through faith in Him
The Greek word for "faith" is "πίστις" (pistis), which implies trust, belief, and reliance. This faith is not a mere intellectual assent but a deep-seated trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The phrase underscores that it is not by our works or merits that we approach God, but solely through faith in Jesus. This aligns with the Reformation principle of "sola fide" (faith alone), which emphasizes that justification and access to God are granted through faith, not by human effort. Historically, this was a radical departure from the Jewish law-based approach to righteousness, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel.

we may enter God’s presence
The concept of entering "God’s presence" is rooted in the Old Testament, where access to God was restricted to the high priest once a year in the Holy of Holies. The Greek word "προσαγωγή" (prosagōgē) means access or approach, signifying a privilege once reserved for a select few. Through Christ, this access is now available to all believers, symbolizing the tearing of the temple veil at Christ's crucifixion, which opened the way for direct communion with God. This reflects the new covenant reality where believers are invited into an intimate relationship with God, a profound shift from the distant and mediated relationship under the old covenant.

with boldness
The term "boldness" is translated from the Greek "παρρησία" (parrēsia), which conveys the idea of freedom in speaking, openness, and confidence. This boldness is not arrogance but a confident assurance rooted in the finished work of Christ. It reflects the believer's newfound status as a child of God, who can approach the Father without fear of rejection or condemnation. Historically, this boldness contrasts with the fear and trepidation associated with approaching a holy God under the old covenant, highlighting the transformative impact of Christ's atoning sacrifice.

and confidence
The word "confidence" comes from the Greek "πεποίθησις" (pepoithēsis), meaning trust or reliance. This confidence is a result of the believer's faith in Christ and the assurance of His promises. It speaks to the security and certainty that believers have in their relationship with God, knowing that they are accepted and loved. This confidence is not self-derived but is a gift of grace, reflecting the believer's trust in God's faithfulness and the sufficiency of Christ's work. In a historical context, this confidence would have been a source of great encouragement to the early Christians facing persecution, reminding them of their secure standing before God despite external circumstances.

In whom we have (our) boldness and (our) access with confidence.--"Boldness" is, properly, boldness of speech (as in Ephesians 6:19), though used in a derivative sense for confidence and frankness generally. Probably here it is suggested in its original sense by the reference in the preceding verse to the charge of proclaiming the mystery of God, and accordingly means that boldness of thought and utterance before men and angels which Christians, in virtue of that charge, ought to assume. The "access (see Ephesians 2:18) in confidence" is, on the other hand, that confidence before God, as presented to Him in the Lord Jesus Christ, which belongs to Christians as no longer servants but sons. (On this confidence see 2Corinthians 3:4-6.) Both these gifts depend on "faith in Him:" in the one case, faith in His teaching and grace; in the other, faith in His atonement and His gift of the new life. . . .