Romans 16:10: Greet Apelles, Who Is Approved In Christ. Greet Those Who Belong To The Family Of Aristobulus.

Romans 16:10

Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. (ESV)

There is something special about this greeting that the Apostle Paul has for Apelles. He describes him as being "approved in Christ." If you are a follower of Jesus Christ this phrase ought to have a beautiful significance to you. We all look forward to hearing those words in heaven, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

What does it mean to be approved in Christ? It means that your sins are forgiven and you are no longer under the wrath of a holy God. We are all sinners by nature. The very core of our being lives in constant hostility against God's righteous standard. Contrary to what many would like to believe, we are not basically good. Our most basic instinct is rebellion.

We see this rebellious instinct in our own children. What parent had to teach their young child how to defy them? Shortly after the new baby smell wears off, children display their true colors. They reject your instruction. They demand their own way. They refuse rules that you put in place for their good and protection. It is a human condition.

Jesus Christ, God's holy son, came to the earth and took on human flesh. On behalf of all humanity who would believe in him, he placed our sins on himself and they were put to death on the cross with him. All that is required of us is to admit that we are sinners in need of his forgiveness. We place our faith in Jesus Christ and his perfect sacrifice for us. Apelles was approved in Christ. Are you?

If you cannot say that you are approved by God in Christ take a moment and ask God to forgive you of your sin. Place your faith in his work for you and abandon all efforts to be good on your own. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."