Of course, we can only approach God’s presence God’s way. The New Testament clearly reveals that only through Jesus can anyone come to God the Father (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:23). But what about in the Old Testament? Are there multiple ways?
After King David conquered Jerusalem and secured it as his capital, he desired to bring the Ark of the Covenant up from Kiriath-Jearim into his new City of David. But in his passion to have God’s presence, David neglected to follow God’s principles. That negligence of improperly transporting the Ark cost a man his life (2 Samuel 6).
Three months later, David correctly transported the Ark into Jerusalem and placed it in a tent he pitched for its keeping.
In this experience, David gained a profound respect for God’s holiness.
This principle directly relates to the question: did the Old Testament offer only one way to God?
David’s opening question in Psalm 15 reflects David’s awe at God’s holiness:
O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? (Psalm 15:1).
David’s answer ought to humble every one of us: Only holy people may approach a holy God (Psalm 15:2-5). That excludes everybody (Psalm 14:13; Isaiah 53:6). The single possibility of approaching God comes by His grace in removing the obstacle: our sin.
But how can a God who is just do such a thing?
The exclusivity of only one way to God is not a New Testament concept. It began long, long before Jesus Christ.
It’s not enough to believe in God and live as sincerely as we can. The only way to God the Old Testament has ever prescribed is by grace through faith—apart from works.
The object of that faith has changed through the years, but we shouldn’t confuse the basis of access to God for the means.
No one has ever entered God’s presence without faith in Him.
That faith becomes righteousness on the basis of a sacrifice for sin. Here’s the exclusivity: only God determines what that sacrifice is and when it may change. For example:
The New Testament describes God crediting righteous those who come by grace through faith (Genesis 15:6; Psalm 32:1-2). Think of the transaction like a credit card:
God “passed over the sins” of the Old Testament until Jesus could pay the final bill on the cross (Romans 3:25-26).
I’m always amazed at those who balk at Christianity’s declaration that Jesus is the one way to God. The Bible has always been exclusive. Jesus is just the end of a system that God set up long ago. There has always been only one way to God—by grace through faith in the object of God’s choosing.
If you’d like more on this topic, you might enjoy my message: “Is Jesus the Only Way?”
Tell me what you think: Do you believe there is only one way to God? On what basis? To leave a comment, just click here.