Do Christians Still Enter God’s Presence? • Deshen Daily

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 KJV)

A visitor once commented on a prior Deshen Daily devotional titled “How to Enter God’s Presence” and said a real Christian is already in God’s presence and does no longer enter God’s presence. What is the error with this thought?

Growing up in the Pentecostal circle, I am familiar with the teaching that the believer is already in God’s presence and does not need to enter that presence again. In fact, I am not only acquainted with this teaching, but I have also taught it myself in my early days as a preacher. But as I increased my knowledge of the scriptures, it became clear what the problem with this teaching was.

Two simple facts will unveil the problem with this misunderstanding. First, it takes one truth of the Bible and makes it everything while either forcing other scriptures to fit into it or ignoring them (e.g., Hebrews 4:16). Yes, Christians have been brought into fellowship with God at conversation; we have entered God’s presence as sinners who are coming to be restored to the Father. That is true and unquestionable. But that is not all.

The second problem follows from the first. When we encamp around one truth, we cannot distinguish other related concepts. At salvation, we enter God’s presence spiritually. But that does not mean we experience that presence here and now—in the realm of the flesh, where we live. Though all Christians are in communion with God, not all Christians practically commune with God. This second coming before God or entering His presence is not the same as entering God’s presence at salvation.

From a practical perspective, we can get in and out of God’s presence; we can get in and out of fellowship with God. We must learn to distinguish the different facets of our relationship with God.

Meditate

God has already forgiven the believer in Christ, right? (Col. 2:13). Is it correct, therefore, to ask God for forgiveness when they sin?

Apply the Word

Learn to enter God’s presence practically; additionally, learn to fellowship with Him daily. And as you grow, do your best to live in that place 24/7!