Close to God

Something to Think About

By Manuel Davis

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far

off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

— Ephesians 2:13

Reflection

Regardless of what our lives may look like on the outside, we all start at the same place: separated from God.

No matter the background, status, appearance,

accomplishments, failures, or personal story, humanity shares the same condition. Sin created distance between God and man.

But through Jesus Christ, we have been given the

opportunity to be brought close to God.

That invitation is real.

The preaching of the Gospel is real.

The love of God is real.

Reconciliation is real.

And separation from God is real.

Creation Responds

One thing that stands out to me is how creation responds naturally to God.

The animals depend on Him. Scripture says God feeds both prey and predator.

The birds sing.

The trees stretch upward.

The lilies of the field are clothed in beauty and splendor though they are here today and gone tomorrow.

Creation responds to its Creator.

“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.” — Psalm 150:6

Even the devil and demons believe in the existence and power of God.

“The devils also believe, and tremble.” — James 2:19

Yet mankind, blinded by sin, lies, pride, pain, and deception, struggles to believe.

Reconciliation Through Christ

Still… God showed His love toward humanity.

Through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of JesusChrist, the separation caused by sin has been reversed for all who believe.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and

death by sin…” — Romans 5:12

But through Jesus Christ came life, redemption,

reconciliation, and restored relationship with God.

“God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself…” — 2 Corinthians 5:19

Freedom and Transformation

That means today you can be close to God.

Not distant.

Not abandoned.

Not hopeless.

Close to God.

You can know intimacy with Him.

You can be free from the guilt and shame of sin.

You can lay down heavy burdens:

• hatred,

• unforgiveness,

• abuse,

• lies,

• deception,

• confusion,

• and pain.

Jesus said:

“Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

— John 8:32

Renewed Through Grace

The enemy hates humanity because mankind was created in the image and likeness of God.

That image was marred by sin, but through Christ we are redeemed, restored, and transformed.

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” — John 10:10

But the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” — 1 John 1:7

And through the renewing of the mind, God begins transforming us so we may understand the things He freely gives:

• grace,

• righteousness,

• mercy,

• truth,

• peace,

• and spiritual life.

Closing Reflection

The finished work of Christ makes reconciliation possible.

Not religion only.

Not performance only.

But relationship.

Intimacy.

Closeness with God.

That is why the words of the song echo so deeply:

“Just to be close to You, that’s my desire.”

And immediately I think about David saying:

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after…” — Psalm 27:4

At the end of the day, beyond success, possessions, recognition, accomplishments, and temporary pleasures, the deepest need of the human soul is still the same:

to be close to God.