About approaching God:

Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. � Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. � We live by faith, not by sight. � For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. � according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. � In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. � I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. � For this reason I kneel before the Father, � from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. � I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, � so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, � may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, � and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 

Verse References In The Order Presented Above -- 2 Corinthians 5:5 ; 2 Corinthians 5:6 ; 2 Corinthians 5:7 ; 2 Corinthians 8:21 ; Ephesians 3:11 ; Ephesians 3:12 ; Ephesians 3:13 ; Ephesians 3:14 ; Ephesians 3:15 ; Ephesians 3:16 ; Ephesians 3:17 ; Ephesians 3:18 ; Ephesians 3:19