God’s desire has always been for a people who willingly choose Him.
He did not send Jesus merely to establish another religion or denomination. He sent His Son to restore humanity to a living relationship with the Father. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, the way into God’s presence has been opened, and believers are invited to live there as true worshipers.
Sin separated humanity from God, and no human effort could repair that separation. A perfect sacrifice was needed.
Jesus became that sacrifice.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.”
— John 3:16
Through Christ’s death and resurrection, a new covenant was established. The sacrifice has already been made, and access to the Father is already available.
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.”
— Hebrews 10:19
We do not earn our way into God’s presence. We enter by faith in what Christ has completed.
God is not primarily looking for people who belong to a particular religious group. He is looking for hearts that genuinely desire Him.
Jesus said:
“The true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.”
— John 4:23
True worship is not forced obedience. Angels obey God, but sons and daughters have the opportunity to choose Him from their own hearts.
God desires love that is freely given. He wants people who serve Him because they know Him, trust Him, and desire to walk with Him.
Worship is more than singing, music, or a special gathering. It is the way we live before God every day.
We worship when we love Him, listen to Him, obey His voice, serve others, and surrender our own will. Worship is expressed through humility and through allowing the Lord to direct our lives.
Jesus said:
“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
— Matthew 16:24
This daily surrender is not meant to be heavy or religious. It is the response of a heart that loves God and desires a deeper relationship with Him.
When God delivered Israel from Egypt, He was not only rescuing them from slavery. He was bringing them to Himself.
“I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto Myself.”
— Exodus 19:4
Deliverance has a purpose. God brings us out of bondage so that we can enter relationship with Him.
The freedom Christ gives is not simply freedom from sin, fear, or the past. It is freedom to know the Father, stand in His presence, and become the people He created us to be.
Many believers feel they must become clean enough before approaching God. Yet Scripture reveals the opposite. We come into His presence because that is where cleansing and transformation take place.
“He is like a refiner’s fire… and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”
— Malachi 3:2–3
God’s presence reveals what needs to change, but it also supplies the grace for that change.
We do not transform ourselves through constant striving. As we worship, surrender, and remain before the Lord, He works within us.
His presence softens the heart, exposes what is false, and forms the nature of Christ within us.
The message uses the picture of choosing between taking the stairs and taking the elevator.
The stairs represent trying to reach God through human effort, religious performance, and self-improvement. The elevator represents faith—accepting that Christ has already opened the way and stepping into the Father’s presence now.
Jesus said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”
— John 14:6
Christ is the way. We do not need to create another one.
The invitation is to stop waiting until we feel worthy and begin worshiping God from where we are. As we enter His presence by faith, He faithfully completes His work within us.
John 3:16 — God demonstrated His love by sending His Son to restore humanity to Himself.
Hebrews 10:19–22 — Believers have bold access into God’s presence through the blood of Jesus.
John 4:23–24 — The Father is seeking those who worship Him in spirit and truth.
Exodus 19:4 — God delivered Israel in order to bring them into relationship with Himself.
John 14:6 — Jesus Christ is the way to the Father.
Malachi 3:2–3 — God’s presence purifies and refines His people.
Matthew 16:24 — Following Christ involves daily surrender and commitment.
Revelation 4:8–11 — A picture of continual worship before the throne of God.
Through Jesus Christ, the way into the Father’s presence is already open.
God is not asking us to earn access through religion, performance, or striving. He is inviting us to come near, worship Him, and live in daily relationship with Him.
True worship is a life of love, humility, service, and surrender. As we choose to enter His presence now, the Lord cleanses us, transforms us, and forms within us the people He has always desired.
Do I approach God through faith in Christ, or through feelings of worthiness and personal effort?
Is worship part of my daily relationship with God, or only something I associate with church gatherings?
What area of my life is the Lord asking me to surrender as an act of worship?
Am I waiting to become better before entering God’s presence, instead of allowing His presence to transform me?
What would it look like for me to choose the “elevator” of faith instead of the “stairs” of striving?