The Problem With “Entering God’s Presence”

As much as worship feels subjective and emotional; it’s important we remember that it is primarily a spiritual exercise – a sacrifice – to God, (Heb 13:15). And just as in prayer, there’re rules of acceptable worship that we mustn’t contravene in the lyrics we use to praise God.

Some of these infringing lyrics can be found in classic songs about “Entering (or coming) into His presence”. Other ones are “I enter the Holy of Holies”, “Please don’t leave me, Lord”, “I need more of you”, etc.

We’re not living in the Old Testament where we “enter” the Holy of Holies once a year, (Christ entered into it for us “once and for all”, Heb 9:12); now we dwell perpetually in His presence (which means we can’t “come” to where we already are, Heb 12:22).

Furthermore, as a token of His redemptive love for us, He promised us that He will never leave us nor forsake us, (Heb 13:5), therefore begging Him in worship not to leave you is casting aspersions on His love. So also is telling God “I want MORE of you” when we’re supposed to be thanking Him that He gave us His ALL!

While there’s nothing wrong or heretical with such worship lyrics, they have no spiritually edifying value since they’re asking God to contravene His word and will.

Additionally, though these songs can be seen as simple ‘sacred love songs,’ many Believers take their words literally, and this in turn affects their spirituality; making them approach God with a guilty conscience and second-guessing His boundless love for them.

If we want our worship to be truly acceptable and wholesome, then we must make sure our lyrics are scripturally legitimate and doctrinally sound: holy, acceptable and reasonable to God. (Rom 12:1).

AMEN.

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN