Sunday, 21 August 2016
… in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Ephesians 3:12
The words in this verse are similar to verse 2:18 –
“For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.”
Paul is bringing the practical application of what has occurred back into focus. In 2:18, he was speaking of the fact that Gentiles, along with Jews, “both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Now he simply says “we.” He has been describing the mystery which defines his apostleship, which is bringing in of the Gentiles to God through the work of Christ. It is the “fellowship of the mystery” that he spoke of in verse 9.
Together, both Jew and Gentile are joined into one fellowship. In this state “we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” The Greek word for “boldness” indicates especially a boldness of speech. This boldness then surely includes several aspects:
- Boldness to call on Jesus, whether Jew or Gentile, for salvation
- Boldness to make our prayers known to God through Him, not fearing that they will be hindered or obstructed in any way
- Boldness to speak of the marvelous riches of Christ to others
- Boldness to proclaim our salvation, understanding that is an accomplished fact
The second, that of unhindered prayer life, is probably where the stress most fully lies though. This is because of the next words “and access with confidence.” Our prayers are unhindered and there is with them the confidence that we have free and unfettered access, even with a sure confidence, to the throne of grace. This is reflected in the words of Hebrews 4:16 –
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
These marvelous privileges are ours simply “through faith in Him.” By trusting in the finished work of Christ, we may now enter the Most Holy Place where God dwells. And we may do it without any sort of hindrance at all. In Israel of Old, only the high priest, and only once a year, could gain this type of access. However, through the torn body of Christ, which is represented by the torn veil in the temple in Jerusalem, we have full and unfettered access.
Life application: The prayers of God’s people now pass through Christ and immediately into the presence of God. There are no obstructions at all because Christ has opened the way back to full and unfettered access to Him. What was lost in Eden is realized in what Christ has done. Our fellowship is intimate and it is immediate. Let us never assume that our prayers are unheard. Each one is heard because of what Christ has done for us.
Lord God; Heavenly Father – what was once only seen in type and shadow is now realized in full in the person of our Lord Jesus. In the past, a veil stood between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place where You met with Your people. In the tearing of Christ’s body, which is that true Veil, we now have complete and unfettered access to You. Today, we will use it to praise You. And so hear our praises, O God. Hallelujah for what You have done. Glory, honor, strength, and might belong to You! Hallelujah to You, O God. Amen.