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This message explores the profound concept of access to God likened to a ship approaching a harbor. It emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the sole pathway to this divine access. Before gaining entry into God's presence, believers must be prepared and justified through faith. The teaching highlights Christ's role in presenting us to God, interceding on our behalf, and providing continual access through grace. With Jesus as our guide, we can confidently approach God in prayer, knowing He hears and answers us, offering forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.
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ACCESSING THE HARBOR August 1, 2010
THE MEANING OF ACCESS • Access: A leading or bringing into the presence of • The word access was originally used as a nautical term of the approach of a ship into a haven or harbor…Wuest’s Word Studies • In the New Testament, God’s grace is pictured as a harbor for the soul.
PREPARED FOR ACCESS • Before we can gain access into God’s harbor, we way must be prepared for us • Jesus is the way of access to God…Jn 14:6 • We access God through faith in Jesus…Ro 5:2; 1:5; 16:26 • Believe like Abraham…Ro 4:3 • Walk in footsteps of faith…Ro 4:12 • Belief and obedience brings justification and peace with God, thus making us prepared to be presented to God…Ro 5:1
PRESENTED FOR ACCESS • Before we can gain access to the harbor, Christ must present us to God • Jesus died to present us to God…1 Pt 3:18 • Entrée: One who secures for his friend an audience with the king • Jesus washed and clothed us…Rev 1:5; Eph 4:24 • Jesus intercedes for us…Ro 8:34; Heb 9:24; 10:22 • Christ presents us to God as one cleansed of sin, wearing the garments of righteousness, and then asks the Father to listen to our petitions
PROVIDED WITH ACCESS • Once God approves of us, He through Jesus Christ, provides us with access to the harbor • We have permanent access to God…Ro 5:2; Eph 2:18 • We can always come to God in prayer…1 Jn 5:14-15 • Confidence to petition God for help…Heb 4:16 • Confidence we can ask God will forgive us….1 Jn 1:5-9 • Confidence we will live with God…Heb 10:19; 35-39 • God, through Jesus Christ, provides permanent access into His grace, conditioned upon our faith
CONCLUSION • Jesus prepared a way of access for us • Jesus presents us to God for access • Jesus provides us with permanent access to God • We have confidence God hears our prayers • We have confidence God will help us • We have confidence God will forgive us • We have confidence God will allow us to live with Him