19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV)
We are relational beings. God Himself—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is a relational being; and He made us like Himself in that way. We were meant to have relationships with each other and with God. When those relationships are strong, they enhance our lives. When they’re weak, something vital is missing.
When we think of relationships, most of us think first of our relationships with other people—family, friends, co-workers, etc. But, our relationship with God is more important than even our closest human relationships . . . or at least it ought to be.
In Hebrews 10:19-22 the author writes about one of the most foundational aspects of our relationship with God. He tells us that we can, and should, “draw near to God” with complete confidence that He will receive us with open arms. We don’t need to fear that He will reject us. Why? Because of what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross and rose again. He sacrificed Himself to pay for our sins, and in so doing He opened the way to God for us. Our sins no longer have to stand between us and God. We can have complete, unhindered access to God because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
As you begin each day this week, draw near to God. Take a few minutes to pray. Thank God for the blessings He’s given to you. If you’re aware of any sin in your life, confess it to Him. Bring your concerns to Him. Don’t hesitate to approach Him. Because of Christ’s sacrifice for you, you can be sure that God will welcome you when you draw near to Him.