Hebrews 10:19-25 (KJV)
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Here we can see the importance of having both a relationship with GOD and relationships with GOD’s people. Our relationship with GOD can be defined as a vertical relationship. GOD Himself initiated it through Jesus Christ and when we believe in the good news – the gospel of Christ, His death and resurrection. By faith we are then made clean and our sins forgiven. Out of this relationship with GOD all other relationships should flow, which can be defined as horizontal relationships. When we have faith in Jesus Christ we are to initiate and maintain relationships with others who are in Jesus Christ – other believers, His church. Having these relationships we are to encourage each other to maintain and grow them. If we do not put effort into the relationships they will not last. GOD designed it that way as He knows there will be difficult and evil times coming. Therefore let us be encouraged to not only maintain but tho grow our relationship with GOD and one another.
Micah 4:2 (KJV) And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.