Introduction

The concepts of God's approval and presence are central themes throughout the Bible, reflecting the relationship between God and His people. God's approval is often associated with obedience, faith, and righteousness, while His presence signifies His nearness, guidance, and blessing. These themes are interwoven throughout Scripture, providing insight into how believers can live in a manner pleasing to God and experience His abiding presence.

God's Approval

God's approval is depicted as a divine endorsement of an individual's actions, character, or faith. It is often linked to obedience to God's commandments and living a life that aligns with His will. In the Old Testament, God's approval is frequently associated with the covenant relationship between God and Israel. For instance, in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 , it is written, "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God."

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing faith in Jesus Christ as the pathway to God'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." This passage highlights the importance of faith as a means of obtaining God's approval, underscoring the belief that God rewards those who diligently seek Him.

God's Presence

The presence of God is a profound and recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing His nearness and involvement in the lives of His people. In the Old Testament, God's presence is often associated with specific locations or events, such as the burning bush in Exodus 3:2-6 , where Moses encounters God: "There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire, it did not burn up. So Moses thought, 'I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.' When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, 'Moses! Moses!' And Moses said, 'Here I am.'"

In the New Testament, the presence of God is most fully realized in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Through Jesus, believers experience the presence of God in a personal and transformative way.

Living in God's Approval and Presence

Living in God's approval and presence involves a life of faith, obedience, and communion with God. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who sought to live in a manner pleasing to God, such as Noah, who "found favor in the eyes of the LORD" (Genesis 6:8), and David, who was described as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14).

The Apostle Paul encourages believers to live in a way that reflects God's approval, writing in Romans 12:1-2 , "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."

Moreover, the presence of God is promised to those who seek Him. James 4:8 exhorts, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." This promise assures believers that God's presence is accessible and available to those who earnestly seek Him through prayer, worship, and obedience.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of living in a way that garners God's approval and invites His presence. Through faith, obedience, and a heart devoted to God, believers can experience the profound reality of God's approval and presence in their lives.