“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Hebrews 10:22

We have been invited into a close relationship with God, to seek His presence, follow His guidance, and grow in intimacy with Him. Drawing near God involves intentionally setting aside time for prayer and studying His Word, allowing His presence to influence and transform our lives. Ultimately, drawing near to God is a continual process of growing in knowledge and love for Him, deepening our understanding of His character and will, and seeking to align our life with His purposes.

Because of Jesus Christ’s work on the cross, we now have the privilege to draw near to God. Throughout Scripture, drawing near to God is often associated with worship, prayer, and obedience. For example, James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” This verse emphasizes that approaching God requires both repentance and a desire for righteousness.

Hebrews 10 urges us to approach God with sincerity and confidence in our faith, having been cleansed both inwardly and outwardly. We are to approach God with a “true heart,” which emphasizes the importance of genuine devotion and not just outward actions or rituals. The phrase “full assurance of faith” indicates that, as followers of Jesus, we can approach God confidently, knowing that we have been forgiven and made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. The “sprinkling” and “washing” imagery refers to the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood and the purifying work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

3 Ways We Can Draw Near To God

Drawing near to God means trusting God’s sovereignty

Trusting God’s sovereignty is crucial for growing closer to God. Knowing that God is ultimately in control of all things and has authority over everything brings comfort and peace, especially during difficult times when things seem out of control. We can have faith and confidence that everything that happens is ultimately part of His plan. This involves having the assurance that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Trusting in God’s sovereignty requires surrendering control, knowing that God is in control and that His plan is ultimately for our benefit and His glory.

To be near to God means we can have total confidence that He always keeps His promise. We can also have full assurance that He will provide for all our needs. Trusting in God’s promises and provision also involves an active faith that seeks to align our desires and actions with His will, knowing that His plans for us are good and perfect.

Ultimately, drawing near to God and trusting in His sovereignty will bring a sense of purpose and direction to our lives, as we seek to follow God’s will and live according to His plan.

Drawing near to God means seeking truth from His Word

Seeking truth from God’s Word is a crucial component of growing closer to God. The Bible is our primary source of truth, and it provides guidance, wisdom, and inspiration for living a life pleasing to God. Seeking truth from God’s Word involves reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible with a desire to know God more intimately and to understand His will for our lives.

Applying the teachings and principles found in the Bible to our daily lives and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding God’s Word is essential. Simply saying we want to draw near to God is not enough; we must also obey what He has written in Scripture. Claiming to desire closeness with God while disregarding His Word reveals a lack of true willingness to draw near to Him.

Seeking truth from God’s Word can bring clarity and purpose to our lives, as we learn more about God’s character and His plan for the world. It can also bring a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that God’s Word is trustworthy and reliable, and that we can rely on it for guidance and direction. Ultimately, seeking truth from God’s Word is a vital component of drawing near to God, and it can bring a deeper sense of intimacy and connection with Him.

Drawing near to God means desiring personal holiness

The salvation that we receive through Jesus’ blood is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires daily confession and repentance, which are essential for our personal holiness. As the apostle John reminds us, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness allows us to maintain a close relationship with God and to continue growing in our faith. It is only through Jesus’ blood that we are able to receive forgiveness and be made clean. As we continually come back to the cleansing power of His blood, we are reminded of His love and grace, and we are empowered to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Therefore, drawing near to God is a journey that requires a desire for personal holiness. Holiness is an essential characteristic of God, and as we draw closer to Him, we become more like Him. Seeking personal holiness involves a commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God, and this requires a willingness to let go of habits and behaviors that are contrary to His will.

It means striving to live a life that is marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Pursuing personal holiness also involves a humble recognition of our own weaknesses and dependence on God’s grace and mercy.

As we draw near to God and seek personal holiness, we develop a deeper understanding of His character and His plan for our lives. This can lead to a sense of purpose and fulfillment as we seek to honor God in all that we do. Ultimately, drawing near to God and desiring personal holiness is a lifelong process that requires continual surrender to His will and an ongoing commitment to grow in our relationship with Him.