Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence
Summary
Sin once restricted access to God's presence. Jesus' sacrifice opened the way for believers to approach Him freely and confidently. God desires a personal relationship with us. He promises to draw near to those who sincerely seek Him. Through faith in Christ, we can approach God at any time. We bring our prayers, worries, and needs before Him. He welcomes us with grace, mercy, and love.
An Unapproachable Relationship
I once had a parishioner who disliked me so deeply that they made their position unmistakable: if I came through their front door, they would leave through the back.
Their displeasure showed at every worship service. While I preached, they kept their eyes lowered.
It troubled me, but I saw no way to change the situation. I understood their displeasure, yet in good conscience, I could not do what they wanted.
They were unapproachable. Yet after I left that church, the relationship mysteriously healed. While serving on our conference staff, I visited their home several times.
For years, I wanted a healthy relationship, but the feeling wasn’t mutual. That painful distance points to a deeper spiritual truth: God wants a relationship with us, yet we often resist Him because we fear surrendering control.
Limited Access Under the Old Covenant
Yet human resistance was not the only barrier to approaching God. Before Christ, even those who desired a relationship with Him could not enter His presence freely or confidently. Of all the Israelites, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, the most sacred part of the Tabernacle. He could enter it only once a year, on the Day of Atonement. Leviticus 16 explains how to enter the presence of a holy God without dying.
Because God is holy, the high priest bathed before putting on the sacred linen garments. He sacrificed a bull for his own sins and a goat for the sins of the people. He sent another goat into the wilderness. He carried burning coals and incense into the Holy of Holies. He sprinkled the bull’s and goat’s blood on the mercy seat as God prescribed. Every detail underscored both the seriousness of sin and the need for an acceptable sacrifice.
Jesus Opens the Way
These rituals were not the final answer. They pointed to Jesus, the just who sacrificed Himself for the unjust. Through repentance and faith in Him, we may freely enter the presence of a holy God by grace. Jesus replaced the veil between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. He gives us continual access to God.
God remains holy, but through Jesus we have immediate access to Him (Ephesians 2:18). We have access even Israel’s high priest did not have (Hebrews 10:19). The water of life is freely offered to all who receive Jesus and His payment for sin (Revelation 22:17).
God Invites Us Near
How deeply does our all-powerful Creator desire a relationship with us? He promises to be found by those who seek Him wholeheartedly (Jeremiah 29:13). He promises to draw near to those who draw near to Him (James 4:8). He promises to give rest to those who come to Jesus (Matthew 11:28).
God is near to all who call on Him (Psalm 145:18). We approach Him with broken, sincere, believing, and repentant hearts (Psalm 34:18), expressing our trust by speaking of His works (Psalm 73:28).
The Privilege of Prayer
God welcomes our prayers and listens attentively (1 Peter 3:12). We can entrust our worries to Him (Philippians 4:6). He hears every prayer aligned with His will (1 John 5:14). He answers in ways that reveal His greatness, advance His Kingdom, and bring Him glory (Psalm 50:15; Jeremiah 33:3).
Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence
A doctor or dentist may require an appointment, but through faith in Jesus, we approach God at any time, confident in Christ’s sacrifice and our access to grace (Romans 5:2).
God continually invites us to come. He welcomes us with the grace and mercy we need (Hebrews 4:16). He brings us into fellowship with Him (1 John 1:3). He makes His home with us (John 14:23). That is far better than a weekly religious appointment.
If you have received Jesus as Savior and Lord, approach God with confidence. Reach out to the One who is already reaching out to you.
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