How Can I Get Close to God If I’m Not Perfect?
What You'll Learn
How the Bible answers one of life's biggest questions: How can imperfect people have a relationship with a perfect God?
Why trying harder or becoming "good enough" isn't the way to find peace with God.
How simple daily habits can help you build a real relationship with God instead of simply going through religious routines.
Introduction
Most people have wondered, at some point, whether they're "good enough." Whether it's because of past mistakes, personal failures, or simply feeling distant from God, many assume they have to clean themselves up before God would want anything to do with them.
The Bible tells a different story. This message explores an ancient book called Leviticus and shows how it points to a timeless truth: God made the first move toward us. Long before Jesus was born, the Bible was already telling the story of how God would make a way for imperfect people to know Him.
Can someone like me really know God?
The Bible describes God as completely holy, meaning He is perfectly good, perfectly just, and completely unlike anything broken or sinful in our world. That creates an honest question: if God is perfect and people aren't, how can anyone have a relationship with Him?
Leviticus helps answer that question. Throughout the Old Testament, God gave His people ways to approach Him through sacrifices and worship that symbolized forgiveness and restoration. Christians believe those sacrifices ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ, whose life and death made a lasting way for people to know God. Rather than asking people to earn His acceptance, God provides the way Himself. (Leviticus 1; Hebrews 9–10)
Why does the Bible talk so much about God's holiness?
"Holy" simply means set apart—completely pure, morally perfect, and unlike anyone else.
Many people think God's defining characteristic is love, and the Bible certainly teaches that God loves people deeply (1 John 4:8). But throughout Scripture, God's holiness is emphasized repeatedly. In Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4, heavenly beings continually proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy," highlighting God's perfection. His love flows from that holiness, meaning His love is trustworthy, just, and never selfish. Understanding God's holiness helps us appreciate both His compassion and His justice, rather than seeing Him as only one or the other.
Why can't I just be a good person?
Most people naturally assume that becoming a better person is how we get closer to God.
The Bible says our good actions matter, but they cannot erase our failures. No amount of kindness, generosity, or good intentions can make someone perfectly holy. That's why Christians believe Jesus is so important. Instead of asking people to achieve perfection, Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live and willingly gave His life so forgiveness could be offered to anyone who trusts Him. The message of Christianity isn't "try harder." It's "receive what God has already done for you." (Romans 3:23–24; Hebrews 10:11–14)
Why would an ancient book like Leviticus matter today?
At first glance, Leviticus can seem like a collection of confusing laws and rituals.
But when viewed through the story of Jesus, it becomes surprisingly relevant. The sacrifices, priests, and celebrations described throughout the book all point forward to Christ. They show God's desire to live among His people and prepare readers to understand why Jesus came. Instead of being an outdated rulebook, Leviticus reveals the consistency of God's plan—from the earliest pages of Scripture to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It reminds us that God has always been making a way for people to come near to Him.
Do spiritual habits actually make a difference?
Reading the Bible, praying, worshipping with others, and giving generously don't earn God's approval.
Instead, these practices help keep our hearts connected to Him. Pastor Gregg compares them to family traditions or milestones like birthdays, graduations, and weddings. Those events don't create love—they help preserve what matters most. In the same way, daily spiritual rhythms remind us of God's presence and help us avoid slowly drifting away from Him through the distractions of everyday life. Christians throughout history have found that small, consistent habits often produce the deepest long-term growth. (Psalm 1:1–3; Acts 2:42)
Is Christianity about following rules or having a relationship?
Many people assume Christianity is mostly about rules.
Jesus taught something much more personal. Through His sacrifice, believers become what the New Testament calls "God's temple," meaning God's Spirit lives with them rather than remaining distant (1 Corinthians 3:16). The goal isn't simply following religious routines but knowing God personally. Rules without relationship become exhausting. Relationship changes why we live the way we do. Christians obey God not because they're trying to earn His love, but because they've already experienced it.
Key Scripture
"Then the LORD summoned Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting..." Leviticus 1:1 (CSB)
This simple verse marks the beginning of God's invitation for people to draw near to Him. Throughout the Bible, that invitation grows clearer until Jesus makes it possible for anyone, regardless of their past, to have a personal relationship with God.
About Pastor Gregg
Pastor Gregg Matte serves as the Senior Pastor of Houston's First Baptist Church. He's known for teaching the Bible in a practical, approachable way that connects timeless truth with everyday life. Whether someone has been following Jesus for decades or is simply curious about faith, Pastor Gregg's goal is to help people discover who God is and what that means for their daily lives.
FAQ — Visiting Houston's First
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