Scripture says that a person draws near to God through Jesus Christ: His blood has opened the way to God. James calls us to draw near to God through submission, repentance, and cleansing of the heart, while the author of Hebrews urges us to approach with a sincere heart and full faith, without neglecting fellowship with believers.
What Does the Bible Say About This?
- Jesus says that the only way to the Father is through Him (John 14:6); those who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13).
- Believers can approach the throne of grace with confidence because Jesus is the great High Priest, able to sympathize with us (Heb. 4:14–16; 10:19–22).
- James connects drawing near to God with submitting to God, cleansing our hands and hearts, repentance, and humility (James 4:7–10).
- The Lord is near to all who call on Him in truth (Ps. 145:18); the psalmist calls drawing near to God good (Ps. 73:28).
- We should approach with a sincere heart and full faith, without neglecting the gathering of believers (Heb. 10:22–25).
- Application: The Word of God, prayer, and fellowship in the Church are the ordinary ways Scripture speaks of; it does not promise specific experiences of “closeness.”
The brief answer was prepared by the editorial team; the Scripture texts are from the “Father’s Blessing” Bible.
Key Scripture Passages
8 Scripture Passages · Father’s Blessing Bible
John 14:6
Jesus said to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.
James 4:7–10
7 Therefore submit to God; resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you; cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
Hebrews 4:14–16
14 Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to our confession. our 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who, like us, was tempted in every way, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for timely help.
Hebrews 10:19–22
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus Christ, by a new and living way, 20 which He opened for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a great Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water,
Hebrews 10:24–25
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Psalm 145:18
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.
Psalm 73:28
But it is good for me to draw near to God! I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may declare all Your works [in the gates of the daughter of Zion].
Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
