Editorial October 20, 1923 Issue

Divine Approval

Albert F. Gilmore

In Peter's address to the "men of Israel" on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in the book of Acts, we read these words: "Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you." Here it is clearly indicated that Peter regarded the works and wonders performed by the Nazarene through his understanding of divine power as proof of God's approval. Weymouth translates the passage with the words "by miracles and marvels and signs which God did among you through Him," perhaps making even clearer that God used Christ Jesus as the instrumentality for illustrating divine purpose—competent evidence that the Master was approved of Him. By analogy, the conclusion is logically reached that mortals gain divine approval through reflecting divine qualities and working the works of God, that is, by doing His will.

Christian Science emphasizes the necessity of repeating the works of the Master, on the ground that only in proportion to one's demonstration of the power of God in emulation of the works of Christ Jesus does one become his disciple; and divine approval is to be won on no other basis. Obviously, then, by doing the miracles, wonders, and signs performed by the Master, which prove one's discipleship, God's approbation is won.

Christian Scientists, in their desire to become true disciples of the Master, may well examine their thoughts and deeds to determine if they are fulfilling the demands of discipleship to the degree that merits divine approval. The first requisite to the gaining of God's approbation is to deserve it. To deserve and win the commendation expressed in the sacred words, dear to every Christian, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," may well be the goal of right desire. The poet Whittier expresses it thus:—

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