“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” “We have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus.” Hebrews 4:16; 10:19
“For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ… so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.” Ephesians 2:18; 3:7-8,10-12
Many have bold thoughts and lofty intentions, even magnificent passions, but find it hard to put them into action. In the flesh we may be timid or fearful, and therefore reticent, or we may be impulsive and brash but without proper focus, effective strategy, or discipline. But when we enter God’s throne room, and access the Spirit through the perfect way God made in Christ, we are infused with a holy boldness rooted in righteousness and divine purpose. We draw near so we can then go out. We enter the open way so we can exit to open the Way to others. Boldness to delve in to Christ’s communion becomes boldness lived out to make known our Christ to a needy world. (John 14:6)
Are we regularly drawing near to receive God’s ample measure of mercy and grace? His throne room is open and His counsel available to us in every time of need. Are we appropriating the power of His Spirit, the innumerable riches of Christ, and the manifold wisdom of God? Every spiritual blessing has been lavished on us, and is ours to absorb and implement. Is there anything that is keeping us from entering boldly- any shame, fear, or self-absorbed unworthiness that fails to trust the work of Christ’s blood? It has washed us clean! It opened the way! It imparts confidence! (Ephesians 1:3)
“No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!” ~Charles Wesley (1738)
Once we experience the unfettered entrance in, we are overwhelmed by Christ’s amazing love and cannot help but boldly, joyfully, arise to go out and announce His good news. Alive and clothed in Him, we take His indescribable love abroad to the world, wherever He leads.
Lord God, thank You for opening the way to You through Jesus. May I boldly, daily approach You, and then go with that same boldness into Your world with the grace, mercy, and love You so generously bestow. (Acts 4:29; Ephesians 6:18-20)
As the rain and snow 