6636 drawing near to God

Under the old covenant, coming near to God was closely linked with the sacrificial system, but under the new covenant Jesus Christ’s sacrifice has given believers free access into God’s presence.

Drawing near to God under the old covenant

Access to God was restricted Ex 24:1-2 See also Ex 19:20-24; Ex 20:18-19; Lev 21:21; Dt 5:22-27; Ps 65:4

Priests drew near to God in order to minister to him Eze 44:15 See also Lev 10:1-3; Eze 40:46; Eze 42:13; Eze 43:19; Eze 45:4

The people drew near to God to offer worship Lev 15:13-15 See also Lev 9:1-5; Ps 96:8; Ps 100:2-4; Mic 6:6-8

Drawing near to God under the new covenant

Heb 10:19-22 See also 1Co 8:8; Heb 7:11-19; Heb 10:1-10

God prompts his people to draw near to him

Isa 55:1-3 See also Isa 55:6-7; Jer 3:21-4:2

Some refuse to draw near to God

Zep 3:2 See also Jer 2:30-31

All people will ultimately draw near to God

Israel Jer 31:6 See also Jer 30:21-22; Hos 3:4-5

All nations Isa 66:22-23

God draws near to those who draw near to him

Jas 4:8 See also Ps 145:18; Jer 3:22; Jer 30:21-22; Zec 1:3; Mal 3:7; Heb 7:19

See also