Then they said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die.” - Exodus 20:19
Having served local churches in a pastoral role for nearly two-thirds of my time in vocational ministry, I can understand the need to remain "relevant" in order to reach the unchurched multitudes within the jaded American culture. On the other hand, I have grown concerned that in our drive and desire to make the unchanging gospel message more palatable, we have also lost a biblical perspective on God's holiness.
The people of Israel comprehended (if only briefly) the depth of their own unworthiness when they asked Moses to stand between them and God's righteous Word. Perhaps it would be healthy for us all to remember that Christ performs the same function, though eternally, for those of us who believe.
God has spoken in Christ, through Christ, and by Christ and this same Christ must be received or the holiness of God would surely condemn us all. A healthy reverence for God should lead us to complete trust in Jesus.
Our peace and confidence are to be found not in our empirical holiness, not in our progress toward perfection, but in the alien righteousness of Jesus Christ that covers our sinfulness and alone makes us acceptable before a holy God. - Donald Bloesch
So true. Well said.