| Category: | Counseling |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Page Count: | 224 |
| Size: | 5.25 in x 8.25 in |
| Weight: | 8.73 ounces |
| ISBN-10: | 1-4335-6638-9 |
| ISBN-13: | 978-1-4335-6638-7 |
| ISBN-UPC: | 9781433566387 |
| Case Quantity: | 52 |
| Published: | January 07, 2020 |
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.
Author:
Edward T. Welch (PhD, University of Utah) is a counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation. He has been counseling for more than 35 years and has written extensively on the topics of depression, fear, and addictions. His books include When People Are Big and God Is Small, Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away From Addiction, Running Scared: Fear, Worry and the God of Rest, Shame Interrupted, and Side by Side. He blogs regularly at CCEF.org.
Product Details
Table of Contents
Introduction: Longing for Closeness
Part 1: Our Past
Eden
- In the Garden of God
- In God’s Image
- Not Yet Dressed
- Discern Right from Wrong
- An Intruder
- Discernment Lost
- Life Outside the Most Holy Place
Israel
- Sanctuaries and Ladders
- Jacob
- Moses
- A Nation of Priests
- Holy
- A Meal with God
- In God’s House
- Priests Clothed
- Job Descriptions
- Priests at Work
- “Be Holy as I Am Holy”
- In God’s Courtroom
- A Tumultuous Interlude
Part 2: Jesus Our Tabernacle
- The Holy One Descends
- Jesus our Passover Lamb
- Interrupted by a Wedding
- Jesus the Temple
- Jesus the High Priest
- Believe
- Descending Further
- The Lamb Slain
- Jesus Ascends, the Spirit Descends
Part 3: Almost Truly Human
- Priests in Plain Clothes
- Priests Descend and Ascend
- Saints
- Shining Faces
- Living Stones, Flowing Fountains
- Enter In
- Be Sent Out
- Walking Uphill
- 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; J-Curve; and A Praying Church
“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
“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
"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."
author, A Praying Life and J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life