Four Ways to Draw Near to God
From The HeartPublish date: 08/02/2015
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:19-23 KJV
We draw near to God:
1. By boldness:
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. Hebrews 10:19
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 KJV
We can come boldly into the Father’s presence – the throne of grace – because of Jesus and His righteousness. He has made us worthy to come into His presence. If we understand the perfect righteousness that has been made ours, then we can come in boldly. If we try to come in timidly, we may as well not come in at all. You come – not based on your righteousness – but on His.
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 1 John 4:17-19 KJV
Even on the Day of Judgment, we can have boldness because we know that our sins are washed away, and we stand righteous before him, because of the love of God for us through Jesus.
2. By the blood of Jesus:
“…to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus…” Hebrews 10:19
The only way we can come anywhere near to God is by and through the blood of Jesus.
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Colossians 1:20-21 KJV
Jesus’ blood made peace between God and man and reconciled us to Himself.
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Hebrews 12:24-25 KJV
He is the mediator of the New Covenant established through the shedding of His blood.
3. By a new and living way:
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh. Hebrews 10:20
It’s a new way – a New Covenant – and because He is alive forever – a living way.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 KJV
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. Galatians 6:15 KJV
Sin cannot stand in the presence of God. When we receive Jesus, He gives us a brand new heart and makes us a new creature. Now we can come into His presence, the righteousness of God in Christ.
4. By the high priesthood of Christ.
“And having an high priest over the house of God…” Hebrews 10:21
Under the Old Covenant, the only way into the presence of God was through the high priest. Under the New Covenant, Jesus is our High Priest forever. We must come through Him to the Father.
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17 KJV
He is a merciful and faithful High Priest – showing mercy – not judgment. Anyone, who comes to Him, can be reconciled to God.
See Hebrews 4:14-16 above
Jesus was in all points tempted like as we are – He went through everything we go through, yet He did not give in to sin or temptation. Only a sinless man could go to the Cross on our behalf. He knows exactly what we go through, He understands, and He has made a way to the Father for us – through His blood. We can come to Him, not on the basis of our good works (because none are good enough), but on the basis of what He did for us.
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:11-12 KJV
We have the right to come into God’s presence and stay there – eternally – because our High Priest – Jesus - obtained that redemption for us.