Note 18 at 2 Cor. 5:9: The Greek adjective used for "accepted" in this verse is "euarestos," and means to be well pleasing and acceptable. In many versions the translation of this word is similar to the NIV, which states, "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." So, whether in this life or the life to come, Paul's greatest desire was to please the Lord.

Even though doing good things does not earn us justification before God (see note 8 at Rom. 5:20, p. 775), there are things that we can do, through His strength, that please the Lord. The following list of scriptures speaks of pleasing the Lord: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him" (Heb. 11:6). "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more"(1 Th. 4:1). "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight"(1 Jn. 3:22). "Even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God" (1 Th. 2:4). "Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord" (Col. 3:20).

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10). "Now the God of peace...make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight" (Heb. 13:20-21). "And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing" (1 Ki. 3:10). "But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God" (Phil. 4:18). "...He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord" (1 Cor. 7:32).