Access to God (Part Two)

The last time we saw the means by which we could gain access to God.  This time we will see how this actually comes about. For example, when we go to a function, we are there because we were invited or when we attend a concert, it is because of interest.  What causes us to actually gain access to God?

On God's choosing - "Blessed is the man whom You choose and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts" (Psalm 65:4a)

Sinners commanded to seek - "Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; And to our God, for He will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:6, 7).

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:8).

With confidence - "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

With boldness - "...in Whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him" (Ephesians 3:12).

Results from reconciliation - "And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight" (Colossians 1:21, 22).

Open to Gentiles - And when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 4:27).

Experienced in Christ's priesthood - "...for the Law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.  And inasmuch as He was not made Priest without an oath (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said, "The Lord has sworn and will not relent, You are a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" by so much more Jesus has become a surety (guarantee) of a better covenant.  And there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.  But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.  Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:19-25).

Sought by God's people - "One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life to behold the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple" (Psalm 27:4).

Bold in prayer - We boldly approach the throne of grace where God sits so that we may obtain His mercy and find grace to help us in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

A blessing to be chosen - The man whom God chooses is blessed because He causes him to approach Him so that he could dwell in His courts (presence) (Psalm 65:4).

It is very clear that God wants us to come to Him, to seek Him.  Let us boldly and gladly draw near to Him everyday.