Introduction

In Christian theology, the concept of having access to God is foundational to understanding the relationship between the believer and the Divine. This access is not only a privilege but also a profound aspect of the believer's spiritual life, characterized by confidence and assurance. The New Testament, particularly through the teachings of the Apostle Paul and the author of Hebrews, emphasizes that saints—those set apart by faith in Jesus Christ—have direct access to God. This access is made possible through the redemptive work of Christ and is marked by a boldness that stems from faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Foundation

1. Access Through Christ: The New Testament clearly articulates that access to God is granted through Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 2:18, Paul writes, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." This verse underscores the Trinitarian involvement in the believer's access to God, highlighting the mediating role of Christ and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

2. Confidence in Approach: Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This confidence is not based on human merit but on the finished work of Christ, who serves as the believer's High Priest. The assurance of being heard and received by God is a central theme in the believer's prayer life and spiritual walk.

3. Boldness Through Faith: Ephesians 3:12 states, "In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence." This boldness is a direct result of faith in Christ, who has reconciled humanity to God. The believer's confidence is rooted in the assurance of salvation and the promises of God, which are affirmed through faith.

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in facilitating access to God. Romans 8:15-16 explains, "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 Spirit confirms the believer's identity as a child of God, enabling a personal and intimate relationship with the Father.

Theological Implications

From a conservative Christian perspective, the access to God granted to saints is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. It reflects the believer's restored relationship with God, made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This access is not a temporary or conditional privilege but a permanent status for those who are in Christ. It signifies the believer's adoption into God's family and the assurance of His continual presence and guidance.

Practical Application

For the believer, having access to God with confidence has profound implications for daily life. It encourages a robust prayer life, where one can freely communicate with God, bringing petitions, praises, and confessions before Him. It also fosters a sense of peace and security, knowing that God is approachable and attentive to the needs of His children. This access empowers believers to live boldly for Christ, assured of His love and support in all circumstances.

Conclusion

While this entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that the doctrine of access to God with confidence is a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering believers a profound sense of assurance and intimacy with their Creator.Ephesians 3:12
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 10:19,20
Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

My God Will Hear Me
... utmost to use it in prayer and supplication for all saints and for ... I will scarce
be missed when I go"even I have access to this Infinite God, with the ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xii my god will.htm

On the Invocation of Saints
... nearer to God, they have greater freedom of access to him ... enjoy with Christ in the
presence of God; and with ... In the invocation of saints, do the papists commit ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 24 on the invocation.htm

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
... of his wonderful right of most intimate access to God ... blessedness of conformity to
the image of God's Son ... believe in the HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF THY SAINTS, and that ...
/.../with christ in the school of prayer/thirtieth lesson an holy priesthood.htm

This Necessity Our Opponents do not at all Consider. ...
... teaches us to "have boldness and access with confidence by ... which the Lord commands,
and all the saints teach by ... The only prayer acceptable to God is that which ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 12 this necessity our.htm

Another Mode of Justification
... of the Law to the wrath of God, because Paul says, Rom.5, 2: By Christ we have access
to God ... Paul, and saints like them cannot boast that God owes them ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 9 another mode of.htm

"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak Though the ...
... not dispute against the interest of all the saints, who were ... This may make boldness
of access, that we have not God ... enough of mercy to save us as God, he had ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xii for what the.htm

Prayer and Obedience (Continued)
... It is the "prayers of the saints," the prayers of the ... full liberty of approach and
ready access to God in prayer ... And He had this free and full access because of ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/x prayer and obedience continued.htm

The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
... and glory will all the elect and redeemed saints have one day ... at him, Wherein our
communion with God stood? ... of our justification, then there was access and love ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james.htm

"All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as ...
... This is the cross that the saints must all bear, "Deny yourself, and follow me."
Grace doth not ... Ofttimes we make our liberty and access to God the ground of ...
/.../the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi all our righteousnesses.htm

Messiah the Son of God
... men, from a mistaken zeal for the faith once delivered to the saints, have laboured
to ... In and by this Son of His love, we have access by faith unto God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxvii messiah the son.htm

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