Absolutely Sure

The rebellion incited by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram is really no different in nature than the social unrest we see today.  Somebody always has a complaint with someone else and it usually has something to do with authority (pecking order in more common terms).  It is no uncommon thing for those further down the chain of command to harbor angst against those nearer the top.  In the case of the people subject to the priesthood, this would prove to be a bad idea.

Fortunately for us today, Christ has eliminated the hierarchy of the priesthood by opening the throne of God to His followers directly.  No longer do believers in Christ have to adhere to an order of personnel to fellowship with God.  That priestly protocol was removed by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

While it would at first seem quite the relief to have the priestly chain of command removed, perhaps the responsibility of it should be considered as well.  Those who profess faith in Christ now have direct access to the throne and the very face of God.  And, although the rules of access changed with Jesus' sacrifice, the nature and holiness of God did not change.  God remains perfect and holy.  God's very nature still eliminates unrighteousness - unrighteousness still cannot exist in God's presence.

The whole mental picture of coming before God directly should then be highly revered with an almost overwhelming sense of need for, and most humble association with, Christ.  Anything less is in extreme danger - not because God is mad or bad, but because He is holy.  However well-intentioned the journey to Him may be, without the covering of Christ, it is in imminent peril.

How sure then would one wish to be before approaching such a holy God?  In light of the circumstances, I would suggest one be ABSOUTELY SURE!

Father, I realize that without the covering of Christ I am in certain danger.  Help me to live in that faith - saving faith - that is genuinely pleasing to You.