The Pulpit Ephesians 3:12-13 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.… One of the most distinguished privileges enjoyed under the Christian dispensation. God is willing to hold communion with us, and ready to do us all possible good. I. THE IMPORTANT PRIVILEGE HERE ASSERTED. 1. This blessing does not belong to (1) The natural man; (2) the hypocritical professor; (3) the self-righteous moralist. 2. It belongs to the experimentalist in religion: the man who has felt the force of Divine truth — who has sincerely repented of his sins — who has exercised faith in Christ as the only Saviour — who is adopted into the family of heaven — who can look up to God as his reconciled Father. 3. The blessing itself consists of — (1) Access: a leading by the hand, an introduction to God. (2) Boldness: freedom of speech in expressing our requests; the freedom a child feels in the presence of its father. (3) Confidence: a well-grounded hope that we and our sacrifices of prayer and praise are acceptable to God. II. THE GROUND ON WHICH THIS PRIVILEGE RESTS. Not on any speculations of philosophy, or exercises of morality; but on ground peculiar to revelation. It is "by the faith of Christ." This faith has to do with — 1. The dignity of Christ's Person. 2. The greatness of His work. 3. The prevalency of His intercession. 4. The richness of His promises. III. THE USES TO WHICH IT MAY BE APPLIED. 1. In a way of caution. (1) Take heed of a confidence in the mere mercy of God, without regard to the intervention of a Mediator. No access save by Jesus Christ. (2) Beware of presumption in the way of pertness or flippancy. While you are allowed to come with the confidence of a child, remember the authority which God maintains, and let His majesty keep you in awe. 2. In a way of exhortation. Ye who have taken refuge in Christ, cultivate this confidence; it is your privilege. Let it animate your prayers, assist you in obedience, produce sweet resignation, strengthen, invigorate, elevate you. And oh! if you have this confidence, be careful not to cast it away. 3. In a way of instruction. Let the feeble minded not despair because they have not this confidence, but labour in hope. (The Pulpit.) Parallel Verses KJV: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.WEB: in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. |
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