How does Ephesians 2:18 connect with John 14:6 about access to God? The Heart of the Two Verses • Ephesians 2:18: “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” • John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” Through Christ Alone • Both verses center on Jesus as the exclusive gateway to the Father. • John 14:6 states it plainly—no access apart from Him. • Ephesians 2:18 echoes the same truth—“through Him” (Jesus) all can approach God. • Supporting passages: – Acts 4:12—“There is no other name…by which we must be saved.” – 1 Timothy 2:5—“One mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” By One Spirit • Ephesians 2:18 adds a crucial dimension: access is “by one Spirit.” • The Holy Spirit applies Christ’s finished work, granting boldness to draw near (Romans 8:15–16). • Hebrews 10:19–22 shows the Spirit leading believers into the “Most Holy Place” opened by Jesus’ blood. To the Father • Both texts end with the same goal—relationship with the Father. • Salvation is not merely rescue from sin; it is reconciliation to the Father’s presence (2 Corinthians 5:18). • The triune movement is clear: through the Son, by the Spirit, to the Father. United Jew and Gentile • “We both” in Ephesians refers to Jews and Gentiles now sharing equal access. • John 14:6 already declared a single path; Ephesians highlights the global scope of that path. • Galatians 3:28 confirms: all are one in Christ Jesus. Practical Implications Today • Confidence: Approach God’s throne without fear, trusting Christ’s sufficiency (Hebrews 4:16). • Unity: All believers, regardless of background, stand on identical ground—Christ alone. • Worship: Praise naturally centers on the Son’s saving work, the Spirit’s indwelling power, and the Father’s welcoming love. |
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