Tag: approve

God’s Approval

Barbara WeberLeave a comment

John 8:18-19 WEB

I am one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me.” [19] They said therefore to him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me, nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”

When Jesus says the Father testifies about him, he is referring to the many miracles he performed. It is clear in the text the Father approved of Jesus (John 3:2). The Father often released his power when Jesus asked it of him. So, if Jesus was openly approved of by the Father, can you and I be openly approved of by the Father (Rom 16:10)?

How can we tell in the modern age if the Father approves of someone? First, there are still miracles happening and they tend to be performed by people who are fully invested in God (Heb 2:4). They also meet specific needs. For example, missionaries often report they have experienced the miraculous.

So, a powerful move of God can show his approval. However, not many miracles are happening. How can we tell in the modern age if God approves of someone? You must know the Bible. Someone whose life is in line with the principles and precepts of the Bible is approved by God (1 Kings 11:38).

By extension, knowing the Bible and living it to the best of your ability is proof that you are accepted by God. If I do not know the Bible, I may be subject to the wrong teaching. I may be deceived.  So, no matter the denomination, you can test yourself by asking yourself how much of the Bible you are living. This will help you understand if you are approved by God.

Lord Jesus, I want to be approved of by you. Please help me comprehend and learn the principles and precepts of the Bible. Lead me into righteous and holy living. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

God’s Seal of Approval

Barbara WeberLeave a comment

John 6:26-27 WEB

Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled. [27] Don’t work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him.”

How can we tell when God has sealed, or approved, someone for a task? How did God seal Jesus? God sealed Jesus through the testimony of John the Baptist and the miraculous signs which Jesus did. Signs and wonders accompanied Jesus. God used miracles as signs of Jesus’ task and calling.

Jesus was also blessed. He had decent clothes, or at the crucifixion, the soldiers would not have struggled to get his clothes. They were nice. Also, Jesus was from Nazareth, but he seems to have a house in Capernaum. Jesus stopped working when he went into ministry, how did he pay for these things? Jesus may have saved some money while he worked, but that would contradict part of his message. It seems likely people were supporting his ministry.

So, God used signs and wonders and ministry support to show approval, but there is another sign. The preaching of repentance also accompanies the one whom God approves. Both John the Baptist and Jesus preached repentance. Another, Paul the apostle, was always encouraging believers to turn from sin. Many of the biblical writers wrote about sin and repentance. Preaching repentance is a mark of the one sealed by God.

Lord Jesus, help me recognize and honor the ones you have sealed. Give me a discerning Spirit so I can recognize when you have set your approval on another. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.