Access to Grace and So Much More

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,  and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us…

“Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation… For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1-5,9-11,17

The access to God the Father opened by Jesus’s crucifixion is a wonder-door. By faith we enter- all by His gift and quickening- and oh, the charmed delights that are ours to possess! Abundant grace! Assurance in salvation! Endurance and hope in suffering! Redemption! Ever-flowing love for Him and others! Righteousness in thought and deed! Fellowship divine! (Mark 15:37-38; Ephesians 2:8-9,18; Hebrews 10:19-25)

Are we acting on what is true? Since we are justified and declared righteous, are we enjoying the peace and fullness that Jesus made possible for us? Why do we, as children of God and people of faith, dance around the opening and fail to enter the joy and grace He offers? Why do we only flirt with Holy Spirit filling, and go about work and play as spiritual paupers? He has died and been raised to give us hope of His glory! To give us purpose in suffering, to train us in endurance and develop character and fill us with zest! He has poured His love and Holy Spirit into our hearts so we can live boldly and wholeheartedly as His redeemed, bringing reconciliation to others! Would we partake of these immeasurable spiritual riches?

If Jesus’s work of our salvation is finished, and God’s throne is always available, how readily and regularly do we practice accessing His grace? He gives help, insight, healing. He gives guidance, fresh morning mercies, and strength. All for the approaching, asking, and taking. (Psalm 32:8; Lamentations 3:22-23; Hebrews 4:16)

How purposefully, how fruitfully are we living day to day? Are we effective stewards, or do we waste the gifts entrusted to us? Are we intentional to pray over our schedules, to prepare for conversations, to be eager for service in His kingdom, and brave to share His gospel with the lost?

Lord, cause me to access and utilize the immeasurable riches of heaven You have won for me, for the good of others and the praise of Your grace.