Dear Ones:
The Gospel is a Christ centered, heaven oriented message of truth concerning God’s dealings with man, His ways and perspective, and His objectives. When we consider this Gospel, we always begin with the “Savior of the world.” There is no one like Him, and certainly no one who was able to accomplish a perfect work to secure for us a perfect salvation from sin and death. Part of the objective for that “once for all sacrifice,” and the shedding of His blood, was to open heaven to us, not only as a concept, but as a morning by morning, all-day reality. From the words “…seated with Him in heavenly places,” to the declaration, “…let us come boldly unto the throne of grace,” we are confronted with this: “…seek those things which are above where Christ is seated on the right hand of God.” (Col. 3:1). Complimentary to these words are those that follow: “Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:2) All this is possible, and provided for because Christ’s work has declared that “…ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (v.3) What do these truths declare to us, and how do they apply to where we live?
In the book of Ephesians, we read: “For through Him, we both have ACCESS by one Spirit unto the Father.” (2:18) Now, what does this mean? It means that regardless of our “infirmities”, weaknesses and failures, with all our faults and inconsistencies, there is, as the hymn writer penned: “…a way to rise to that sublime abode, an offering and a sacrifice, a Holy Spirit’s energies, and Advocate with God.” When Christ said the words, “…It is finished,” and the veil of the temple was torn in two, heaven’s door was forever opened for all men, principally for all that would truly believe in Him. It meant that access was given to enter the very throne room of heaven, and there appear before the Father and the Son, by the Spirit. In light of such privilege, responsibility, and the overwhelming greatness of the presence of God, we are called to come (by faith) BOLDLY (not rashly), “…unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16) The believer is to come worshipfully into the very presence of God, realizing that it is only by the mercy of God that he is there, but also, that God is waiting to minister to his heart and mind, his soul and body, in a very real and concrete manner, as he trusts him “…in time of need.”
One last thought. It is as we spend time “in heaven,” in the Lord’s presence, that we begin to learn His ways of prayer and faith. We begin to find that it is possible to know in a very real way what His will is, and see His provision for it. The more we see this marvelous “access” we have to the Father through the Son, by the Spirit, the more we will come to know Him, His ways, and His provision…”on earth as it is in heaven.” The marvelous and assured access that is provided to the throne of grace has for its primary objective, communion with God. Out of that communion is born the fruits of heaven on earth, the fruit of the Spirit, the very life of Christ in our hearts, and through our lives.
Father, please open our eyes to see the enormous privilege and certainty of this access into heaven itself. Enable us to grasp the significance of coming “boldly” unto this throne of grace, to worship, and to receive, that we may be able to give in every “time of need.” And grant us grace to grasp something of the cost to Thee, “… to make a sinner whole,” and to create such an eternal access to Thyself, so that, forever, our hearts shall be grateful, …ever grateful.
Love, Dad