin, and his devotion to God's purposes exemplify a heart aligned with divine approval.

Humility and Repentance

Humility and repentance are also vital for divine approval. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 illustrates this truth. The tax collector's humble plea, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner," was met with approval, as Jesus declared that he went home justified before God. This parable underscores that God values a contrite heart over self-righteousness.

Living a Life of Love and Service

The New Testament further emphasizes that love and service are integral to being approved by God. In 1 John 4:7-8 , believers are exhorted to love one another, for "love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." The life of Jesus Christ, who came "not to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28), is the ultimate example of living a life approved by God through love and service.

Endurance in Trials

Endurance in the face of trials is another mark of divine approval. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." The apostle Paul, who endured numerous hardships for the sake of the Gospel, exemplifies this perseverance and the resulting approval from God.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of individuals approved by God reveals a multifaceted picture of faith, obedience, humility, love, and perseverance. These qualities, when cultivated in the life of a believer, align one's heart with God's will and result in divine approval.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 1:31
And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Will of God, which is Always Good, is Sometimes Fulfilled ...
... it, in determining whether a man's desire is one to be approved or disapproved,
to consider what it is proper for man, and what it is proper for God, to desire ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 101 the will of god.htm

And Indeed that Christ was not Only Man, but God Also; that Even ...
... [5085] For there will be a risk that He should not be shown to be man from His
sufferings, if He could not also be approved as God by His powers. ...
/.../chapter xi and indeed that christ.htm

The Valentinian Figment of Christ's Flesh Being of a Spiritual ...
... man." [7154] Also Peter, in the Acts of the Apostles, speaks of Him as verily human
(when he says), "Jesus Christ was a man approved of God among you." [7155 ...
/.../tertullian/ on the flesh of christ/chapter xv the valentinian figment of.htm

Furnished Completely unto Every Good Work
... gets mastery of his whole being, he becomes a man of God, complete and furnished
completely to every good work. He becomes a workman approved of God, who needs ...
/.../murray/working for god/xx furnished completely unto every.htm

The Triumph of God's Sovereign Good Will
... is fitting for God"and also between the ends to which a man directs his will"and
this difference determines whether an act of will is to be approved or ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xxvi the triumph of.htm

Peter the Preacher.
... But it was true, "Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God, ye have taken, and by
wicked hands have crucified and slain." Let us who preach, cry to God to give ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxiii peter the preacher.htm

Concerning God's Purpose
... are built upon this rock of God's eternal purpose ... falling away; neither the power
of man, nor the ... himself, had he been living, would doubtless have approved. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/concerning gods purpose.htm

Comparisons Between Christ and the Antichrist
... He was the God-Man; so also will the Antichrist be more than a man: the Super-man. ...
11. Christ wrought miracles: of Him it is said "approved of God among you ...
/.../pink/the antichrist/comparisons between christ and the.htm

General Summary of the virtues and Effects of Patience.
... is the delight of the believer; invites the Gentile; commends the servant to his
lord, and his lord to God; adorns the woman; makes the man approved; is loved ...
/.../tertullian/of patience/chapter xv general summary of the.htm

Explanation of the Words of Christ, "No Man Knoweth the Father ...
... into enmity, and become accusers [of what they had approved], and are ... received testimony
from all that He was very man, and that He was very God, from the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter vi explanation of the words.htm