Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the saints' access to God through Christ is a profound privilege that underscores the intimate relationship between believers and their Creator. This access is not merely a theological abstraction but a lived reality for those who are in Christ, as it is rooted in the redemptive work of Jesus and the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides a robust foundation for understanding this privilege. In the Epistle to the Hebrews, the author emphasizes the unique role of Christ as the High Priest who mediates between God and humanity. Hebrews 4:14-16 states, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This passage highlights the confidence with which believers can approach God, a confidence that is grounded in the empathetic and sinless nature of Christ. The access to God is not based on human merit but on the finished work of Jesus, who has opened the way for believers to enter the presence of God boldly. The Role of Christ's Sacrifice The sacrificial death of Christ is central to the saints' access to God. Ephesians 2:18 declares, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." This verse underscores the Trinitarian involvement in the believer's access to God: through Christ, by the Spirit, to the Father. The sacrificial atonement of Jesus removes the barrier of sin, allowing believers to come before God without fear of condemnation. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is another critical aspect of this privilege. Romans 8:15-16 states, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." The Spirit's testimony assures believers of their status as children of God, granting them the freedom to approach God with the intimacy of a child to a father. Prayer and Communion with God Access to God through Christ is also manifested in the practice of prayer. Jesus Himself taught His disciples to pray in His name, as seen in John 14:13-14 : "And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." Praying in the name of Jesus signifies reliance on His authority and acknowledgment of His mediating role. The Assurance of Eternal Access Finally, the privilege of access to God is not limited to the present life but extends into eternity. Revelation 21:3 offers a glimpse of this eternal communion: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" This promise assures believers of an everlasting relationship with God, unmediated by sin or separation. In summary, the privilege of access to God by Christ is a multifaceted blessing that encompasses the believer's present and future relationship with God. It is a privilege that is deeply rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, and characterized by a profound sense of intimacy and assurance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 3:12In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints Of the Unity of the Godhead and the Trinity of Persons The Epistle to the Hebrews Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ... The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ The Epistle to the Laodiceans the Proper Designation is to the ... "For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak Though the ... Fellowship with God Hymns and Spiritual Songs God's Barriers against Man's Sin Resources Why is the birthright so emphasized in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.org Was Jesus rich/wealthy? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Privileges of Saints: Abiding in Christ Privileges of Saints: Access to God by Christ Privileges of Saints: All Things Working Together for Their Good Privileges of Saints: Being of the Household of God Privileges of Saints: Calling Upon God in Trouble Privileges of Saints: Committing Themselves to God Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Deliverer Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Father Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Friend Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Glory Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Guide Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Habitation Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Helper Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Keeper Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: King Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Law-Giver Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Light Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Portion Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Redeemer Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Refuge Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Salvation Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Shield Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Strength Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Tower Privileges of Saints: Having: Christ for Their Intercessor Privileges of Saints: Having: Christ for Their Shepherd Privileges of Saints: Having: The Promises of God Privileges of Saints: Interceding for Others Privileges of Saints: Membership With the Church of the First-Born Privileges of Saints: Partaking of the Divine Nature Privileges of Saints: Profiting by Chastisement Privileges of Saints: Secure During Public Calamities Privileges of Saints: Suffering for Christ Privileges of Saints: The Possession of all Things Privileges of Saints: Their Names Written in the Book Life Privileges of Saints: Union in God and Christ Related Terms First-begotten (2 Occurrences) |
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