Introduction

Access to God is a profound privilege granted to the saints, those who have been redeemed and sanctified through faith in Jesus Christ. This access is not merely a theological concept but a transformative reality that shapes the believer's relationship with God, worship, and daily life. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this privilege is rooted in the redemptive work of Christ and is a central theme throughout Scripture.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, access to God was limited and mediated through the priesthood and sacrificial system. The tabernacle and later the temple served as the focal points of God's presence among His people. The high priest alone could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). This restricted access underscored the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity.

Yet, even in the Old Testament, there were glimpses of a more intimate access to God. Figures like Moses, who spoke with God "face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" (Exodus 33:11), and David, who expressed deep personal communion with God in the Psalms, foreshadowed the fuller access to come.

Fulfillment in Christ

The New Testament reveals that access to God is fully realized through Jesus Christ. His atoning death and resurrection tore the veil that separated humanity from the divine presence (Matthew 27:51). Hebrews 10:19-22 declares, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

Christ's role as the mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 9:15) ensures that believers have direct access to God. This access is not based on human merit but on the righteousness of Christ imputed to the believer (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in facilitating access to God. Romans 8:15-16 states, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit assures believers of their status as children of God and empowers them to approach Him with confidence.

Prayer and Worship

Access to God is most tangibly expressed in prayer and worship. Believers are encouraged to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to approach God's throne of grace with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). This privilege transforms prayer from a ritualistic duty into a dynamic relationship with the Creator.

Worship, both corporate and personal, is enriched by the believer's access to God. John 4:23-24 emphasizes that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such worship is made possible through the access granted by Christ.

Communal and Eschatological Dimensions

Access to God is not only an individual privilege but also a communal one. The church, as the body of Christ, collectively enjoys this access, fostering unity and mutual edification (Ephesians 2:18-22). The communal aspect of access to God is a foretaste of the eschatological reality where believers will dwell in the unmediated presence of God for eternity (Revelation 21:3).

Conclusion

Access to God is a profound privilege that defines the identity and experience of the saints. Rooted in the redemptive work of Christ and facilitated by the Holy Spirit, this access transforms prayer, worship, and community life, offering a foretaste of the eternal communion with God that awaits believers.Deuteronomy 4:7
For what nation is there so great, who has God so near to them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call on him for?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 15:1
Lord, who shall abide in your tabernacle? who shall dwell in your holy hill?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 24:3,4
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... and a Saviour, to give repentance and the remission of sins, the only medium of
access to heaven ... Wonders of grace to God belong ... THE SAINTS' PRIVILEGE AND PROFIT. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

What God Will do for Us
... and most characteristic attribute of the devout soul, but also the assurance of
the privilege of access. ... we, if we will, may have access to God's chamber at ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/what god will do for.htm

In Regard to the Saints who Having Died in the Body Live in Christ ...
... to be drawn away from him without whom access cannot be ... is not sanctioned by the
word of God, it plainly ... him by the Father as his special privilege, ought not ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 21 in regard to.htm

On the Invocation of Saints
... that, being nearer to God, they have greater freedom of access to him ... in this life,
they have obtained by their merits [the privilege] that God shall hear ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 24 on the invocation.htm

"And Watch unto Prayer. "
... man speaks to his friend, and is it not an honourable privilege, that believers ... temporal,
if the want be bodily, prayer makes it up with access unto God. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi and watch unto.htm

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
... And yet it is the highest privilege of a child of God, the mark of ... seat as what he
needs for pardon, is led to seek full priestly access to God, he feels ...
/.../with christ in the school of prayer/thirtieth lesson an holy priesthood.htm

Twenty-Eighth Day. The Way into the Holiest.
... No; great as this privilege is, God has meant something ... departed not from the temple,
but served God with fastings ... day.' It is for this we have access to the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/twenty-eighth day the way into.htm

Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel
... to a nearer union,"to be the sons of God, this is our privilege, John 1 ... men are afar
off from God, from the womb behold, we may have access to God in Christ ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture ii union and communion.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... To do God's will without demur, is the joy as it is the privilege of the successful
praying-man. ... If you would have free access to God in prayer, then every ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

Fellowship with God
... citizens with the saints and of the household of God," and they have access with
boldness ... the number of those who had enjoyed this privilege with Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/fellowship with god.htm

Does Satan still have access to Heaven? Why does God allow Satan to enter Heaven, as recorded in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is natural revelation? | GotQuestions.org

How, why, and when did Satan fall from heaven? | GotQuestions.org

Access: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus