“But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far away have been brought near through the Blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the Cross, by which He put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the Blood of Christ. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:13-18)
The Father, Son, and Spirit love unity and want all human beings, Jews and Gentiles, to enjoy the same ‘Oneness’ they experience. ‘Let them be one, Father, as You and I are one.’ (see John 17)
Man is incapable of bringing about such unity… it can only exist through the love of the Father, the sacrifice of the Son, and the work of the Holy Spirit. As we humble ourselves at the foot of the Cross we see our desperate situation. By God’s mercy, the Blood of Jesus was shed to bring our forgiveness and the Holy Spirit was poured out to be our Helper.
Now, in Christ, we have access to the Father. Whatever trouble we are in, whatever circumstance seems overwhelming, whatever care weighs us down… we have access to the Father. The Creator of the universe beckons us into His presence. If we understand this invitation, there will be no flippancy, no disrespect, and no arrogance. If men and women of old trembled in the presence of angels, how do we approach the One who created the angels?
The writer of Hebrews says to come with confidence. No matter what the situation, a son or daughter can come before a good parent knowing there is grace, mercy, provision, and sacrificial love. In Christ, we come to the Father believing nothing is impossible for the One who is above all. As children, we have access! “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!” (I John 3:1)
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16