There is a huge chasm between God and man. It was caused by the sins of man (Isaiah 59:2). Yet God looks across it with pity for man. Though separated by sin, God still loves the world. God made a bridge to span that chasm. That bridge was created by the death of His own Son.
The bridging of that gap between God and man can be described with many words: salvation redemption, sanctification. Another word, though, is the one to which we want to give our attention. That word is "access."
Access - "to lead" "a leading or bringing into the presence of" "being announced to" (Romans 5:1,2; Ephesians 2:14-18; Ephesians 3:8-12).
Lost people do not just "pop into" the presence of God. We must be announced or introduced into God's presence. And we do this through Christ.
How is Christ our "access?" It is through the gospel (Romans 1:16; Romans 6:3,4). When a person obeys the gospel, he then has access to God.
How do you view your relationship with God? How do you view your relationship with other Christians? Do you view your life as a part of God's great household? We are a part of one great citizenship - one great family. We ought to want to actively share in it.
Some Christians, though, may possibly be neglecting this role. There are symptoms of such:
1) Is your prayer life slipping?
2) Are you neglecting a healthy Bible study routine?
3) Are you neglectful in regular church attendance?
4) Are you holding back in liberal giving?
5) Do you see a lack of involvement in the activities of the church?
6) Are you showing a lack of concern for the needs of others?Some may be in danger of denying his Savior, and in so doing may be in danger of denying his own salvation.
Are you seeking to live in the "way?" The scriptures speak of this "way" in many instances:
"The way of salvation" "The way which leadeth unto life" "The new and living way" "The way of truth"
How to enter the "way" - it can be done in only one way. That is through following the plan of salvation as given to us in God's word.
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Romans 5:1,2
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.Ephesians 2:14-18
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.Ephesians 3:8-12
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 6:3,4
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
