Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "approach" often refers to the act of drawing near to God, both physically and spiritually. This concept is central to the relationship between God and humanity, as it encompasses themes of worship, prayer, and the pursuit of holiness.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of approaching God is closely tied to the tabernacle and temple worship. The Israelites were given specific instructions on how to approach God, emphasizing the need for holiness and reverence. In Exodus 19:22, the Lord instructs Moses, "Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them." This highlights the sanctity required to come near to God. The Levitical laws further elaborate on the conditions necessary for approaching God. Leviticus 21:17-23 outlines the physical and ceremonial purity required of the priests who serve in the temple, underscoring the holiness of God and the need for purity in His presence. New Testament Context The New Testament expands on the concept of approaching God through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This verse signifies a shift from the Old Testament restrictions, as believers are now invited to draw near to God with confidence through faith in Christ. Jesus Himself is portrayed as the mediator who enables this approach. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This underscores the belief that access to God is made possible through Jesus, who bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. Spiritual Implications Approaching God is not merely a physical act but a spiritual journey that involves repentance, faith, and obedience. James 4:8 exhorts believers, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This call to draw near is accompanied by a call to moral and spiritual purity, reflecting the transformative nature of a relationship with God. Prayer is a primary means by which believers approach God. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Through prayer, believers are invited to bring their concerns and praises before God, fostering a closer relationship with Him. Worship and Community Corporate worship is another significant aspect of approaching God. Hebrews 10:22-25 emphasizes the importance of gathering together as a community of believers to draw near to God: "Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith... not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another." In summary, the biblical concept of approach involves a reverent and sincere drawing near to God, facilitated by the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, and expressed through personal devotion, prayer, and communal worship. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To come or go near, in place or time; to draw nigh; to advance nearer.2. (v. i.) To draw near, in a figurative sense; to make advances; to approximate; as, he approaches to the character of the ablest statesman. 3. (v. t.) To bring near; to cause to draw near; to advance. 4. (v. t.) To come near to in place, time, or character; to draw nearer to; as, to approach the city; to approach my cabin; he approached the age of manhood. 5. (v. t.) To take approaches to. 6. (n.) The act of drawing near; a coming or advancing near. 7. (n.) A access, or opportunity of drawing near. 8. (v. i.) Movements to gain favor; advances. 9. (n.) A way, passage, or avenue by which a place or buildings can be approached; an access. 10. (n.) The advanced works, trenches, or covered roads made by besiegers in their advances toward a fortress or military post. Greek 4334. proserchomai -- to approach, to draw near ... to approach, to draw near. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: proserchomai Phonetic Spelling: (pros-er'-khom-ahee) Short Definition: I come near, consent to ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4334.htm - 8k 1448. eggizo -- to make near, refl. to come near 4365. prosporeuomai -- to come near 4317. prosago -- to bring or lead to 4331. proseggizo -- come nigh. 4330. proseao -- to permit further 676. aprositos -- unapproachable 4318. prosagoge -- a bringing to 952. bebelos -- permitted to be trodden, by impl. unhallowed 2827. klino -- to cause to bend Strong's Hebrew 7126. qarab -- to come near, approach... 7125, 7126. qarab. 7127 . to come near, approach. Transliteration: qarab Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-rab') Short Definition: offer. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7126.htm - 6k 5066. nagash -- to draw near, approach 7127. qereb -- to approach 8387. Taanath Shiloh -- perhaps "approach to Shiloh," a city of ... 7132. qirbah -- an approach 7131. qareb -- approaching 7138. qarob -- near 579. anah -- to be opportune, to meet, encounter opportunely 6293. paga -- to meet, encounter, reach 5927. alah -- to go up, ascend, climb Library February the Second How to Approach a Crisis Whether to Approach this Sacrament with Consciousness of Sin is ... Messiah! at Thy Glad Approach Approach, My Soul, the Mercy-Seat Approach, My Soul, the Mercy-Seat At the Approach of Death. Where Wisdom is to be Found; Why Pythagoras and Plato did not ... The Divine Scriptures Plainly Teach us as Follows, "Thou Shalt not ... The Removal of Our Children by Such Awful Strokes May Warn us of ... That the Unskilful Venture not to Approach an Office of Authority. Thesaurus Approach (56 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To come near to in place, time, or character; to draw nearer to; as, to approach the city; to approach my cabin; he approached the age of manhood. ... /a/approach.htm - 24k Access (9 Occurrences) Approaching (24 Occurrences) Uncover (35 Occurrences) Dawning (11 Occurrences) Dawn (70 Occurrences) Meet (281 Occurrences) Come Nakedness (50 Occurrences) Near (3455 Occurrences) Resources What is the bad news / good news approach to sharing the gospel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the relationship of faith, works, and security in salvation? | GotQuestions.org What is Aristotelianism? | GotQuestions.org Approach: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Approach (56 Occurrences)Acts 8:29 Ephesians 3:12 1 Timothy 6:16 Hebrews 4:16 Hebrews 7:25 Hebrews 10:1 Genesis 23:8 Exodus 3:5 Exodus 19:22 Exodus 24:2 Exodus 24:14 Exodus 28:43 Exodus 30:20 Leviticus 10:3 Leviticus 18:6 Leviticus 18:14 Leviticus 18:19 Leviticus 20:16 Leviticus 21:11 Leviticus 21:17 Leviticus 21:18 Leviticus 21:23 Numbers 4:19 Deuteronomy 2:19 Deuteronomy 2:37 Deuteronomy 20:2 Deuteronomy 20:3 Deuteronomy 20:10 Deuteronomy 31:14 Joshua 8:5 Judges 19:13 Judges 19:25 1 Samuel 10:5 Job 31:37 Job 36:33 Job 40:19 Job 41:13 Psalms 46:5 Psalms 65:4 Psalms 91:7 Ecclesiastes 12:1 Isaiah 5:19 Isaiah 41:1 Isaiah 41:5 Jeremiah 30:21 Jeremiah 37:11 Lamentations 2:3 Ezekiel 18:6 Ezekiel 40:46 Ezekiel 42:13 Ezekiel 42:14 Ezekiel 43:19 Ezekiel 44:15 Ezekiel 44:16 Ezekiel 45:4 Hosea 7:6 Subtopics Related Terms Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Ramoth-gilead (20 Occurrences) |