What does the Bible say about the nature of sin and our approach to God?

The nature of sin is pervasive and infects every aspect of human existence. According to Genesis 3, humanity rejected God's grace and chose to pursue a relationship with Him through their own efforts and wisdom. However, the reality is that sin renders all religious activities void; they cannot cleanse us before a holy God. Scripture, particularly in Leviticus 16, illustrates the necessity of complete cleansing and obedience to divine law before even attempting to enter God's presence. We cannot simply approach Him as we are; we need a mediator—our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who makes atonement for our sins.