Topical Bible: Man: Christ: Approved of God As

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In the Christian theological framework, Jesus Christ is recognized as the ultimate exemplar of humanity, approved by God in His life, ministry, and sacrificial death. This approval is foundational to understanding the nature and mission of Christ as depicted in the New Testament.

Divine Approval at Baptism

The approval of Jesus by God is first explicitly demonstrated at His baptism. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased'" (Matthew 3:16-17). This divine pronouncement affirms Jesus' identity and mission, marking the commencement of His public ministry.

Transfiguration and Divine Endorsement

Another significant moment of divine approval occurs during the Transfiguration. In the presence of Peter, James, and John, Jesus is transfigured, and His divine glory is revealed. The voice from the cloud declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5). This event underscores the divine endorsement of Jesus' teachings and His unique role as the mediator between God and humanity.

Miracles as Signs of Approval

The miracles performed by Jesus serve as further evidence of God's approval. In the Book of Acts, Peter addresses the crowd, saying, "Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know" (Acts 2:22). These miraculous acts are not merely displays of power but are signs that authenticate Jesus' divine mission and authority.

The Resurrection as Ultimate Vindication

The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God's approval. Paul writes in Romans, "and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 1:4). The resurrection is the divine seal of approval on Jesus' life and atoning work, confirming His victory over sin and death.

Obedience and Fulfillment of the Law

Jesus' life of perfect obedience to the Law further illustrates His approval by God. In the Gospel of John, Jesus states, "The one who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him" (John 8:29). His sinless life and fulfillment of the Law's demands highlight His role as the righteous representative of humanity.

Intercessor and High Priest

In His role as the High Priest, Jesus continues to be approved by God as the intercessor for humanity. The author of Hebrews writes, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25). This ongoing intercession is a testament to His approved status and His unique ability to reconcile humanity with God.

Through these scriptural affirmations, Jesus Christ is presented as the man approved by God, fulfilling the divine purpose and providing the means of salvation for all who believe.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 2:22
You men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the middle of you, as you yourselves also know:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

And Indeed that Christ was not Only Man, but God Also; that Even ...
... that He should not be shown to be man from His sufferings, if He could not also
be approved as God ... For Scripture as much announces Christ as also God, as ...
/.../chapter xi and indeed that christ.htm

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

Comparison of Christ's Power Over Winds and Waves with Moses' ...
... touched Him, therefore, nor as a holy man simply, nor ... she knew that the succour of
God's mercy was ... ye shall not understand." [4251] When Christ approved of the ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xx comparison of christs power.htm

Explanation of the Words of Christ, "No Man Knoweth the Father ...
... world; and by means of the formation [of man] the Artificer ... And for this reason all
spake with Christ when He ... in the Father and Son should be approved by all ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter vi explanation of the words.htm

The Will of God, which is Always Good, is Sometimes Fulfilled ...
... a man's desire is one to be approved or disapproved ... to consider what it is proper
for man, and what it ... out the good purpose of the Father, that Christ was slain ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 101 the will of god.htm

Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ ...
... O hands, who have been so often approved for manhood ... of corruption, unless he be
renewed by grace in Christ. Now follows the knowledge of man's self, in respect ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the misery of.htm

Furnished Completely unto Every Good Work
... He becomes a workman approved of God, who needs not to ... we learn the same lesson"it
is the man of God ... They who would do Christ's work as a second thing, not ...
/.../murray/working for god/xx furnished completely unto every.htm

How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
... Paul exhorts Timothy, "to study to show himself approved unto God ... a-week," Luke
18:12, and yet was but an enemy to Christ. O how deceitful is the heart of man! ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter iii how christ is.htm

Imitation of Christ
... CHAPTER III Of the good, peaceable man. ... miseries are to be borne patiently after
the example of Christ. ... Of bearing injuries, and who shall be approved as truly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/