By His death on the cross, Jesus made possible the forgiveness of sins, and consequently, we are no longer the objects of God’s wrath (Rom. 5:9). Yet, as wonderful as being justified by the blood of Jesus may be, we need more than this. We need the kind of close relationship that existed between God and Adam before the fall, but if a close relationship is to exist between God and ourselves, we must understand who God is and feel confident in approaching Him.
When we consider the nature of God, as revealed in the Bible and creation, we see One with unlimited power, wisdom, and holiness. One who is the creator of all things, sustainer of all things, and knower of all things. One who is eternal, immortal, and invisible (Jer. 23:23-24). In contrast, we are mortal and limited in knowledge. We are the created ones and sustained by Him (Acts 17:24-28). Therefore, the difference between God and us is so great that it ought to overwhelm us with amazement (Ps. 139:1-12). In fact, in the Scriptures, whenever man came close to approaching God in His Glory, it was terrifying! (Ex. 3:6; 20:18-21; Heb. 10:31). Therefore, how can we hope to comprehend God and approach Him in a close relationship during this life? Jesus is our Way to do so!
He does this, first, by helping us comprehend God. John wrote in his gospel that Jesus manifested God to us (John 1:18). He is the only One who has truly seen Him (John 6:46), and He is God Himself! (John 1:1-2, 14). Therefore, it is in seeing Jesus that we can comprehend the Father (John 14:7; Col. 2:9). Additionally, as the propitiation for our sins, Jesus made it possible for us to approach a supremely holy and just God (1 John 2:1-2; 4:10), This is because He is our High Priest in heaven (Heb. 4:4). One who is both God and man, He fully understands our difficulties (Heb. 4:15), and consequently, Jesus makes it possible for us to approach God with great confidence (Heb. 4:16).
Yes, through Jesus, we can both comprehend God and approach Him, making it possible to have a close relationship with our Heavenly Father. Therefore, we are able to have a special relationship with Him. We are His children (Gal. 3:26; 1 Tim. 3:15), His temple (2 Cor. 6:16; Ex. 29:45), and we serve as His special people (1 Pet 2:5, 9-10).
-John Garza