Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionIn Christian theology, the concept of access to God is foundational, emphasizing the believer's ability to approach the divine presence. This access is not based on human merit but is obtained through faith, a central tenet of the Christian faith. The Bible, particularly the New Testament, provides a comprehensive understanding of how faith grants believers access to God. Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament sets the stage for understanding access to God, primarily through the covenant relationship between God and His people. The tabernacle and later the temple served as physical representations of God's presence among His people. However, access was limited, with the high priest entering the Holy of Holies only once a year (Leviticus 16). This limited access foreshadowed the need for a more profound, spiritual access to God. Faith as the Means of Access The New Testament reveals that faith is the key to accessing God. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on God and His promises. Jesus Christ: The Mediator Central to the Christian understanding of access to God is the role of Jesus Christ as the mediator. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus provides the way for believers to approach God. 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." Justification by Faith The doctrine of justification by faith is crucial in understanding access to God. Romans 5:1-2 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand." Justification removes the barrier of sin, allowing believers to stand in God's grace. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in facilitating access to God. Ephesians 2:18 affirms, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." The Spirit indwells believers, guiding them in truth and enabling them to commune with God. The Spirit's presence is a testament to the believer's secure access to the Father. Prayer and Communion with God Faith not only grants access to God but also sustains the believer's ongoing relationship with Him. Prayer is a primary means of exercising this access. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Through prayer, believers express their faith and dependence on God. Conclusion The concept of access to God through faith is a profound and transformative aspect of Christian theology. It underscores the believer's ability to approach God with confidence, not based on personal merit but through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This access is a gift of grace, received through faith, and is central to the believer's spiritual life and communion with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 14:27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 5:2 Ephesians 3:12 Hebrews 11:6 Library The Knowledge which Comes through Faith the Surest of All. Reply to the Arguments of the Adversaries. The Object of Theology Sanctified by Faith The Books of the Old Testament as a Whole. 1 the Province of ... That we Obtain Remission of Sins by Faith Alone in Christ. Regeneration My God Will Hear Me The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions. Article xii (V): of Repentance. Resources What was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgIs prayer to saints / Mary biblical? | GotQuestions.org If the Bible teaches gender equality, why has gender inequality always been the norm? | GotQuestions.org Access: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Access to God is by the Holy Spirit Access to God: A Privilege of Saints Access to God: Blessedness Connected With Access to God: Follows Upon Reconciliation to God Access to God: Obtained Through Faith Access to God: Promises Connected With Access to God: Saints Earnestly Seek Access to God: Saints Have, With Confidence Access to God: The Wicked Commanded to Seek Access to God: To Obtain Mercy and Grace Access to God: Urge Others to Seek Access to God: Vouchsafed to Repenting Sinners Related Terms |
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