Draw Near to God: The Danger

The Bible calls us to draw near to God, but this is not a casual invitation—is it dangerous to draw near to God? It is a summons to approach a holy, righteous, and dangerous God. Many have a diminished view of God, seeing Him as soft and manageable, but Scripture paints a different picture. Drawing near to God is essential, yet it must be done in the right way, or it is perilous.

The Call to Draw Near

James 4:8 commands, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” This is both an incredible promise and a sobering responsibility. The aim of salvation is not merely escaping hell or being forgiven but restoring a relationship with God. This command challenges superficial views of Christianity that reduce it to tradition or duty. Drawing near means truly experiencing God and living life with Him.

The First Danger: The Holiness of God

God is holy and jealous, demanding that we approach Him on His terms. The casual attitude many have toward God is a profound misunderstanding of His nature. The God of the Bible is not a mere “big man upstairs” or a kindly grandfather figure. He is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29).

Old Testament accounts, such as God’s judgment on Uzzah for touching the ark or the destruction of Sodom, reveal the seriousness of approaching God improperly. Even the high priest in the Old Covenant could only enter God’s presence under strict conditions, and failure to do so resulted in death. This is the God who calls us to draw near—a God whose wrath is terrifying but who also makes a way for sinners to come.

The Second Danger: Drawing Near in the Wrong Way

The second danger is believing you are drawing near to God when you are not. Many, like the Pharisee in Jesus’ parable (Luke 18:9-14), assume their religious works and moral behavior bring them close to God. Yet, such self-righteousness only increases God’s displeasure. True nearness comes through humility, repentance, and trust in Christ alone.

The Bible warns that even the sacrifices of the wicked are an abomination to God (Proverbs 15:8). Approaching God without recognizing our sinfulness and relying solely on Christ’s sacrifice leads to condemnation, not communion.

God’s Wrath and Mercy

Scripture frequently describes God’s wrath as an arrow aimed at sinners, held back only by His longsuffering. While men take God’s patience for granted, His justice will not be delayed forever. The same God who flooded the earth and rained fire on Sodom offers mercy through Jesus Christ. The cross, where Christ bore the wrath of God for sinners, is the ultimate display of both God’s holiness and His love.

The reality of God’s judgment should not lead to despair but to amazement at His mercy. Despite His holiness, God provides a way for sinners to draw near through the blood of Christ. Hebrews 10:19-22 assures believers they can approach the throne of grace with confidence, not because God has changed but because Jesus has opened the way.

Application: How Should We Draw Near?

The proper response is humility and faith. Like the tax collector who cried, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13), we must acknowledge our unworthiness and trust in Christ’s finished work. Drawing near to God requires us to abandon self-reliance and approach Him through the only way He has provided: Jesus Christ.

For Christians, this truth transforms how we approach God. While we must never forget His holiness, the Gospel invites us to boldly draw near, not in fear of judgment but in awe of grace. However, for those who persist in unbelief, the warning remains: God’s wrath is real, and the day of His judgment will come.

Conclusion

Is it dangerous to draw near to God? Yes, if you do so without the proper understanding of who He is and without relying on Christ. But for those who come through Jesus, drawing near to God is the greatest privilege and joy. Let us heed the call, not with presumption, but with humility, repentance, and faith, knowing that through Christ, we can approach the holy God of Scripture with boldness.