Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of "approaching" often signifies drawing near to God, both physically and spiritually. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of seeking a closer relationship with the Divine, as well as the conditions and attitudes necessary for such an approach.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of approaching God is frequently associated with the tabernacle and temple worship. The Israelites were given specific instructions on how to approach God, particularly through the sacrificial system. Leviticus 9:7 states, "Then Moses said to Aaron, 'Approach the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering, making atonement for yourself and the people.'" This highlights the necessity of atonement and purification before coming near to God. The Psalms also reflect the desire to approach God with a pure heart. Psalm 24:3-4 asks, "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully." This passage underscores the moral and spiritual prerequisites for approaching God. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of approaching God takes on a more personal and direct dimension through 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 highlights the newfound access to God made possible through Christ's atoning work, allowing believers to come boldly before God. The Gospels also depict individuals approaching Jesus with faith and humility. In Mark 5:25-34 , a woman suffering from a bleeding condition approaches Jesus in a crowd, believing that touching His garment would heal her. Her faith and action exemplify the personal approach to Christ that results in healing and restoration. Spiritual Implications Approaching God is not merely a physical act but involves a heart posture of reverence, humility, and faith. James 4:8 exhorts, "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 repentance and purity is essential for those seeking a closer relationship with God. The act of approaching God is also linked to prayer and worship. In Matthew 6:9 , Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name." This model prayer begins with an acknowledgment of God's holiness and a desire to approach Him with reverence. Conclusion The biblical theme of approaching God is rich with theological significance, emphasizing the need for atonement, purity, and faith. Through Christ, believers are granted direct access to God, inviting them to draw near with confidence and sincerity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Approach.2. (n.) The act of ingrafting a sprig or shoot of one tree into another, without cutting it from the parent stock; -- called, also, inarching and grafting by approach. Greek 1967. epiousios -- for the coming day, for subsistence ... day. [1967 () is cognate with 1966 , "the next day," "the following (approaching) day," "the coming day," see the dictionary.]. 1967 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1967.htm - 7k 2428. hiketeria -- supplication 3134. marana tha -- (our) Lord, come! 4334. proserchomai -- to approach, to draw near 4845. sumpleroo -- to fill up completely, hence to fulfill 4317. prosago -- to bring or lead to 1783. enteuxis -- a petition, ie spec. supplication 1448. eggizo -- to make near, refl. to come near 4137. pleroo -- to make full, to complete Strong's Hebrew 7131. qareb -- approaching... 7130, 7131. qareb. 7132 . approaching. Transliteration: qareb Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-rabe') Short Definition: near. Word Origin ... /hebrew/7131.htm - 6k 7132. qirbah -- an approach 7126. qarab -- to come near, approach Library Approaching Land. Approaching Doom An Approaching Recognition. The Armies Thus Approaching Each Other, Seemed on the Eve of a ... The Day Now Approaching Whereon She was to Depart this Life which ... But what a Spectacle is that Fast-Approaching Advent of Our Lord.. ... And Then the Future Captivity under an Oppressive King is ... Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ... Conclusion Contrast Between the Statements of Hermogenes and the ... Curious views Respecting God's Method of Working with Matter ... Thesaurus Approaching (24 Occurrences)...Approaching (24 Occurrences). ... (See NAS). Luke 22:1 Meanwhile the Festival of the Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, (WEY NAS NIV). ... /a/approaching.htm - 13k Jewish (49 Occurrences) Festival (62 Occurrences) Alarm (26 Occurrences) Nahum (3 Occurrences) Appropriate (19 Occurrences) Version Zoology Nathanael (6 Occurrences) Naioth (5 Occurrences) Resources What signs indicate that the end times are approaching? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about the End Times (All) | GotQuestions.org How much of a role should media have in worship services? | GotQuestions.org Approaching: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Approaching (24 Occurrences)Luke 9:42 Luke 9:51 Luke 18:35 Luke 22:1 Luke 23:54 John 1:47 John 2:13 John 6:19 John 7:2 Acts 7:17 Acts 7:23 Acts 9:3 Acts 10:9 Acts 22:6 Acts 27:27 Hebrews 10:25 1 John 5:14 Genesis 24:63 Genesis 27:41 Leviticus 18:14 Deuteronomy 20:2 Deuteronomy 20:3 2 Kings 9:17 Isaiah 58:2 Subtopics Related Terms |