Introduction

Approaching God is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting the relationship between humanity and the divine. The Bible provides numerous insights into how believers can draw near to God, emphasizing reverence, faith, and obedience. This entry explores the biblical foundations and principles for approaching God, drawing from various scriptural passages.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, approaching God was often associated with the tabernacle and later the temple, where God's presence dwelt among His people. The Israelites were instructed to approach God with reverence and through prescribed rituals. Leviticus 10:3 states, "By those who come near Me, I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored." This underscores the holiness required in approaching God.

The role of the priesthood was crucial, as priests acted as mediators between God and the people. The high priest, in particular, had the unique privilege of entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16). This act symbolized the need for purification and atonement in approaching a holy God.

New Testament Revelation

With the advent of Jesus Christ, the New Testament reveals a transformative approach to God. Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, provides believers direct access to God. 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 passage highlights the confidence and assurance believers have in approaching God through Christ.

The tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death (Matthew 27:51) symbolizes the removal of barriers between God and humanity. Through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are invited to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:22).

Principles for Approaching God

1. Faith and Belief: Faith is fundamental in approaching God. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith in God's existence and His promises is essential.

2. Repentance and Humility: Approaching God requires a heart of repentance and humility. James 4:8-10 exhorts, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you."

3. Prayer and Worship: Prayer is a primary means of approaching God. Philippians 4:6 encourages believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Worship, both individual and corporate, is also a vital expression of drawing near to God.

4. Obedience and Holiness: Living a life of obedience and holiness is crucial in maintaining a close relationship with God. 1 Peter 1:15-16 instructs, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

Conclusion

The Bible provides a comprehensive understanding of how believers can approach God, emphasizing the importance of faith, repentance, prayer, and holiness. Through Jesus Christ, the barriers to God's presence have been removed, allowing believers to draw near with confidence and assurance.Jeremiah 29:13
And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.
Topicalbible.org

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Topicalbible.org

1783. enteuxis -- a petition, ie spec. supplication
... lit: approaching the king, hence a technical term), a petition, prayer, intercession.
Cognate: 1783 -- properly, ( which literally " mark"); led by God, ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1783.htm - 8k

1967. epiousios -- for the coming day, for subsistence
... following (approaching) day," "the coming day," see the dictionary.]. 1967 ("aptly
substantive") only occurs in the Lord's Prayer. It refers to God's provision ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1967.htm - 7k

The Shortest Way to God.
... Here in the fifth chapter:[16] "If thou are coming to the altar""that is approaching
God; what we call prayer""and rememberest that thy brother hath aught ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the shortest way to god.htm

The Armies Thus Approaching Each Other, Seemed on the Eve of a ...
... The armies thus approaching each other, seemed on the eve of a battle. ... immediately,
and with his whole army to put up a prayer to the Supreme God, and assuring ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xlvi the armies thus.htm

Curious views Respecting God's Method of Working with Matter ...
... Then, of course, [6590] it was by appearing and approaching to Matter that God made
the world, and He made it when He appeared and when He approached to it. ...
/.../tertullian/against hermogenes/chapter xliv curious views respecting gods.htm

Approaching Doom
... The first years of Jehoiakim's reign were filled with warnings of approaching doom. ...
the king of Babylon was to be used as the instrument of God's wrath upon ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 35 approaching doom.htm

Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ...
... Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and His Approaching Passion. ...
was one which sought the honor of men, and feared men rather than God. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lii concerning hypocrisy worldly anxiety.htm

Wherein Our Justification Before God Consists...
... This is sufficient to cover all our iniquities, and to give us confidence in
approaching to God; freeing the conscience of fear, terror, and dread, without ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xxiii wherein our justification.htm

The General Service to one Hierarch.
... Having reached the topof the ladder of divine understanding and approaching God
as one who hath obtained the gift of adoption, thou dost heal incurable ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter x the general service.htm

No Condemnation
... too often"that, whatever be the differences between the Old and the New, this is
not the difference, that they present two different ways of approaching God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/no condemnation.htm

Conclusion Contrast Between the Statements of Hermogenes and the ...
... But it is not thus that the prophets and the apostles have told us that the
world was made by God merely appearing and approaching Matter. ...
/.../tertullian/against hermogenes/chapter xlv conclusion contrast between the.htm

How Should we Make Use of Christ, in Going to the Father, in ...
... called to act faith on Christ as the Mediator making reconciliation between God
and sinners; and when Satan is dissuading from approaching to God, because of ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxix how should we.htm

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