While the NIV uses the word "accredited," most of the other major translations do not. The ESV, NASB uses "attested," and the ASV and the KJV uses "approved." All three translations (accredited, attested, and approved) besides providing great alliteration are also good translations!
In the academic world "accreditation" is an important term. My last blog discussed how many Restoration Movement schools have run like lemmings off a cliff towards regional accreditation, no matter the implications and consequences. They seek man's endorsement, along with paying a hefty price for it. This blog isn't going to concern itself so much with 'academia' as it does with our own standing before God. How important is accreditation to us on a personal level?
Peter emphasized its importance as he preached that first Gospel sermon on the Day of Pentecost. In building his case for the Lordship of Jesus, Peter wants his audience to know that Jesus was attested, or as the New Living Translation puts it, "publicly endorsed" by God. In the political climate we are currently living in, a public endorsement can be an important component of a candidate's success. God accredited, endorsed, or attested to Jesus!
At least three times it was done publicly. God affirmed Jesus at his immersion saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased" (Mt. 3:17). At the Transfiguration God again accredited Jesus saying, "This is my Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him" (Lk. 9:35, emphasis mine). And then one additional time God publicly endorsed Jesus from heaven after Jesus prayed, "Father, glorify Thy name. There came therefore a voice out of heaven: I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again" (Jn. 12:28).
Jesus sought - and found - God's approval. In fact, given a choice between finding favor with men or favor with God, Christ always chose to do those things which would please His heavenly Father. As a boy of just twelve years Jesus affirmed what He thought Mary & Joseph should have also known, that He "had to be in My Father's house," or as the KJV renders it, "about His Father's business" (Lk. 2:49). When Peter sought to change Jesus' thoughts about His death, burial, and resurrection Jesus rebuked Him saying, "you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's" (Mt. 16:23). Jesus subordinated His own wishes for doing the will of God, seen passionately as He prayed in the Garden, "Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done" (Lk. 22:42). One has to look no further than Jesus becoming obedient to the point of death on the cross leading to God giving Him "the name which is above every name" as His ultimate accreditation! (cf. Phil. 2:8-11)
But what about us? Can a Christian today be 'accredited' by God even if we don't hear His voice from heaven? Can we claim the same 'endorsement' by God? Can we expect that He might attest to our approval one day? I believe the answer is a resounding "Yes"!
The Holy Spirit provides us with all the 'accreditation' we need. The Spirit "bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God!" (Rom. 8:16). Talk about a top-notch endorsement! One of the promises that accompanies confessing Jesus as Lord today is that He will likewise confess us before His Father in heaven (Mt. 10:32). The Holy Spirit identifies us as being a part of God's family. Jesus even refers to us as His brethren (Heb. 2:11-13). Even as God attested Jesus to be His Son, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit likewise affirms our own status as sons by which "we cry out, Abba! Father!" (Rom. 8:15). This is also positively affirmed in Gal. 6:6, "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! Father!"
Sadly, many minimize the role of the Holy Spirit in this regard. We gladly talk about receiving Him when we are immersed, but after that we're a little bit reluctant to speak of His ministry in our lives. This is, perhaps, due to a fear of being labeled as Pentecostal, Charismatic, etc. But let's follow what God's Word teaches, and not worry so much about the labels! Paul wrote that we were sealed and given the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge (2 Cor. 1:22). To the Ephesians he wrote, "having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory" (Eph. 1:13b-14). Having the Holy Spirit - a downpayment on an eternity in heaven - is a great sign of being approved, or accredited by God!
Paul certainly understood the importance of pleasing God rather than man. He wanted the Lord's approval, not popularity with the masses. He said to the Galatians, "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ" (Gal. 2:10 NASB). The goal Paul pursued was the "prize of the upward call of God" - not man! (cf. Phil. 3:14).
The Pharisees lived for the approval of men. Whether it was their ostentatious public prayers, their "show of piety" as they fasted," or even blowing the trumpets when they gave large sums in tithes and offerings, it was all for their own self-promotion. Jesus said they had their reward in full (cf. Mt. 6:1-18). He warned His disciples not to seek the approval of men. Rather when we give, or pray, or fast, it is to be humbly, seen only by the Father, who will repay.
Perhaps it is human nature to seek approval. Children desire it from their parents, and employees hope to receive it from their bosses. Our heart's desire should be the approval of our heavenly Father. Selling out, just for the temporary approval of man, is extremely short-sighted and eternally devastating. Seek for that same approval that Paul knew was waiting in store for him: "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 loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:8).
Ultimate accreditation from God: Now that's something worth pursuing, and worth any price we may be called upon to pay.
C'mon, Murphy. Let's go outside!
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