The Father To Whom You Pray

Is Approachable

When Jesus died on the cross for your sin, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom (Mark 15:38).

“[T]he Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. It [was] symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience—— [concerned] only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation. But Christ came [as] High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation” (Hebrews 9:8-11 NKJV).

Oh, what a blessed time is this. No longer must we have another man do our bidding for us. We have become priests by faith in Christ (1 Peter 2:9). God says to us, “. . . come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV).

Therefore, come boldly when you have made a mess of things. Confess your sins to the Father through Jesus His son and receive His grace. Will you stand afar when the veil has been rent? “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NKJV).

Clearly, sin causes us to fear for we know the end of it is death, but when we fear, love has not been perfected in us. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18 NKJV). “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him” (1 John 2:5 NKJV).

So what does it mean to keep His word? We can be sure John is not talking about perfection, but rather reverence and love of the Word. This does not mean one should have confidence in his salvation if he only wants to do right but never does so. No, it means that he so loves God and His law that any violation of it drives him to the mercy seat in prayer and confession. Grieved by his sin, ashamed of his waywardness, he cries out to God in faith; confessing his sins and trusting in the grace of an approachable Father.

Beloved, the devil will accuse you, lie to you, and tell you that God will never have anything to do with you again. Don’t believe that old serpent. God is approachable because Jesus tore the veil wide open and made a way for you to enter. He became your sacrifice, your propitiation and when you come by faith, confessing your sins, God hears you.

David exemplifies this after Nathan confronted him over his terrible sin with Bathsheba. He cries out, “Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin [is] always before me” (Psalms 51:1-3 NKJV).

Then, near the end of his prayer, he says something very important. From this, we understand God’s grace, and what God desires most of all in His children: “For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give [it]; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, You will not despise” (Psalms 51:16-17 NKJV).

If you have been avoiding prayer because you don’t feel worthy, understand that God is approachable when we humble ourselves, when we have a broken and contrite spirit, and confess our sins. He does not hold us at arm’s length, but bids we come boldly to the throne of grace. Won’t you come to Him today?