CCC #1: Study to Show Yourself Approved

The Corrupt Christian Concepts Series

Photo by Anita Jankovic on Unsplash

(All scripture references are BSB unless otherwise noted.)

Corrupt Christian Concepts

As we cross over into a new year, I feel led to embark on a new quest. It has become quite clear to me over that last many years that there are many common 'Christian' concepts that have strayed from scripture.

Many, if not most, corrupt ideas are subtle. A slight twisting of meaning, or a confirmation bias whereby we (and scholars, etc.) seek a conclusion we already believe and find that conclusion in scripture whether it is really there or not.

What is the old saying? “To a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” This often leads to a failure to consider alternative perspectives and a failure to repent of bad ideas.

A legalist will find scripture to back up their legalism, a Calvinist will do the same, as will an Armenian, etc. Very few orthodox factions have ideas that are not based in scripture in some way.

Let me say up front that I am just as susceptible to these influences as anyone else. I am human. Until we all are living without the influence of sin, we should all walk humbly.

However, because I was so fully invested in many of these 'traditions' and have since been forced by circumstance to re-investigate them, the Spirit has given me an advantage for which I am grateful.

As always, I hope and pray to interpret the words of scripture as simply and directly as possible, while taking context and audience into account. And always with Christ and the new covenant as the primary lens.

Some of these concepts are simple; some are complex. I pray also that I can keep it straightforward while going as in-depth as needed to prove concepts.

Sometimes the concept will be a large umbrella encompassing much scripture. Sometimes it will be a single verse that has been used (or abused) to promote a faith reducing mindset.

I am calling this theme Corrupt Christian Concepts or CCC for short.

Basically, it will be legitimate scripture or orthodox Christian teaching that has been twisted by religious tradition or other ideas so that it doesn't quite line up with the new covenant gospel and often impedes faith in the finished work of Christ.

Sometimes it is used to help the enemy in his work of accusation and condemnation towards believers - to place unnecessary burdens or priorities on the body of Christ so it is distracted from the priority of the gospel.

For the most part, these will be ideas that still fall within mainstream or orthodox Christian beliefs. I am not planning to address cults here in the traditional sense, though any belief that we cling to without reason and logic can be cult-like.

Honestly, as harmful as cults or unorthodox beliefs can be, my concern is more for those who think they are orthodox, but still have subtle ideas that harm faith. That is my audience.

My goal with all my writing is to disrupt ideas that harm faith in the new covenant and the finished work of Christ.

For the most part, these are extremely subtle twists that have been introduced over the years that corrupt the scriptural concept so that it is no longer as helpful as it should be, or even becomes harmful.

Given that this first CCC article includes this introduction, and this concept is one I recently recognized, I will start with a “one verse” concept to try and keep it shorter.

Without further ado…

Study to Show Yourself Approved

1 Timothy 2:15: “Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. (WEB)

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (ESV)

“Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.” (BSB)

I have deliberately quoted three different translations to emphasize the subtle differences in each.

I have recently switched to the Berean Study Bible as my default translation simply because as I study I find it puts things in a way that tracks better with the gospel. But this time it doesn't.

It does well with “unashamed workman” since that does not place the object of the shame on the work. But it still shows it's bias.

In my opinion, the WEB gets it best, and thus I quoted it first. Still not perfect, but better than the other two.

Most of my concern hangs on the use of two tiny words: 'to' and 'by'. Are we presenting ourselves (and by inference, our works), to God for approval?

Or are we presenting ourselves to others as already approved by God because of the finished work of Christ?

To be completely fair, the Greek doesn't have either word separately. So, the translation committees had to make a choice in order for the language to fit English. WEB chose 'by', and most of the rest chose 'to'.

The fact is that the only word presented is ‘theos’. There is no “by, to, of” etc. It is most often translated simply 'God'. Sometimes an 'of' is added when it makes sense, like when describing Christ as the “Son of God.”

So, there is a choice to make. Your world view will determine how you see this verse and which word you add in.

As I often see in various translations, the mindset of the translator committees shine through by their choices.

And often it makes quite the difference.

Two Competing Mindsets

Those who have read my past writing will recognize this theme, but it bears repeating as it directly ties into how one views this verse.

As I have covered before, these two competing mindsets apply to humanity both before and after 'salvation'.

Your mindset can absolutely prevent you from becoming a new creation in Christ. Any idea that you must work for salvation can easily prevent it.

But even new creations can have one or both of these mindsets. In this case, it doesn't prevent salvation, but it will hinder growth, maturity, and your walk.

As Paul indicates in Romans 5:17:

“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive an abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”

What a phrase: “reign in life”. This is quite the promise of God. Pause and ponder the implications. Is that your daily experience?

Yet, notice the mechanisms through which this promise happens: God's grace and the gift of righteousness.

A gift mindset is always needed to enjoy God's promises through faith.

The Two Mindsets

The competing mindsets are these:

1. Is everything we have from God a gift to receive?

2. Is there some level of working we need to do to obtain or achieve what God offers?

Another way to put it is: are the new covenant promises of God conditional or unconditional? Does the love of God come with a price tag that we must pay? Do we earn God's promises or His love in some way?

How you answer these questions will often determine your lens for scripture. If you believe in earning, then when given a choice in scripture you will read it as if God's promises are conditional.

Some answer with both. They at least admit that their concept of salvation is a gift, but many, if not most, of God's other promises only come through blood, sweat, and tears.

I contend that everything God promises is free. Not only that, but you will receive little to no benefit from His promises unless you see them as free.

You will still have blood, sweat, and tears. We live in a fallen world. But they are not earning anything. It is the gifts of God within that enable you to do this with grace.

As Paul points out about performative Christianity in Galatians 5, a little leaven impacts the whole lump of dough.

A little bit of the idea that you must work for God's blessings and promises in any way will impact your entire life.

Quick Example of a Mixed Mindset

One common idea is that the promise of forgiveness and cleansing from sin is conditional upon ongoing confession.

One mindset will see forgiveness as only coming to those believers who earn it by confessing; the other mindset will confess the forgiveness that has already been gifted to them.

Said another way: for one mindset, the forgiveness is caused by their confessing; while in the other, the confessing comes as a result of their gift of forgiveness.

One is Christ focused and what He did; one is self focused on what we are doing. For one the action flows from the promise; for the other, the action enacts the promise.

Quite simply, one is faith; the other is not.

But I am getting ahead of myself! I will cover that corrupt concept in depth sometime later. I just wanted a quick illustration of how we can have one or the other, or even mix these mindsets.

The One Condition of a Gift

One more quick review: when I say God's love and promises are unconditional, that means we don't have to earn them. They are freely given…

But we do have to receive them. An un-received gift is useless. Continuously receiving the gifts promised by God describes in a nutshell the proper Christian life. This is where the gift mindset comes in.

Let's say you are starving and someone offers you some food as a gift. You must receive and eat it for it to benefit you. Let's say they promise you food forever; you must still keep eating it to thrive.

If you refuse the gift and insist upon earning it, you may die of starvation before you work long enough to feel worthy to eat the food. A starving person cannot worry about earning: they just need to eat.

In much the same way, without Christ, we can do nothing. We certainly cannot save ourselves, but that salvation includes an ongoing dependency. First we receive; then we achieve.

Thus, the benefit of any gift includes receiving it by default. Receiving a gift is not a work. It is simply the default definition of a gift.

For a starving person, eating is not a work. Eating the bread of life freely offered by God through Christ is not a work. We are spiritually starving people without Christ.

I realize this is truly a hard saying and requires humility to accept. As C.S. Lewis put it, it is either true or absolutely crazy. Everyone must decide.

My main point here is that the gift mindset is crucial to a proper gospel understanding.

And growing in a proper gospel understanding is crucial to “reign in life” as I referenced above as one of God's promises.

I get into the gift of the gospel in my last article. If you missed it, I recommend checking it out:

Peace, Good Will, Towards Mankind

But let's get back to the concept at hand:

Approved by What We Do? Or Already Approved by Christ?

In the verse I am discussing, God's approval is the promise in focus. This is where the words 'by' and 'to' make all the difference.

Are we presenting our works to God for approval (in this case - properly handling the gospel), or are we doing the works from a firm foundation of already being approved by God as a gift?

Can you see how the two different mindsets would impact the translation and interpretation of this verse? Which way have you learned it?

For most of my life I was taught, and thus believed, the former. I believed that I was under the obligation and duty to present myself to God for inspection of my works.

If my works held up, and were 'good', then God would be pleased with me and bless me. Or at least wouldn't smite me. If anyone with this mindset is honest - the very love of God is based on this “works inspection.”

But I hope to convince you that this is a faulty, dare I say corrupt, view.

The Object of the Approval

So, who or what is the object of the approval by God? This should be an easy answer no matter which way you view the verse. The object is the workman or believer (in this case the direct object is Timothy.)

Now, if the object were the works, then my argument would be much weaker, though still valid.

Of course, God does not approve of sin or someone mishandling the gospel. To try and claim otherwise is asanine.

There are works that God approves and some He does not (even good works). Whatever is not of faith is sin. But that is not the focus of the approval in this verse.

Many (if not most) read it as if Paul is advocating that Timothy himself, as a child of God, gain God's approval by properly handling the gospel. This view is clearly a threat - you better handle the gospel well or God will smite you.

This thus implies that the approval needed is not of the teaching, but approval of Timothy himself - his identity. In other words God's approval or disapproval of His child is based in their behavior.

That most see it this way is clear based on the majority of the translation committees and their word choice. When having to fill in the English, their choice is revealing.

By using the word 'to' rather than 'by', the translation committees unwittingly show their mindset and bias. You are presenting yourself to God for approval implicitly based on your works.

I believe this idea could not be further from the truth of what Paul is advocating here. I believe the verse itself bears this, but especially the new covenant gospel message affirms the opposite.

A correct handling of the gospel will endeavor to show that we are already approved by God through Christ. It is because of Christ's work, not ours.

We are not approved by our works. It is only by faith in the approval we already have through Christ that we can do any works! And this is what Paul was encouraging Timothy to believe.

The Chicken or the Egg

These mindsets impact everything in the Christian life and how we walk. In this case, if you believe you are approved and without shame in Christ already, then this will greatly impact how you handle the gospel.

If your approval and shamefulness depends on how well you handle the gospel, then you will be timid when you need to be bold. You will hedge your bets and go with the flow.

Your affirmation of how well you are doing will be attached to your peers, especially your theological peers. Your tribe will determine how well you are handling the gospel because you will fear getting something wrong.

After all, your very approval from God relies on your ability to handle the gospel well. You better get it right. And you better avoid controversy with your tribe!

The 'safe' road is to find a religious tribe and stick with them so you have some risk mitigation of getting it wrong.

And of course, this is a strong motivation to condemn and malign other tribes and not consider whether their perspective has any validity.

If you have any cognizance of the world around you, you will see this attitude is prevalent in more secular pursuits. Even more reason to avoid it as a believer and trust in the unity Christ prayed for in John 17.

I hope you can see how these two very different attitudes can impact your life and walk. It will certainly impact how you handle the gospel, which is Paul's entire point for Timothy.

God's Approval: a Firm Foundation

Let me paraphrase this verse as I would interpret it:

“Be swift and diligent to present yourself as someone approved by God, a workman unashamed to accurately handle the gospel or the word of truth.”

In context, both before and after this verse, Paul is indicating that Timothy has a rough road ahead. He has a congregation prone to quarrels and men in the church making false claims that “undermine faith” (verse 18).

Far from Paul advocating Timothy try to obtain God's approval by his handling of the gospel, Paul is encouraging the young man to walk without shame in God's approval as he faces these obstacles to the gospel!

Wow, what a difference! The only way to handle the gospel well is by faith in the approval we have as a gift from God. Only then can we unashamedly and without reservation properly proclaim the good news!

Paul was affirming to Timothy that because he was approved by God, then he had no reason for shame when confronting these people in the church.

The basis for his confident handling of the gospel was his assurance - through the gospel - of his approval by God.

There was no pressure or condemnation - only assurance by faith. His approval was not based in his actions, but in Christ acting on his behalf.

Paul was not threatening Timothy, giving him a guilt trip, or making him self-conscience about his teaching. He was encouraging him to be bold and unashamed because he was already approved.

And the very teaching that requires proper handling is what assures us that we are already approved.

In Christ: Approved and Qualified

This reminds me of some other declarations by Paul:

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” Romans 1:9

“Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4

“giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.” Colossians 1:12

“4-Such confidence before God is ours through Christ.

5-Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.

6-And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:4-6

Our boldness in proclaiming the pure new covenant gospel of grace is based - founded - in our secure assurance and promise that through Christ we are qualified and approved by God.

Christ paid a great price, the ultimate price, to purchase our approval and qualification. And then He gifted it to us. A mindset that we must earn the approval of the Father spits upon this gift.

A proper gospel attitude is one of gratitude that we are approved, and boldness to proclaim that approval and all the other gifts that come with the gospel.

This mindset does not water these promises down or hedge our bets by reading scripture through a lens of self effort to earn wages when Christ offers everything for free.

Conclusion

As I continue investigating these Christian concepts, I will not be surprised at all to find that this self-effort mindset is the primary contributor to the corruption of any interpretation in scripture.

This mindset is a good measure by which to judge all interpretation of scripture. If the interpretation pushes a self-focus or self-effort in order to achieve or obtain something from God, then it is a good sign it is faulty.

This is the enemy's favorite interpretation of scripture. He wants us to try and base our security and approval in our own works. He even tried this on Christ!

“9-Then the devil led Him to Jerusalem and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. “If You are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down from here.

10-For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You carefully;

11-and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’”

12-But Jesus answered, “It also says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Luke 4:9-12

Note that the enemy was tempting Christ to go out on His own. Jesus was God after all - He had the power to save Himself. And the enemy used scripture to try and get Him to make this choice.

Yet, as a member of the Trinity in the flesh, His dependency was on the Father. Even as God incarnate, He would not go out on His own in self-dependance.

In this, He has set an example of dependence for us. Self dependency and self effort are enemy ideas in order to tempt us to go out on our own. And their favorite tool to push this is scripture.

And often we unwittingly perpetuate this mentality using scripture.

Even when scripture is poorly interpreted in a way to encourage this mentality, we must be confident in the gospel and our security in Christ’s work on our behalf and resist this mindset.

One Final Thought

Even though 2 Timothy 2:15 is not focused on gaining God's approval through your handling of the gospel, that in no way means that God does not care or put a huge value in the proper handling of the gospel.

Matter of fact, the entire chapter is focused on how people were promoting beliefs and attitudes that undermined the gospel and faith. Certainly, Paul was not ignoring this concept.

Much of the verbiage in the epistles is dedicated to confronting ideas and mindsets that water down the gospel and diminish faith. This is highly important to God.

However, God does not use the enemy tactics of threats, fear, guilt, shame, or coersion to force a proper handling of the gospel. He does not tear us down - He builds us up in the faith.

And this is what Paul was doing for Timothy. By reminding him of his approval purchased by Christ, he was building his confidence so he could perform the work of the gospel boldly and without shame.

The truth always sets us free and builds us up. Those who wish to twist it to condemn and tear down are not coming from a place of the Spirit but the flesh.

Let us resist the enemy interpretation of scripture no matter from where it might come. Let's rest and trust in our approval purchased by Christ.

Only then can we proclaim the good news with boldness and confidence.

I hope and pray this discussion will encourage this mindset for you.

Don't trust in your own works to approve and qualify you; trust that the approval and qualification you have been gifted by Christ when He made you a new creation will enable and empower your walk and works.

And this truly will cause you to properly handle the gospel or word of truth. And that is the meaning and purpose of this verse.

Bonus Material

There are several other places in the epistles where this word 'approved' is used. I found them fascinating, so I figured I would cover them as a bonus.

Enter with caution! I warned you!

Approved in Christ

Romans 16:10a - “Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.”

This is all Paul writes. He commends many others in this final chapter of Romans, so are they not approved? I think not.

The key phrase here is “in Christ”. We really don't have much else to go on. But we know that being approved by God is based on us being “in Christ” or a new creation.

Should I speculate, perhaps Apelles had no great works to commend, but he was a fellow brother in Christ, and that was all he needed to be. But that is pure speculation.

This is the only reference to Apelles on the NT, so we have no idea who he was or what he did. We just know he was “approved in Christ”. And apparently, that was all that mattered.

Approval = Salvation?

This next one is truly intriguing. If you understand what I have written above, then you will recognize that 'approval' from God is a gift that comes with salvation.

So, what do you make of this verse?

1 Corinthians 11:19 - “And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.”

“for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.” (ESV)

“For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” (KJV)

1 Corinthians 11 is famous for Paul addressing the Lord's supper. It is yet another corrupt concept I will address in the future, but Paul uses this Greek word translated ‘approved’ in a very interesting way.

Again, I have quoted 3 translations to show how they treat this verse. I believe in this case the KJV gets it best.

First, KJV uses the word 'approved'. Since this is the same Greek word we have been discussing, this makes sense. Second, it uses the word 'heresies'

Factions or differences make it seem like this is simply fellow believers who have different opinions about inconsequential ideas. Heresy puts quite the different spin on it.

The word is 'hairesis’. You can see a similarity already between the Greek transliteration and the English.

False Teachers and Heresy

Let's look at another use of the same word in 2 Peter 2:1. You tell me the strength of this word usage!

“Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”

Unfortunately this verse opens a can of worms I cannot fully address in a bonus section. Let me just say I believe these “false teachers” teaching 'heresy' are not saved.

Much like Hebrews and James (other epistles written directly to Jews), the author can use confusing language. This is often used to indicate we can 'lose' our salvation.

And if you truly interpret these passages as describing believers, then consistency would force this “lose salvation" interpretation.

Even in this verse, the phrase “Master who bought them” could lead one to think these are believers. Yet, did not Christ purchase the pardon of the whole world?

In this case, these people are denying the Master. Thus, they are denying Christ. In any other context, we would call those who deny Christ 'unbelievers'. Why change that here?

Later, in verse 20, Peter describes someone who “escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of…Christ.” This would again seem to describe believers.

Yet, is this describing the false teachers or the believers who are victims of their teaching? It could be the latter.

Or possibly, much like the book of Hebrews, simply having a knowledge of Christ does not make you a believer. Knowledge without faith is meaningless.

Either way, there is much in this chapter that convinces me that these wicked characters are of the enemy and acting on his behalf, not believers.

Destruction, Judgment, and Hell

Multiple times in this chapter Peter refers to these folks by saying they will be 'destroyed'.

In verse 4, he uses an analogy of the end state of the demons to describe what will happen to these folks: “cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;”

Does this sound like believers? I certainly hope not. More analogies are given, including the “burning to ash” of Sodom, and calling them “ungodly”. Are believers ungodly?

Peter leaves no stone unturned in his vivid description of these false teachers.

In verse 9, he says the Lord will “hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.” Does that describe believers? Much of the epistles completely denies this idea. Is Peter going rogue?

In verse 19, Peter says: “They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity.”

Are believers “slaves of depravity”? What do we make of Romans 6:

“17-But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed.

18-You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”

20-For when you were slaves to sin, you were free of obligation to righteousness.

22a-But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God…”

Are Paul and Peter in utter disagreement here? Of course not, the only conclusion is Peter is describing unbelieving false teachers, working for the enemy to lead believers (and potential believers) astray.

Peter sums up the main issue in verse 2b - “because of them the way of truth will be defamed.”

The gospel is being directly and deliberately attacked by these folks.

Back to 1 Corinthians 11

So…why does this matter? In 1 Cor. 11:19 Paul says it is good that these heresies exist. Really? If this is simply divisions or factions, why is Paul condoning it?

Doesn't he spend much of 1 Corinthians condemning their divisions? Yes, he does. And that is why he is not referencing those here. This is far worse than bragging on who baptized you. This is heresy.

Paul is saying that the heretical teaching proves that some in the church were enemy agents. They were not approved because they were unbelievers.

In verse 18, Paul uses a different word (schismata) meaning division to which he reacts negatively. This is the standard bickering among believers. Paul routinely condemns this.

Yet, in verse 19, he switches gears as a contrast. He is saying that there are cases where dividing over heresy is good. Corinth needed to root out these enemy agents.

In this agenda, Paul and Peter were aligned. There are often enemy agents in churches deliberately leading others away from Christ.

These are not approved, not because of the heresy, but because they are not believers. The heresy is a sign that they are not approved, but it is not what disapproves them in identity.

Approved by God or Men?

Twice in 2 Corinthians Paul uses this same word translated 'approved'. Both are tied together in context as Paul was defending his calling and ministry.

“For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:18

In verse 17 Paul says: “Rather, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

This entire chapter in context is Paul defending his authority to “boast in the Lord”.

Apparently, if you read between the lines, there were those claiming Paul had no authority and perhaps wasn't even saved because his appearance or demeanor wasn't Christian enough!

No surprise in this shallow and immature church, who seemed to use the flesh to act and think in nearly everything.

Verse 7: “You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself that we belong to Christ just as much as he does.”

Paul is clearly defending the fact that he even belongs to Christ! And his final word in his defense (verse 18) is that his approval comes from God, not men.

Once again, since he is defending his very salvation, approval and salvation are linked. By defending his approval by God, he is defending his salvation.

Being Approved is no Excuse for Bad Behavior

In 2 Corinthians 13, Paul is continuing his own defense, but in a way that encourages maturity in the Corinthians.

In verse 3a - “since you are seeking proof of the Christ who speaks in me…” (NASB) Again, they are questioning Paul's credentials.

This is where Paul indicates the only test of a believer: are you in Christ? I have covered this previously. Yet again, in verse 6, Paul defends that him and his fellow teachers did not fail!

“But I expect that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test.” (NASB)

And this leads to the main verse under discussion: “7-Now we pray to God that you do nothing wrong; not so that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, though we may appear unapproved.” (NASB)

Paul is showing his humility here. Despite his defense of his own 'approval', he would rather seem unapproved as long as the Corinthians learn to live in a mature manner.

He proves this in verse 9 - “For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak, but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you become mature.” (NASB)

Paul was willing for some to defame even his salvation as long as others are able to live in a mature way in Christ.

What a powerful reminder when we are maligned for teaching and preaching the pure new covenant gospel to not get discouraged.

Again, it is not whether we are approved of men, but God, that matters. We can walk confident in God's approval when we are in Christ.

Trials Required for Approval?

I have saved the most controversial for last. As usual, it is either in Hebrews, James, or sometimes Peter. As Gentiles, we struggle greatly with scripture written in a Jewish context and to a Jewish audience.

But let's get right to it: “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 (NASB)

I've been using NASB a lot in the last few paragraphs since it correctly uses the word 'approved'.

Let's use the “worked based righteousness” test on this verse. Is James saying that we must persevere under trial in order to gain approval and receive the crown of life?

James is difficult. Just ask Martin Luther. He put James as an appendix in his scripture translation. But I maintain James believe in grace through faith the same as Paul.

So, is James using the word approval in a different way than everywhere else? Or does he have salvation in view? I firmly believe the latter.

I believe much like Hebrews, much of James is evangelistic. They both have unbelieving Hebrews wrestling with the new covenant in view.

Not everyone was an unbeliever, but enough were that they wanted to covered their bases. They had great concern for unbelieving Jews, even those in the church.

And they knew that covering the new covenant would continue to strengthen even the believers. It was a win-win.

But the defense of this supposition would take a doctrinal thesis to investigate. Maybe I will do this someday, but for now, what about this verse?

There are only two ways to view this:

1. The “crown of life” is something we earn through perseverance as believers, thus it is only for the 'special' children of God, a sort of status symbol of their self-effort and good works.

2. Or, James is speaking to unbelieving Jews who need to persevere in their pursuit of Christ and new covenant salvation.

Clearly, I believe #2. But I am struggling with how deep to go to defend this position. This article is already quite long. But this is bonus, so if you have read this far, then you are already a sucker for punishment!

I will go until it won't fit in an email. I will use that as a measure of when to stop.

So, there are 4 elements to this verse:

1. Perseverance under trials

2. Approval

3. Crown of life

4. Those who love God

I will cover each of these…I pray convincingly.

Perseverance Under Trials

This reminds me greatly of Hebrews 10, particularly 10:32.

“But recall the former days in which, you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:” (NKJV)

Much like Hebrews 6:4, which also uses this word meaning 'enlightened', some say this is believers. But I disagree.

While it is absolutely true that throughout history believers have been persecuted, they are by no means the only ones. Take the Jews for instance, or Mormons, etc.

In this case, I believe these Jews were attending the Christian church, highly interested in the gospel. They were tasting the gospel, learning of it, their minds were enlightened, but they had not had faith yet.

John 1:9 uses this same word. “This was the true Light that, coming into the world, enlightens every person.”

“Every person” doesn't seem to indicate that all enlightened people are saved, just the opposite.

This is further confirmed in 2 Timothy 1:10 - “And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel…”

Illuminated is the same word as enlightened. This word is used to show how the gospel shows people the “way to life”, but it doesn't mean they follow that light or the way it illuminates.

I firmly believe this is an expression the apostles uses to indicate someone who had heard the gospel. The gospel presentation was enlightening. But not everyone who hears receives.

Further, Christ seems to indicate that all will be given that enlightening in some form or another. No one will have an excuse.

But being presented with the gospel does not mean you received it.

Persecution

The mere fact they went to the Christian church at all would have caused their families to shun them, whether they were believers or not.

They were feeling extreme pressure to return to the Hebrew temple. To the point of even having their stuff taken and mild persecution.

Yet, so far, much like James mentions, they had persevered. But they had not yet received the crown of life. The author's stern warning of “a fire that would consume the adversaries” was to keep them focused on the gospel until they truly believed.

Much like James, this is difficult to parse. Here is an example in verse 34:

“You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.”

So, once again, an understanding of this verse hinges on the little, seemingly insignificant word “had”. This makes it seem like the possession (which is clearly a reference to salvation or Christ) is in the past, hence they are believers.

However, this word in the Greek does not mean that. It is “present infinitive”. Some translations say “have”, which is better, but still not quite right.

Check out: https://hellenisticgreek.com/14.html

The relevant quote: “The present infinitive was used to express progressive or imperfective aspect. It pictures the action expressed by the verb as being in progress.”

This is difficult to express in English and maintain the flow of words. Hence, the translations went simple. But, unless you study the Greek, this gives the wrong impression.

The Greek word is “echó”. It means “to have, hold, or possess”. I would write it “knowing that you yourselves are beginning to have a better and permanent possession.”

The implication by the author using present indicative is not that they already possess Christ, but that their activity in the church, the enlightenment they are experiencing through the gospel, which has and continues to occur, will result in it.

This past and continuing action will result in a more permanent possession - in this case I believe salvation and Christ, and ultimately in context of the passage, heaven.

Quite simply, they did not possess it yet, but their actions of going to the Christian church, and learning about the gospel, were leading to it.

Thus, the author, in no uncertain terms, is encouraging them to continue in what they are doing, until they do possess it. Until they become believers.

As confusing as this passage can be, there are elements you cannot possibly properly reconcile with the new covenant gospel unless you approach it in this evangelistic way.

But that is for another day - let's go back to James. James has the same audience and purpose as Hebrews, he has just consolidated his statement compared to Hebrews.

(Hebrews is 13 chapters after all, while James is only 5.)

The blessing James is advocating for them to persevere to enjoy is faith in Christ. And that will lead to the other items.

Approval

I won't spend much time on this one. My entire article has been about showing that the use of this word in the epistles in regards to God approving us is based in the finished work of Christ.

Bottom line: if you are in Christ, you are approved by God. If not, you are not. This is not based in your works.

Unless James is using this in a completely different way than other references, then this affirms his evangelistic encouragement and intent in this verse.

Crown of Life

So, what is the crown of life? Is this something we earn by enduring trials and temptations? Is it some mark of a “super Christian”?

Or is it something every believer has because it represents Christ who is our life? I clearly believe the latter.

The word for life (zóé) is almost exclusively used to indicate the life Christ came to bring.

This alone is enough to convince me that the crown of life means the Christ life which is what all believers receive, within us now and fully in the final kingdom.

John loved this word, between the gospel of John and the Johanian epistles, the word is used almost as many times as the rest of the authors put together.

So, what about the crown? Well I'm going to punt on that for now. I will address crowns and rewards later. These are also some controversial passages and hard to understand.

It would simply take too long to go off on that rabbit trail at this time. I have my reasons for believing that rewards and crowns are all related to the inheritancr we all receive in Christ.

But I will get into that later.

Those Who Love God

Whew, I'm being warned I am close to email limit. Glad I did not try and get into that crown thing.

So, both the approval and the crown of life is tied to “those who love Him” meaning God. So, this begs a lot of questions.

Can you be a believer and not love God? Again, is this a special believer who loves God while other believers don't? Something doesn't add up here.

One thing is clear, the person who loves God both receives the crown of life and is approved. So, is this only someone who perseveres under trials?

Christians in the U.S.A can hardly be said to be under persecution. Are we up a creek, unable to love God, be approved, or receive the crown of life? All of these are valid questions.

And they are all answered properly by recognizing that James is trying to convince some of his fellow Jews to persevere in pursuing the gospel.

So, what does scripture say about believers loving God? Well, first, love comes from God. We cannot love without being in Christ and Christ in us.

1 John 4:7 - “Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

Second, God has poured his love into our hearts. Romans 5:5b - “…God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”

Third, we can only love because God loved us first. 1 John 4:19 - “We love because He first loved us.”

Fourth, Paul assures the Ephesian believers (and hence all believers), that their love for Christ was incorruptible.

Ephesians 6:24 - “Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.”

Of course, again, one mindset could read that Paul is only offering grace to those who have a special kind of love for Christ, but that is ludicrous. He is saying that grace and loving Christ go together. If you have received one; you got the other.

The fact is, believers love God by default. It is a hallmark of a child of God that they love Him. It is a necessity to be a child of God. The love God poured into our hearts is not faulty, it is how we love Him.

That anyone thought they could ever keep the “greatest command in the Law” was the ultimate in pride. That is why Christ replaced it with the new command to love others enabled by His love for us.

We could never love God on our own - He had to give us His love. God enabled us to love Him. And that enabling is called salvation, the new birth, and becoming a new creation.

Put it all together, and someone who is approved, has the crown of Christ's life, and loves God, is a believer.

There are some in James' audience who are not, and need to persevere through the Judaistic trials, continuing to learn about Christ and the gospel, until they have the faith to believe and accept it.

Bonus Conclusion

Though the book of James is tough, I cannot see how it changes my conclusion that approval is a gift from God, just as Christ's life and love, along with all the fruit of the Spirit, are gifts.

The other passages I covered in the bonus more easily confirm that conclusion. Scripture confirms that we can continue to be bold in our approval, authority, and qualification.

We can proclaim the good news though which we have been approved and qualified. And we can rest in the love God poured into our hearts.

And by doing that, we can love others because He has loved us and gifted us with His love. Happy New Year!

(And whew, this all fits in an email, just barely!)