Christ's approval is a significant theme in the New Testament, reflecting the desire of believers to live in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. This concept is rooted in the understanding that Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, is the ultimate authority and judge of human conduct. The pursuit of Christ's approval involves aligning one's life with His teachings and commands, as well as seeking to embody His character and love.

Biblical Foundations

The New Testament provides numerous references to the importance of living in a way that earns Christ's approval. In 2 Corinthians 5:9, the Apostle Paul writes, "So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it." This verse underscores the believer's ambition to live a life that is pleasing to Christ, regardless of their earthly circumstances.

Similarly, in Colossians 1:10, Paul encourages the church to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." Here, the emphasis is on a lifestyle that reflects spiritual growth and productivity, which are key indicators of Christ's approval.

Moral and Ethical Conduct

Christ's approval is closely linked to moral and ethical conduct. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus outlines the attitudes and behaviors that are blessed by God, such as humility, mercy, and purity of heart (Matthew 5:3-12). These beatitudes serve as a guide for believers seeking to live in a way that pleases Christ.

Furthermore, Jesus emphasizes the importance of love as a hallmark of His followers. In John 13:34-35, He commands, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." Love, therefore, is a critical component of living a life that receives Christ's approval.

Faith and Obedience

Faith and obedience are central to obtaining Christ's approval. 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." Faith is the foundation of a relationship with Christ, and it is through faith that believers are empowered to obey His commands.

Obedience to Christ's teachings is further emphasized in John 14:15, where Jesus declares, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This connection between love and obedience highlights the relational aspect of seeking Christ's approval, where love for the Savior naturally leads to a desire to follow His will.

Spiritual Discernment and Wisdom

The pursuit of Christ's approval also involves spiritual discernment and wisdom. In Philippians 1:9-10, Paul prays for the believers, saying, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." Discernment enables believers to make choices that align with Christ's values and priorities.

James 1:5 further encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, stating, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Wisdom is essential for understanding how to live a life that is pleasing to Christ and for navigating the complexities of the Christian walk.

Eternal Perspective

Finally, the concept of Christ's approval is tied to an eternal perspective. Believers are encouraged to focus on the eternal rewards that come from living a life pleasing to Christ. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul reflects on his own life, saying, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing."

This eternal perspective motivates believers to seek Christ's approval, knowing that their efforts will be rewarded in the life to come.