Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God's Royal Priests (Edward T. Welch)

Description

You are a royal priest.

That Reality Will Change Your Life

Human beings are wired for connection. We long for deep relationships and real intimacy—both of which reflect our fundamental desire to be close to God. But all too often, whether because of our sin or our failures, we imagine that God prefers to keep his distance.

In this book, Edward T. Welch shows us the purpose for which we were created: to be brought near to God as a kingdom of priests. He traces the priestly identity throughout the entire Bible, showing us how holiness leads to closeness to God. Through the blood of Jesus, God extends his invitation for all to draw near with open arms. And in his presence, we discover what it means to be truly human: known, unashamed, and wise, full of meaning, purpose, and abundant life.

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Table of Contents

Introduction: Longing for Closeness

Part 1: Our Past
 Eden

1. In the Garden of God

2. In God’s Image

3. Not Yet Dressed 

4. Discern Right from Wrong

5. An Intruder

6. Discernment Lost

7. Life Outside the Most Holy Place

Israel

8. Sanctuaries and Ladders

9. Jacob

10. Moses

11. A Nation of Priests

12. Holy

13. A Meal with God

14. In God’s House

15. Priests Clothed

16. Job Descriptions

17. Priests at Work

18. “Be Holy as I Am Holy”

19. In God’s Courtroom

20. A Tumultuous Interlude

Part 2: Jesus Our Tabernacle 

21. The Holy One Descends 

22. Jesus our Passover Lamb

23. Interrupted by a Wedding

24. Jesus the Temple

25. Jesus the High Priest

26. Believe

27. Descending Further

28. The Lamb Slain

29. Jesus Ascends, the Spirit Descends 

Part 3: Almost Truly Human

30. Priests in Plain Clothes

31. Priests Descend and Ascend

32. Saints

33. Shining Faces

34. Living Stones, Flowing Fountains

35. Enter In

36. Be Sent Out

37. Walking Uphill

38. The High Priest Prays for You

Epilogue


Notes


General Index


Scripture Index

Endorsements

“You have your grace books and your older holiness books. At times, they exist in two different worlds. Not for Ed Welch. In a book full of rich insights that link the Old and New Testaments, Welch paints a picture of holiness and intimacy with God that makes you want to be holy. He widens our view of holiness, working to craft it into a vision of beauty. You’ll want to obey after reading this book.”

— Paul E. Miller, author, A Praying Life and J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life

“Scripture is a strange book that tells a different story about who we are. It feels strange to hear that priesthood is a key theme of our identity in this life, so full of work stress, broken relationships, and personal failure. But Welch shows us that being near to God, secured by the priestly work of our Lord Jesus Christ, is what we were made for. This book will help you see yourself in this strange, wonderful light.”

— Jeremy Pierre, Lawrence and Charlotte Hoover Professor of Biblical Counseling, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

“There is no greater human longing than for relational intimacy. This is because we are created for intimacy with our Creator and others. Sin destroys this intimacy, and the gospel restores it. The best news we will ever hear is that the perfectly holy God invites us into table fellowship as his adopted children. By faith every believer has full access as priests to boldly approach the throne of grace. Ed Welch offers great help in understanding these astounding results of the finished work of our Great High Priest. I hope this book has a great influence in encouraging God’s people to seize our priestly privileges in Christ.”

— K. Erik Thoennes, Professor and Chair of Theology, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; Elder of Congregational Life, Grace Evangelical Free Church, La Mirada, California

“‘You are a royal priest. That reality will change how you live.’ With this huge claim, Ed Welch introduces Created to Draw Near. I wanted to be persuaded, but I was doubtful. My doubts have now been blown away. How did I not see the significance and influence of this truth before? This book will indeed change the way you live by changing your view of God, yourself, and the gospel.”

— David Murray, Senior Pastor, First Byron Christian Reformed Church

“I treasure Ed Welch’s writings. I don’t know another counselor who can write a book like this—Ed has built for us a rich biblical theology of God’s presence. Created to Draw Near helped me to understand my Old Testament better, and it grew my love for Jesus as Savior and High Priest of my soul.”

— Deepak Reju, Pastor of Biblical Counseling and Family Ministry, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC; author, The Pastor and Counseling and She’s Got the Wrong Guy

“When some writers and preachers today suggest that the gospel is only about forgiveness, Ed Welch reminds us that it is also good news that God brings us into a life of holiness.”

— Gerald R. McDermott, Former Anglican Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School

Product Details

Author: Edward T. Welch

Format: Paperback

Page Count: 224

Size: 13.7 cm x 21.3 cm 

Weight: 0.3 kg

ISBN: 9781433566387

Published: January 07, 2020