I’m convinced that the nearer we draw to God, to more we begin to be transformed into his likeness. But it is always hard to draw near to God when we have a guilty conscious. And since God is the only one who can forgive us and cleanse us of our sin, it seems like a catch 22. We want to draw near, but it’s hard when we’re dirty. But yet we can’t get clean unless we draw near to him. Hebrews 10:22-23 encourages us with these words:
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."
You see, when we are dirty and tainted with sin, God is the only one who can cleanse us of that sin. So, we can’t feel so ashamed that we resist drawing near to him. I like how Hebrews says “having our bodies washed with pure water”. Have faith that God can cleanse you, because he can, and he wants to. Don’t let your guilt keep you from repentance and humbly coming to the Father so that he can sprinkle our hearts, cleansing us from our guilty consciences. I know it can be difficult to understand the ways of a holy God. But know this, he wants you to be in his presence. But the only way to be in his presence is with a clean heart.
---
Hebrews tells us to “draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith”. We have to have faith that God will forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from our unrighteousness. Because Hebrews goes on to say, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”