A BRIEF LOOK AT SOME OF THE KEY WORDS IN THE BIBLE
Bible Corner - No. 1 ACCESS
Obtaining an audience with an oriental king was not easy. Every suppliant had to be approved by an official who alone had the authority to conduct him into the royal presence. No-one had the right to an audience and it was the official's duty to guarantee the genuineness of all those given 'access'.
The word access is used in the New Testament to signify that no-one comes into the Father's presence except through Jesus (see John 14:6). He alone admits penitent sinners into the presence of God and offers them the privilege of continuing access thereafter. It is to remind ourselves of this amazing and undeserved favour that formal prayers very often conclude with 'through Jesus Christ our Lord'
We are recalling that we have no right to approach God but that Jesus opens the door so that we can enter his presence without fear. Jesus is God's introducer!
This universal access of all believers to God through Jesus Christ is what the 16 th Century Reformers called 'the priesthood of all believers'.
Relevant Bible verses: Romans 5:1-2; Epheians 2:17-18, 3:12; 1 Peter 3:18.
Howard Rady
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