Approved in Christ
Only one approval matters—the one sealed in Christ before time began.
In the closing verses of Romans, Paul shares greetings to several believers, but behind each greeting lies a glimpse into what he values most—our life and identity in Christ. He notes that Andronicus and Junias were in Christ before him, and that fact alone seems to mark them as precious in his heart. Paul isn't caught up in comparing achievements or gifts; the supreme mark of value is simply being “in Christ.” He reflects on his past, lamenting the wasted years spent outside of Christ, and holds up those who were in Christ before him as truly blessed.
He then calls Ampliatus his beloved in the Lord, as if to say that in a world where love is often twisted or confused, the affection we have in Christ is holy and clean. It dignifies what culture has degraded.
Apelles is approved in Christ, and Paul contrasts that with all the other kinds of approval the world might offer. There are plenty of ways people try to earn favor—whether in business, politics, intellect, or religion—but none of it has true weight unless it stems from being in Christ. To be approved in Him is to be rooted in the only endorsement that will last beyond time.
Lastly, he mentions Rufus, who is eminent in the Lord. And here, Paul flips the idea of prominence. What the world calls fame fades with a whisper, but eminence in Christ carries eternal meaning. These greetings aren’t mere formalities. They're little declarations of a deeper reality—who we are in Christ is all that matters. Everything outside of Him is ultimately fruitless. Everything in Him is eternally fruitful.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
You are in Christ, and because of this, you are no longer defined by the shadows of your past or the applause of the present. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. I placed you in Me before the foundation of the world that you should be holy and blameless. You were chosen, not because of merit, but because of love. You were sealed with My Spirit, marked out as Mine, set apart for My purposes.
There is no need to chase approval in places where standards shift and fade. You have already been approved in Christ, and that is the only approval that holds weight in the courts of heaven and in the depths of your heart. I do not evaluate you as the world does, by performance, pedigree, or platform. My gaze rests on who you are in My Son. You are accepted in the Beloved, clothed in righteousness not your own, and precious in My sight.
Though others may misunderstand or overlook you, your value has already been declared. I have made you competent as a minister of the New Covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit, for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life. Walk now with confidence—not in yourself but in who I have made you to be. Let your affection be rooted in the Lord, where love is pure, sacred, and secure. Let your identity be hidden in Christ with God, where no accusation can reach and no shame can remain.
You are My workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which I prepared beforehand for you to walk in. These works are not to earn favor—they are expressions of the favor already given. My approval rests upon you not because of what you do, but because of who you are in My Son.
Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 1:4–6, Ephesians 1:13, Romans 16:7–13, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Colossians 3:3, Ephesians 2:10
Prayer
Father, thank You that I am already approved in Christ. I don't have to strive for a place at the table—I’ve been seated with Christ in the heavenly places. I rest today in the beauty of that truth. The world’s voices may shift, but Your voice is steady, and it has called me Yours. I trust You to live this day through me, confident that You’ve made me competent for whatever You’ve placed before me. May my affection for others be drawn from the sacred place of being beloved in You. May I walk as one who is not only accepted but radiant with the approval that matters most—Yours. Amen.
Inspired by In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
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