Timothy Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U. S. Army

Earning God's approval starts not with anything we can do, but by placing our faith totally in Christ for the eternal life that can be obtained only in that manner (but for which we can take no credit, since it is the gift and working of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:8-9)).

After that, however, we earn rewards from God (if not in this life, then in eternity) by the works that we (with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit) perform in His name as a result of our faith, which should be ample motivation, even in the face of possible earthly persecution.

October 12 2025 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Can we earn God's approval? (2 Timothy 2:15)

According to interpretations of 2 Timothy 2:15, we can earn God's approval not by trying to earn it in the first place, but by living a life of diligent study and service that proves our already-given approval. The verse encourages believers to "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved". This is achieved by accurately handling God's word and acting as a dedicated worker for Him.

2nd Tim 2:15, Rotherham Bible: Give diligence, thyself approved to present unto God,—A worker not to be put to shame, Skilfully handling the word of truth.

To handle God's Word aright, we need to understand it properly and then explain it honestly and accurately to others. Respect for God, the author of the Bible, will motivate us to strive for that, and considering the context will be a valuable aid.

Handling the word of the truth aright also includes getting the spirit of what the Bible says. It is not a "club" with which to browbeat others. Religious teachers who opposed Jesus Christ quoted from the Scriptures. Still, they were shutting their eyes to the weightier matters—those involving justice, mercy, and faithfulness—which are required by God. (Matt. 22:23, 24; 23:23, 24) 

Ephesians 2:8-9 says [Rotherham Bible]: For by his favour have ye been saved through means of faith, And this [hath come to pass]—Not from you, Of God the free-gift! 9 Not from works, lest anyone should boast.

Considering the context also helps us to understand what some have claimed is a disagreement between the apostle Paul and James. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul states that Christians are saved by faith, not by works. He says: "You have been saved through faith... not owing to works." James, however, insists on the importance of work. He writes: "As the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." (James 2:26) How can these two statements be reconciled?

We can never become righteous​—and thus deserve salvation—​by our own works, for we are inherently sinful. We can only be saved by faith in Jesus' ransom sacrifice.​—Romans 5:18.

James, however, adds the vital point that faith in itself is valueless if not supported by actions. A person who claims to have faith in Jesus should prove it by what he does. An inactive faith is a dead faith and will not lead to salvation.

The apostle Paul was in complete agreement with this, and he frequently mentions the kinds of works that Christians should undertake to demonstrate their faith. For example, to the Romans he wrote: "With the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation." Making a "public declaration"​—sharing our faith with others—​is vital for salvation. (Romans 10:10;)

There is no way that a descendant of Adam can gain salvation on his own, no matter how noble his works are. Salvation is a gift from God given to those who put faith in the sin-atoning value of the sacrifice of his Son.)

14 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report