A short while ago I had an exchange of comments with Mark on madetopraisehim on the topic of "protocols we've created to approach God". Mark had used that phrase in a comment and it caught my attention.
Part of the trigger for me was the word "protocol". In the context of my work it has to do with automated communications and systems for business to business communications. And I have the idea that all parties that are in communication using the protocol have to know the protocol and have to have agreed to its specification. So when Mark wrote about protocols WE have created to approach God, I thought, "wait a minute, what does God think about these protocols? When did He sign up for an interchange agreement using these protocols? Do we think we can set these protocols up one sidedly and expect God to conform?"
Mark recognised the point of my question. He responded:
"I don't see protocols in the New Testament.
"In the Old Testament I DO see protocols. I see protocols God ordained to protect an unrighteous people from His righteous wrath. Isn't it amazing that God protects His wayward children from Himself?
"In the New Testament I see the need for those protocols stripped away, as we outrageously receive the righteousness of Jesus. Now God SAVES us from Himself. How incredible!"