Believe & Speak

Believe & Speak


Episode 96

October 27, 2021

I read just one verse in today’s episode, but what a powerful promise is found in that verse! It’s Ephesians 3:12 (NLT). Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. The New International Version says that “we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” What a beautiful word picture of the posture and the attitude you and I can have when we enter the throne room and come near to God.
Do you have any idea what a privilege we’ve been given? Those of us who have put our faith in Jesus Christ have the freedom to boldly and confidently approach the King of kings. We don’t have to make an appointment. We don’t have to wait until we have a crisis. No concern is too big or too small to carry into God’s presence. We can approach God anytime for any reason because of Jesus and our faith in him. We would not be wise to approach God with arrogance, but neither should we cower in his presence. Never allow guilt, shame or regret stop you from boldly and confidently approaching God. You have been given the freedom to come as you are.
In Hebrews Chapter 10, we learn that “since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body” we are welcome to “draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.” (NIV)
When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain that separated the Holy Place in the Temple from the Most Holy Place, was torn in two, opening the way to approach the throne of God. The Ark of the Covenant, which was kept behind the curtain was considered the mercy seat of God—his earthly throne, so to speak. The Bible tells us that the curtain concealing God’s presence was torn in two from top to bottom. Not only that, the curtain was way too thick for human hands to tear. God himself reached down and tore the curtain that separated us from him.
Christ’s broken body is like that torn curtain. Jesus is the doorway not only to eternal life, but also to intimate communion with God right here, right now. Because of Christ and our faith in him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Hebrews 10:22-23 says, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (NIV)
If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are welcome to freely approach God, and when you are in the presence of the King of kings, everything is possible!
This week's scripture: Ephesians 3:12
 
Discover the healing power of Psalm 139 in my book, Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance.
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