Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16)

Approaching the Holy

God is immanent. That means that while He is transcendent (outside of space and time) He is also active within His creation. God is also Holy. He is set apart in His sanctity and is immortal, dwelling in unapproachable light (1^st Timothy 6:16). He revealed His holy Person to the nation of Israel after He brought them out of their bondage of slavery by the Egyptians.

God's first revelation of His presence was to Moses in the burning bush. Over time as God revealed more of Himself to Moses He displayed a holiness that was powerful and unapproachable. The holiness of God was shown in the design of the Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting. God's presence filled a section of the tent with His Holy presence in a place called the Holy of Holies. Even the high priest was not allowed to enter that room except once a year to atone for the sins of the nation of Israel.

The way and means of approaching God now are different than it was under the priestly sacrificial system. Now through Christ the Holy of Holies has been opened to us (Matthew 27:51) giving us 'instant access' to God the Father through prayer, praise and worship. But we must never forget He has not changed at all in His holiness and perfection and must be approached with respect, reverence and awe.

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit communicate with believers through the 'quickening' of His Spirit to our spirits. God is still as real today in His love, interest, and interaction to us as He was to the children of Israel in Moses's day. The Law of Moses gave direction of how to approach a holy God through the offering of blood sacrifices for sins. It was a look forward to Christ being the complete and final sacrificial Lamb for sin and unrighteousness (Hebrews 10:1-18). For those of us who draw near to God through Christ we are sanctified and able to approach God instantly through the offering of His Son once for all perfecting for all time those who are being sanctified in Him. God has not changed in His power or holiness but is now approachable to all who come to Him in faith. In His holiness He gladly welcomes all who come to Him through His Son.

Ken