Draw Near

19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:19-22 (NASB) 

In v22 (above) the phrase “let us draw near” translates the Greek first plural verb προσερχώμεθα (proserchōmetha) the present tense, middle voice, subjunctive mood case of προσέρχομαι (proserchomai) which means “come to, go to, approach.”….

 It is usually used in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew qerab, which also means to come near or approach but also pictures the idea of closeness to the object being approached.

The Greek likewise pictures such closeness. This word appears in Matthew 4:11, for example, where the angles “came and ministered unto [Jesus]” after Satan tempted Him and them departed. Jesus’ disciples also “came to Him” often (5:1; 8:25; etc.) showing their closeness to Him. Of special note is 1 Timothy 6:3-5, where Paul writes that we should withdraw ourselves from anyone who does not “consent” to (i.e, accede or agree to) sound doctrine.

So, what does it mean biblically to draw near to God?   View article →