Access
Scripture Reading — Romans 5:1-11
Through [Jesus] we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:2
Someone said to me that succeeding in business is all about access. You may offer the finest services, but if there is poor access, you will fail. This is true in politics as well. Having access to the right people makes a huge difference. People who are not socially connected to those in power find it nearly impossible to gain access to them. When there is lake access, property value shoots up. Many beautiful lakes are off-limits to most people because the property around them is privately owned. Of course, being on the outside and wanting access has a long history. After Adam and Eve sinned in Paradise, they were expelled, and an angel with a flaming sword denied them access. Through Jesus Christ, however, we have gained access to the realm of God's grace. It is Paradise Regained. We have access into this grace by faith in Christ as our Lord and Savior. We enter it not on our own strength but by piggyback. We cling to Christ, and he carries us into this grace. As Scripture puts it, this is the "grace in which we now stand." It's not an occasional encounter that we have with God. We do not fall in and out of God's grace. We stand in it. Imagine a lake of grace, and we're in over our heads. What access!
Lord Jesus, once we were lost, alienated. You brought us home and have given us ready access to the Father of all mercies. We thank you and rejoice in hope. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Jack Roeda
Rev. Jack Roeda is the senior pastor at Church of the Servant Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and an adjunct professor of preaching at Calvin Theological Seminary. He is married to Carol Sue Kok, and they have three children and two grandchildren. Pastor Roeda has served two previous churches: Exeter (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church and Calvary Christian Reformed Church, Holland, Michigan.
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