IN TOUCH WITH GOD AFTER SEPARATION
Sin separated people from God (Genesis 3:23-24; Isaiah 59:2). Jesus Christ’s dying on a cross for the sins of the world permitted people to be in touch with God again (Romans 3:23; 6:23; John 3:16).
SEPARATION FROM GOD
Before the coming of Jesus Christ into the world, people’s sin separated them from God who is Holy. Adam and Eve were separated from God after sinning in disobeying him in the Garden of Eden. Subsequently, a person could die for touching even a sacred object representing God presence on earth. For instance: The ark of God “who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it” was being moved from one place to another on an ox-drawn cart; when the oxen stumbles, Uzzah who was beside the ark reached out to steady it; “God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence and he died there beside the ark of God.” (1 Chronicles 13:6-10).
IN TOUCH AGAIN THROUGH JESUS
Jesus Christ came into the world as God in the flesh to put people in touch with God again (John 1:1-3; Philippians 2:6-8). He is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Isaiah 53:4-6; John 1:29). He redeems sinful mankind to God through his atoning death Romans 5:8). The divine Son of God said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6).
The Son of God saves and redeems repentant believers from their sins by having died on a cross for their sins (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9). And being anointed by the Holy Spirit, the Lord went among the people doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil (Matthew 4:23; Acts 10:38).
Many people touched the divine Son of God and did not die despite their sins. In one instance a woman who was considered unclean by the Old Testament Law of God touched the Lord and did not die (Leviticus 15:19; Mark 5:25-34): This woman had a bleeding problem for twelve years, and had spent all she had on doctors trying to be cured. But when she learned that Jesus was nearby, she came up behind him and touched his clothes. She was healed immediately. Jesus asked “Who touched my clothing?” His disciples wondered why he asked that question when there were so many people crowding against him. The woman came and fell at his feet, trembling with fear, and told him it was her. Jesus Told her, “Daughter your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free from your suffering.”
KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH GOD
After Jesus’ atoning death on the cross, his resurrection and returning to heaven, he said: ”All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). And “Because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:24-25).
Because Jesus has suffered all things like we do, without his having sinned, he is our understanding and merciful Savior and Lord. And he can be touched by all of our concerns. No matter what our issues or problems are, we can come boldly before God’s throne of grace in the time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16). Even, if we should sin, we can confess our sins and be forgiven because of our compassionate mediator Jesus Christ who is at the throne of God interceding for us (1 John 1:7-9).
God gives the Holy Spirit to live in and commune with those of us who have been redeemed by the sacrificial blood of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19).
