The Cross as Complete Access to God
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 2:11-18
Through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Ephesians 2:18
“Access denied”—this is a common message on the Internet. It pops up every time we type in an incorrect password.
But denied access is not a small matter for a dying patient who can’t afford health insurance. Denied access is a death sentence to a refugee seeking freedom in a new nation. Denied access brings despair to a parent who struggles to reestablish contact with a son or daughter who has run away from home.
Whether we realize it or not, if we don’t know Jesus, we do not have access to the only thing that brings us ultimate hope or peace: the God who made us.
But through Jesus we have full access to God—both those of us who are brand-new believers and those of us who are lifelong Christians.
In Jesus, we can take down all the denied-access signs.
In Jesus, we are given complete spiritual health insurance, completely free citizenship in a new spiritual nation, and completely restored communication with our heavenly Father.
Wherever you come from and whoever you are, the good news of the gospel is this:
In Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit you have full access to all of God’s goodness.
God, our refuge and strength, when we feel distant from you, open our eyes to help us see Jesus. Remind us again and again that he provides us full access to you. Amen.
About the author — John D. Witvliet
Dr. John D. Witvliet has served as a professor at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary for the past 11 years, as well as serving as Director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. He and his wife, Charlotte, have four children.
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