Access Unto The Father
"For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the Father" (Eph. 2:18)
One with access to a fountain can of himself drink at will. The secretary with access to the employers office is free to enter any time. More is involved, however, in obtaining access unto the Father.
Linguists, skilled in translating techniques, suggest that "access" literally denotes a bringing, a leading, by one into the presence of another. A favor is bestowed upon the one so brought, granting him freedom of entrance, together with accompanied blessing to be found therein. Such is our access unto the Father.
Time was, as sinners, all were without Christ, aliens, strangers, having no hope, and without God (Eph. 2:11,12). Through the introduction of another, Christ, we are brought so as to gain access unto the Father.
Three passages of Scripture mention the action of gaining access. Besides the afore-mentioned text is Eph. 3:12: "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." Rom. 5:2 teaches: "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand."
Summing the three passages, it may be noted: 1) Christ introduces one, bringing about access; 2) access comes by faith into grace; 3) faith gives boldness and confidence in access.
"Through Him." This blessing is in Christ (Eph. 1:3). To be in Christ also is to be in his body, his church (Col. 1:18,24; Eph. 1:22). Therein also is one new man (Eph. 2:15).
"We Both." One was the Jew, the other the gentile. There were separated by the only God-sanctioned wall to ever partition people religiously. That was the law. It cost the Saviour's death to abolish, tear away (Eph. 2:14,15; Col. 2:14). If that partition was contrary to us, what right have any to build other walls to alienate and separate, whether by creeds of men or whims of brethren? Who can write a better law than that which God saw as imperfect and took away by the death of His Only Son? To build another is to attempt to void His Son's death.
Inspiration gave both Jew and gentile promise through the gospel (Acts 2:39). The Jew received his beginning at Pentecost. The gentile received his beginning with Cornelius (Acts 10,11). The word was sent to the gentiles (Acts 15:7). The Holy Ghost was given them, and faith purified their hearts (Acts 15:9). The tabernacle was restored unto them (Acts 15:16,17). Miracles were worked among them (Acts 15:22).
There is no distinction in Christ (Gal. 5:6). The gospel is for both (Rom. 1:16). The calling is for both (Rom. 10:12,13). Baptism is for both (Gal. 3:26,27).
"Have Access Unto The Father." Several expressions explain the means whereby Christ brings men into favor with God. 1) The new birth is whereby we receive life through regeneration (Jno. 3:1-5; I Pet. 1:22,23). 2) Reconciliation is by which we make friends to God again (Eph. 2:16; II Cor. 5:18-20). 3) Remission is by which our sins are sent back, or pardoned (Heb. 9:22; Rom. 3:25; Acts 2:38).
4) Salvation is by which we receive that once lost (Rom. 1:16; II Tim. 2:10; Mk. 16:16). 5) Justification is where by we are counted as righteous by faith, even though we had come short (Rom. 5:1,9; Jas. 2:24). Sanctification is wherein we are set apart to God's Holy service (Eph. 2:26; Heb. 10:9,10).
7) Washing is by which the soul is purged by blood (I Cor. 6:11; Tit. 3:5). 8) Resurrection is by which we see life from death (Rom. 6:3,4; Eph. 2:1). 9) Translation is by which we cross from allegiance to allegiance (Col. 1:13). 10) Adoption is by which we receive heirship (Eph. 1:5; Gal. 4:4,5). 11) Redemption is by which we are purchased (I Pet. 1:18; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).
"By One Spirit" The Spirit leads through Christ unto the Father. Access is only through Christ. Baptism is the only entrance into Christ (Rom. 6:3,4). Therefore, baptism is essential to one's having access unto the Father.
Access is for both Jew and gentile. Both equally enter by being baptized into Christ through faith (Gal. 3:26,27). Therefore, baptism stands between both and their access unto the Father.
Access is by one Spirit. By one Spirit are all baptized into one body (I Cor. 12:13). Baptism then is essential to access unto the Father by leadership of the Spirit.
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