Romans 5.1,2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

The Greek word for access used here describes that relationship with God whereby we are acceptable to Him and have assurance that He is favorably disposed towards us. And how are we brought into this glorious standing before God? By grace, through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ. The freeness of the gospel must never be understood as meaning without cost or inexpensive. For the cost of our sin debt was paid for fully by Jesus Christ on His cross of Calvary. The sign or proof of God’s acceptance of His sacrifice was His resurrection from the dead.

Paul had just written that Jesus was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification. Thus, the totality of our salvation rests fully upon the shoulders and merits of The Lord Jesus Christ. That is the essence of the doctrine of the grace, or unmerited favor of God. This understanding of the gospel of grace and our blood bought access to The Father through Jesus is the most foundational and critical teaching in the life of the believer. This understanding of the full atonement through Christ and its divine benefits undergird us in our daily pursuit of fellowship with God. You see loved ones, our fellowship with God is not predicated on what we do, but on what Jesus has done. All that we “do” in our pursuit of The Lord is grounded upon the finished work of Christ on our behalf. Jesus doesn’t simply “get us started” in our Christian life and then at some point in time say, “Now okay Raymond, it’s time for me to step aside and you do the rest.” No, Jesus is both Author and Finisher of our faith. Apart from Jesus Christ and faith in Him, we simply have no ability to stand before a holy God.

So today, remember the gospel that has saved you. Do not allow the enemy to trip you up with either condemnation for being the sinner you are, or cause you to think that your fellowship with God is good because of your spectacular prayer life or good works. Your prayer life and good works, dear ones, are the result, not the cause of your fellowship with God. Never forget that it is through Jesus that we have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Never forget that it is through Jesus that we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him. Jesus has made a way for us to come to The Father, for He is The Way, The Only Way. Enter into His presence beloved and enjoy fellowship and communion with The Father and His Son.