Baptists/accessto god

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Expert: - 3/12/2005


Question
Hi,

    Thankyou for taking my question. I have been doing a lot of reading regarding how the Old Testament Jews did not have the access to God as we do today, and how approaching him in the holy of holies caused death. Jesus is our doorway to God. But what I dont understand is how things were actually (experientially) different for them in relating to God than for christians today. Did they pray? If so, why is that any different then our relationship with GOd today. We cant really do any more than pray to Him to FEEL close to him, so if they also prayed to him what was so different about their relationship to him.I understand that Jesus took away our sin. I understand that well. But what I dont understand is how, on an emotional level, if I am praying to GOd, how is my level of intimacy with him any different than the ancient Jew. Did it somehow feel different for them to pray?  

Answer
Basically, they came to God as Lord, King, Master and even as Savior, but they would have never had the full concept of Him as Father.  Paul says we can now cry out Abba, Father and that we can come boldly unto the throne of grace. The Holy Spirit did not indwell them.  He would come upon them to accomplish a mission but then leave though David seems to have had an experience similar to ours since he prayed in Psalm 51 for God not to take the Spirit from him. As a prophet, priest and king and a type of Christ his experience though different from the average Jew would not be the same as ours. Since Jesus had not yet come and died they would not have the concept of Him being their older brother.  They received gifts from God but they would have never looked for an inheritance as sons.  

Actually, feelings are irrelevant.  We can get closer to God through prayer, study, fellowship with the brethren and primarily through obedience but we may experience feelings that are contrary to our actual relationship.  In a trial, people may not feel very close to God and yet He has them drawn close to Him.  The folks in Matthew 7 felt very close to God and He says that He never knew them.

OT folks prayed to God but the sense of relationship was far different.  Abraham was the friend of God.  David was a man after God's heart, but we are now the Sons of God. Earthly relationship were different though their souls were saved by faith as are we.  They went to Paradise when they died and now we go straight to Heaven.  A lot of differences between us.  We have many more privileges and sadly we take them for granted.

Hopefully this helped.  May God richly bless you as you study His Word and seek His will.  

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Dr. Ronald E. Shultz

Expertise

I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.

Experience

I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.

Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73

Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000


Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975

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