In the context of the Bible, the term "approved" often refers to being tested and found worthy or acceptable in the sight of God. This concept is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, where approval by God is associated with righteousness, faithfulness, and adherence to His commandments.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of being approved by God is closely linked to obedience and faithfulness to His laws. For instance, in the book of Genesis, Noah is described as a righteous man who found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8-9). His approval by God led to his selection to build the ark and preserve life during the flood.

Similarly, in the book of Job, Job is portrayed as a man who is blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil (Job 1:1). Despite severe trials, Job's faithfulness is ultimately approved by God, and he is restored and blessed abundantly.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of being approved by God is often associated with faith in Jesus Christ and living according to His teachings. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the idea of divine approval in his epistles. In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul exhorts Timothy, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth" . Here, approval is linked to diligent study and correct teaching of Scripture.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of being tested and approved in the context of trials and perseverance. In Romans 5:3-4, he writes, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" . The process of enduring trials is seen as a means of developing character that is approved by God.

Faith and Works

The relationship between faith and works is another area where the concept of approval is significant. James 2:24 states, "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone" . This passage emphasizes that genuine faith, which is approved by God, is demonstrated through actions that align with His will.

Testing and Approval

The theme of testing and approval is also evident in the writings of Peter. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, he writes, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" . Here, trials serve as a refining process, proving and approving the believer's faith.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, being approved by God is a central theme that underscores the importance of faith, obedience, and perseverance. It is a status that believers are encouraged to seek, as it reflects a life that is pleasing to God and aligned with His purposes.(imp. & p. p.) of Approve.1384. dokimos -- tested, approved
... tested, approved. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: dokimos Phonetic Spelling:
(dok'-ee-mos) Short Definition: approved, acceptable Definition: approved ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1384.htm - 7k

1382. dokime -- (the process or result of) trial, proving ...
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: dokime Phonetic Spelling:
(dok-ee-may') Short Definition: a trial, proof; tried, approved character Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1382.htm - 7k

3402. mimetes -- an imitator
... example. 3402 ("emulator, imitator") is always used in the NT (seven times) --
of followers of emulating a God-approved example. The ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3402.htm - 7k

1381a. dokimazo -- to test, by impl. to approve
... to approve NASB Word Usage analyze (2), approve (3), approved (1), approves (1),
examine (4), examines (1), prove (1), proving (1), see fit (1), test (2 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1381a.htm - 5k

2144. euprosdektos -- acceptable
... acceptable. From eu and a derivative of prosdechomai; well-received, ie Approved,
favorable -- acceptable(-ted). see GREEK eu. see GREEK prosdechomai. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2144.htm - 6k

1381. dokimazo -- to test, by impl. to approve
... am fit. Cognate: 1381 (from 1384 , "approved") -- properly, to try (test)
to (real, ); to reveal what is (). See 1384 (). 1381 ("to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1381.htm - 8k

1349. dike -- right (as self-evident), justice (the principle, a ...
... Cognate: 1349 -- properly, , especially a which declares someone approved or
disapproved; a judgment (just finding) that regards someone (something) as "guilty ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1349.htm - 7k

1184. dektos -- acceptable
... acceptable. From dechomai; approved; (figuratively) propitious -- accepted(-table).
see GREEK dechomai. (dekten) -- 1 Occurrence. (dekton) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1184.htm - 6k

410. anegkletos -- not to be called to account, unreprovable
... not" and 1458 , "making against someone in a court of ") -- properly, convictable
when a person is -- ie tried with correct logic (""), ie logic approved in a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/410.htm - 7k

2480. ischuo -- to be strong, have power
... supernaturally healed. (, , 2480 ) is the specific (urgent) request of a
divinely-approved person who is energized (by God).". [Here the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2480.htm - 9k

7521. ratsah -- to be pleased with, accept favorably
... root Definition to be pleased with, accept favorably NASB Word Usage accept (11),
accepted (6), approve (1), approved (1), delight (4), delights (2), enjoy (2 ...
/hebrew/7521.htm - 6k

The Opposite Opinion is Approved by None of the Ancient Doctors of ...
... FOURTH PART THE OPPOSITE OPINION IS APPROVED BY NONE OF THE ANCIENT DOCTORS
OF THE CHURCH. THE ancients who have interpreted this ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/the opposite opinion is approved.htm

Arrangements Approved by all the Brethren.
... Book III. Chapter LXIX."Arrangements Approved by All the Brethren. Having
therefore separated me, Clement, and Niceta and Aquila ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter lxix arrangements approved by all.htm

That all Widows that are Approved are to be Held in Honour.
... Third Book. 74. That all widows that are approved are to be held in honour. In the
first Epistle of Paul to Timothy: "Honour widows which are truly widows. ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/74 that all widows that.htm

This Cycle of Nineteen Years is not Approved of by Certain African ...
... Section XV. This cycle of nineteen years is not approved of by certain
African investigators who have? This cycle of nineteen ...
/.../the paschal canon of anatolius of alexandria/section xv this cycle of.htm

Of Bearing Injuries, and who Shall be Approved as Truly Patient
... THE THIRD BOOK. ON INWARD CONSOLATION CHAPTER XIX Of bearing injuries, and who
shall be approved as truly patient. "What sayest thou, My Son? ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xix of bearing injuries.htm

Formulary of the Council of Ariminum Approved by the Acacians. ...
... Book IV. Chapter XXIV."Formulary of the Council of Ariminum approved by
the Acacians. List of the Deposed Chief-Priests, and the ...
/.../chapter xxiv formulary of the council.htm

Appendix Containing Canons and Rulings not Having Conciliar Origin ...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Appendix containing Canons and Rulings not having
Conciliar Origin but Approved by Name in Canon II. of the Synod in Trullo. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/appendix containing canons and rulings.htm

On the Letter of Pelagius, in which He Boasts that his Errors had ...
... A work on the proceedings of pelagius, Chapter 54 [XXX.]"On the Letter of Pelagius,
in Which He Boasts that His Errors Had Been Approved by Fourteen Bishops. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 54 xxx on the letter.htm

Thus Far I have Made Answer About My Crimes, and Indeed in Defence ...
... He professes in the first place to be replying to insinuations made at Rome against
his orthodoxy, he being a man most fully approved in respect both of divine ...
/.../1 thus far i have.htm

Furnished Completely unto Every Good Work
... Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.'"2:Tim.2:15 ...
/.../murray/working for god/xx furnished completely unto every.htm

Approved (18 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Approved (18 Occurrences). Acts 2:22 "Men of Israel,
hear these words! ... Acts 8:1 And Saul fully approved of his murder. ...
/a/approved.htm - 12k

Approve (14 Occurrences)
... dokimos, "tested," "tried." The word will, in almost every ease, imply that the
proof is victoriously demonstrated, the proved is also approved, just as in ...
/a/approve.htm - 12k

Apelles (1 Occurrence)
... A Christian at Rome whom Paul salutes (Romans 16:10), and styles "approved in Christ.".
Int. ... Romans 16:10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. ...
/a/apelles.htm - 7k

Reprobate (8 Occurrences)
... Thus the more complex meaning results of that which is acknowledged or rejected,
because it has approved or not approved itself in testing. ...
/r/reprobate.htm - 11k

Unapproved (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Not approved. 2. (a.) Not proved.
Multi-Version Concordance Unapproved (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians ...
/u/unapproved.htm - 6k

Tested (80 Occurrences)
... See NIV). Romans 16:10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who
are of the household of Aristobulus. (See NIV). 1 Corinthians ...
/t/tested.htm - 28k

Proved (49 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:22 But you know Timothy's approved worth--how, like a child working
with his father, he has served with me in furtherance of the Good News. ...
/p/proved.htm - 20k

Attested (9 Occurrences)
... Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and
signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know ...
/a/attested.htm - 9k

Diligently (85 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:10 being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if
she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if ...
/d/diligently.htm - 34k

Pleasing (185 Occurrences)
... God. (WEB BBE NIV). Romans 14:18 For he that herein serveth Christ is
well-pleasing to God, and approved of men. (ASV BBE NIV). Romans ...
/p/pleasing.htm - 37k

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