Approach!

Approach!

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Life must have been pretty difficult under the old testament. Atonement for sin became a regular ritual, yet could not deal with the root cause of sin. Even the channels that used for this atonement were not perfect; a man, called the high priest, would take the blood of bulls or goats, and first offer this for his own sin, then offer another for the sin of the people. He had to do this every year for the lifetime of his priesthood. The place of the Holy of Holies, where the ark of God rested, signifying His presence, could not be entered into at will, but only on specific days, and by specific people for specific reasons. This was the place that represented Holiness, and men died if they treated that privilege of access with contempt. I wonder what it is about this present generation that thinks a new covenant negates the need for holiness when dealing with God. 

With the new covenant, a new path has been laid out for us, to enable us gain access to the presence of the Holy God. It is still the same God, but now with the dispensation of grace, and the free gift of mercy leading to salvation, we have new terms and conditions. Please note that nothing has changed, reduced or eliminated the nature and expectations of God for us; He has only provided us with new ways to access Him directly, without having to depend on mortal men who made mistakes themselves and needed help. This help is represented by the person of Jesus Christ Himself, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. He went into the Holy of Holies himself, and brought us into the presence of God, so we could see the image of the glory that is at stake, and we can make up our minds on the appropriate response. What would your response be? What would mine be? 

He has done all He can, and He continues to do all He can to secure the benefits that come from God's presence for me. He has given me access to the throne of grace. It is a place of power, authority, influence and integrity. It is a place where that which is on offer is secured by the greatest power in the world. God will not promise that which He cannot give, and he will also not sustain that which he did not originate. If He makes the promise, He stakes his name, reputation and integrity on the promise being fulfilled. God has done all He can, preparing a table for me, and He invites me to come, sit down, rest and enjoy all He has provided. Oh yes, there will be work and labour involved, but it comes with a heart that is settled, at rest, and looking forward to all that God has sealed. Whatever the need may be, no matter how complex or multifaceted, the grace of God is sufficient. What are you waiting for? I simply come, as asked, and I take of all that Jesus has secured for me. God's time of favour is here.