Access

Citing Webster's 1828 definition of "access" we note a coming to; near approach; admittance; means of approach; liberty to approach; implying previous obstacles."

The second verse in Romans 5 says that "we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."  Not only is this reader "justified by faith" but that same faith gives me "access...into this grace."

Then Webster's definition of access tells us that "access implies previous obstacles."  The question becomes, what obstacles and why is that such a big deal?

Let's allow "scripture to expound scripture."  

According to Eph 2.1, former unbelievers were "dead in trespasses and sins."  In Col 2.13 we discover that "He quickened (or made alive those that were dead in sins and forgave) all trespasses."

The obstacle is death (physical and worse, spiritual separation from God) because of unbelief.  One cannot get to God apart from the saving grace by faith through "our Lord Jesus Christ."  Why would that matter?  A dead thing has no life.  A dead thing cannot help itself to move or grow.  John 11 explains that Lazarus died a physical death and was only "resurrected" at the voice of Jesus.  A clear demonstration of who He is and what He can do for a dead soul.  Just as the Lord Jesus, Himself came back to life on that third morning as depicted in Matthew 28, so He will do for one who believes.

How can a dead man, live?  There is a "quickening" (giving life) that takes place in a dark, dead soul.  Only He can "wake an unbeliever" to the truth of the gospel, which, we know is the "death, burial and resurrection" of the Lord Jesus.  Truly, it is a supernatural thing to be "quickened."  In the case of this blogger/believer, He whispered conviction at age 6, 15 and 18.  The first two times could be called a "quickening."  The last time He clearly spoke to my dark heart and said "it's you that is lost."  A wise preacher once said that "repenting is taking side with God against oneself."

I had to agree that without Him I would remain dead spiritually.  A light came on and it was as if cool water rushed over my soul.  I saw Him.  The "obstacle" was removed and I had "access!"

Access to Him allows for repentance, comfort, hope, wisdom, help in times of sorrow or trouble, tears to cleanse and heal...The song says "He's all I need, I need not turn to any other...He's my everything, He's all I need."

When we have "access" we can "glory in tribulations...knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; ad experience hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Rom 5.3-5)

All these things give us strength for the journey.  Believer, "rejoice" that He chose you for His own and gave you "access" to all that is His in this world and the next.  If you don't "have access", there is hope. (Rom 10.9, Eph 2.8-9, Jn 3.16, Jn 14.6) There are many other scriptures but to avoid that place of "outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Lk 13.28, Mt 8.12, 25.30) - eternal separation from God, NO ACCESS!!! Call on Him now while He may be found and is near. (Isa 55.6)

Access is eternal.  Exclusion is eternal.  Where will you be found?

Amen, Ps 57.7

Justified

 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  Rom 5.1

Webster's 1828 defines "justified" in theology as "to pardon and clear from guilt; to absolve or acquit from guilt and merited punishment, and to accept as righteous on account of the merits of the Savior, or by the application of Christ's atonement to the offender."

In the Greek, from Strong's Concordance (1344), "justified" is to "render, show or regard as just or innocent."

The sum of the definition in antiquity and modern day; Even though I was guilty, then pardoned through faith in the Lord Jesus and His blood at Calvary, today, I stand before Him "justified" because of that blood and can know peace through Him.

Another thought has been rattling around as well, "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." (Rom 4.8)  "Imputed righteousness," (H 3049) means to take inventory, conclude, reason, reckon, suppose, think on.

Before I could know this "justification" I had to know "imputed righteousness."  Quite simply, when forgiveness is requested, He makes me "justified" in Him.

The gentle nudging of the Holy Ghost causes this believer to "take inventory and conclude" and repent of sins that would break fellowship and attitudes that would separate from His loving hand.  Then and only then, can a believer know "peace WITH God through His Son."

Are you justified, do you know peace?