Ephesians 2:18
The scripture for today is Ephesians 2:18
Ephesians 2:18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
No one can know God intimately apart from Jesus Christ. All religions that do not claim the merits of Christ as the basis of their relationship with God are false. Christ Himself was clear on this point. "Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6 Jesus has provided the way into the very presence of God for all who accept His sacrifice for their sin. "For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit." 1 Peter 3:18 What wonderful news for those of us who have lived in bondage to sin and its consequences. Christ did not come to set a particular group of people free; He came to set everyone free. Both Jews and Gentiles have the same access to God through the cross of Christ. "For by one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." 1 Corinthians 12:13
When Jesus returned to heaven after completing His sacrificial work on earth, He sent the Holy Spirit to fill the hearts of the believers, enabling them to continue the work of ministry until He returns to take His people home. When we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit is present to fill our hearts. We simply have to ask our Father in heaven for the infilling of His Spirit and receive the promise of the Father by faith. "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" Luke 11:13 When we have been filled with the Holy Spirit, we have the very Spirit of Christ living in our hearts. "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." Galatians 4:6 Just as the Father would never turn Christ away; He will never turn us away. We have full access to the Father because of the presence of the Spirit of Christ in our hearts. This is a most powerful truth and we all can embrace it. Jesus lives in our hearts and God welcomes us into His presence at all times because of the presence of Christ in us. We are never alone and we are never without power. Christ is in us; we live in the presence of God.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim