Ephesians 3 v 12

“In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence”

During Holy Week, we remember the final week of Jesus’ earthly life before His death upon the Cross. The Cross, and subsequent resurrection of Jesus result in the gift of freedom in this life and for eternity. Yet at this time when it seems like our freedom is somewhat curtailed, our understanding of being granted ‘freedom’ may take on a new perspective. Whereas we have less freedom to travel, go outside or go and be in the company of others, this verse reminds us that we have total freedom to go before God the Father, because of Jesus – His death and resurrection.

We have direct access to God through Jesus. Freedom to pray, petition and intercede and rejoice. We have freedom to lament, repent and to give thanks, all because of the truth that we can approach God.

I remember being 16, just having started sixth form at the school I went to. The school had a new headteacher, and myself and two mates thought the school needed a Christian Union, so we decided to start one. I asked the headteacher if I could see him, and he gave me a time to go to his office. I wrote a two-page document outlining what we would do, how we would do it, and why this would greatly bless his school! I remember standing outside his office, on the ‘Headteachers corridor’ – the only carpeted bit of the whole school. I stood there, paper shaking in my trembling hand, and knocked on his big oak door, waiting for his booming voice to beckon, “enter”.

This Holy Week, as we reflect on the trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ once more, we can be assured that we are able to approach the Throne of God. As we reflect on His resurrection, we remember it’s not that we can approach with trembling, shyly waiting outside and nervously knocking on the door, but we can approach with freedom, and confidence. We are forgiven, and welcomed by Jesus Christ.

Freedom.

We don’t need an intermediary or messenger to pray for us or for us to pray to – we have freedom to go right to the top, right to God. How can this be? Because the Bible tells us that Jesus is our Great High Priest; He is the one who came from, and goes to the holy of holy place. We don’t need set rituals or set prayers, although if they’re helpful, there’s no reason why you can’t use them.

We don’t have to wait to certain festivals, go to certain places, or avoid God when we’ve made a mess of things. We are welcome, and have freedom to come to God – any time, any place.

Confidence.

The great promise of the New Testament is that we receive forgiveness for free – but there was a cost – the price of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Because of the great act of Christ at Calvary, we can approach God with confidence; confidence that we are forgiven, welcomed and loved. Confidence that we are adopted as God’s children; confident in what we ask in line with God’s will; confident that God hears all our prayers, and confident that we as the church are part of God’s plan of salvation and hope for the world.

In this time of isolation, and as we await the Government to announce measures of physical freedom in the weeks or months ahead, let’s make the most of the freedom and confidence that we have to approach God’s Throne of grace. Know that you are forgiven by God, loved by God and welcomed by God.

We will reflect on this incredible moment of history during our online Good Friday reflection at 8pm this Friday.