Coming to God

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Throughout human history, billions of people have looked for a higher being. Feeling an inner emptiness, some people have sought a spirit or idea that could give their lives meaning, purpose and comfort for what lies beyond the grave. Other people have a sense that we are surrounded by superior but unknown beings and attempt to contact them in trances or by other means. Such attempts to find God fail because He alone can show us how to come to Him.

In the past God made His purposes known to those who came to Him by faith. Abraham and his offspring had a relationship with God. As a result of that relationship, God was with the Children of Israel. His glory dwelt in the temple in Jerusalem for many years. Tens of thousands of people came to the temple every year hoping to approach God. However, even for these favoured people, God remained separate. He limited his physical presence to the innermost and most holy part of the temple that was separated from the rest of the temple by a heavy curtain. Gentiles were barred from the temple courts, and Jewish women could not approach beyond the court of the women. Even the priests were forbidden to enter the most holy place where the presence of God dwelt.

God’s intent was for people to enjoy His presence. Nearly 2000 years ago, a new way of access to God was opened through the Lord Jesus Christ when He rose from the dead and went back to Heaven. No longer does God confine Himself to a building or a city. He is accessible to all those who come to Him by faith. This way is not restricted to any nationality, gender or social class but is open to all who “believe that He (God) is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh” (Hebrews 10:19,20). The priests serving in the temple on the day of Christ’s crucifixion were some of the first to see evidence of the new and living way to God. They saw and heard the curtain that separated them from the holy place tear from the top to the bottom, as God showed them this was no longer the way to access His presence. (Luke 23:45).

Sin is the barrier for people wanting to come into God’s presence. Our sin must first be removed. On the cross at Calvary, the Lord Jesus experienced God’s judgment for the sin of the world. Through this sacrifice, God has removed every barrier that could prevent anyone from coming to Him. However, this new way of access will be of no value to you unless you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Have you come to God through the Lord Jesus Christ? He claimed “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). When you accept Him as your Saviour, He will enable you to know and serve His Father, God. You will have a personal relationship with Him that is meaningful. You will have a clear purpose for living and He will comfort you on your path.

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