Go! And Come Near to the God Who Came Near to Us - Hebrews 1:1-3
Why does God in the New Testament appear to be more approachable than in the Old Testament?
Hebrews 1:1–3 (NLT): "Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honour at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven."
Introduction: The Question of Approachability
People often say, "The God of the Old Testament seems angry and distant, but the God of the New Testament seems loving and close."
The truth is, God never changed. His character has always been holy, righteous, merciful, and loving. What changed was our access to Him—and that change came through Jesus Christ.
Today we explore this: Go! And Come Near to the God Who Came Near to Us.
We will see that the unchanging God of Scripture was always working to draw people near, but it is through Jesus that we can now come boldly into His presence.
1. God’s Holiness Has Always Required Distance (Old Testament Context)
Let’s begin by understanding why God seemed less approachable in the Old Testament.
Exodus 33:20 (NLT): "No one may see me and live."
When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God said he could only see His back.
God’s holiness—Hebrew: ???? (qadosh)—means He is completely separate from sin. Sinful humans could not stand in His full presence.
Exodus 20:18 (NLT): "When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear."
God is no less holy today, but through Christ, He has made a way for us to approach Him.
We must never treat God casually or lightly. His holiness remains perfect.
John Piper: "God’s holiness is not a barrier to love, but the foundation of it."
Piper reminds us that love without holiness is empty. God’s justice makes His mercy all the more amazing.
2. God Was Always Reaching Out (Consistent Mercy in the Old Testament)
Though God was revered with awe in the Old Testament, His mercy was always evident.
Exodus 34:6 (NLT): "The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, 'Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.'"
Psalm 145:18 (NLT): "The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth."
??? (racham) – mercy, compassion from the depths of the womb. God’s mercy is tender, personal, deep.
Don’t skip the Old Testament. It is rich with God’s kindness, covenant love, and patience.
Max Lucado: "The Old Testament is the story of God's patience with stubborn people. The New Testament is the story of how He saves them forever."
3. Jesus Makes God Approachable (God With Us)
Jesus is the turning point of history. He is Emmanuel—God with us.
John 1:14 (NLT): "So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness."
Colossians 1:15 (NLT): "Christ is the visible image of the invisible God."
"Made His home" — s????? (skenóo) — literally means "to pitch a tent." Jesus tabernacled among us. He replaced the temple. He brought God near.
In Christ, we don’t approach a mountain with smoke and fire, but a throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). That is approachable majesty.
Charles Stanley: "Jesus is God spelling Himself out in a language we can understand."
Jesus didn’t make God softer—He made God visible. He is the door to the holy.
4. Jesus Gave His Life to Bring Us Near (The Gospel)
Why can we now come near? Because Jesus paid the price of access.
Ephesians 2:13 (NLT): "But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ."
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT): "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."
Gospel Presentation:
Jesus lived a sinless life.
He died in your place on the cross.
He was buried, and on the third day, He rose again.
Through Him, we are justified, forgiven, and adopted into God’s family.
Tim Keller: "The cross is the moment when God made Himself most approachable—by giving up everything to draw near to us."
5. Our Response: Repent, Believe, and Draw Near
Jesus invites you:
Matthew 11:28 (NLT): "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Hebrews 4:16 (NLT): "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
Application:
You are not too sinful. You are not too far gone. Jesus has opened the way. Come near.
The Open Door
A young girl was scared to knock on the principal’s door. But the principal’s daughter walked right in. Why? Because she was family. In Christ, we are children of God. The door is open.
The Surgeon and the Father
A heart surgeon paused mid-surgery and said to the intern, "Now I will touch the part of this man that God alone can touch—his soul." Christ touches the soul. He doesn't just repair, He restores.
Call to Action:
Do you feel distant from God? Come near.
Are you saved but struggling? Draw close again.
Are you burdened for others? Lead them to the throne of grace.
Proclaim the God who came near through your words and witness.
Invitation to Salvation:
Friend, Jesus did not die to be admired. He died and rose to be your Saviour and Lord.
Today, will you come near to God by trusting in Jesus?
Pray:
"Lord Jesus, I confess my sin. I believe You died for me and rose again. I receive Your forgiveness. I surrender my life to You. Be my Lord, my Saviour, my King. Amen."
Benediction:
May the God who thundered from Sinai and walked the shores of Galilee bless you and keep you. May Jesus Christ, the One who brought heaven near, strengthen your heart to draw near in worship, in witness, and in wonder. Go! And come near to the God who came near to you.
