Created to Draw Near

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.

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication And Epigraph
3. Introduction
4. Part 1: Our Past | Chapter 1: In the Garden of God
5. Chapter 2: In God's Image
6. Chapter 3: Not Yet Dressed
7. Chapter 4: Discern Right from Wrong
8. Chapter 5: An Intruder
9. Chapter 6: Discernment Lost
10. Chapter 7: Life Outside the Most Holy Place
11. Chapter 8: Sanctuaries and Ladders
12. Chapter 9: Jacob
13. Chapter 10: Moses
14. Chapter 11: A Nation of Priests
15. Chapter 12: Holy
16. Chapter 13: A Meal with God
17. Chapter 14: In God's House
18. Chapter 15: Priests Clothed
19. Chapter 16: Job Descriptions
20. Chapter 17: Priests at Work
21. Chapter 18: Be Holy as I Am Holy
22. Chapter 19: In God's Courtroom
23. Chapter 20: A Tumultuous Interlude
24. Part 2: Jesus Our Tabernacle | Chapter 21: The Holy One Descends
25. Chapter 22: Jesus Our Passover Lamb
26. Chapter 23: Interrupted by a Wedding
27. Chapter 24: Jesus the Temple
28. Chapter 25: Jesus the High Priest
29. Chapter 26: Believe
30. Chapter 27: Descending Further
31. Chapter 28: The Lamb Slain
32. Chapter 29: Jesus Ascends, the Spirit Descends
33. Part 3: Almost Truly Human | Chapter 30: Priests in Plain Clothes
34. Chapter 31: Priests Descend and Ascend
35. Chapter 32: Saints
36. Chapter 33: Shining Faces
37. Chapter 34: Living Stones, Flowing Fountains
38. Chapter 35: Enter In
39. Chapter 36: Be Sent Out
40. Chapter 37: Walking Uphill
41. Chapter 38: The High Priest Prays for You
42. Epilogue: The Early Church
43. Closing Credits