Don't Need to Wait for an Invitation

Ephesians 3:12: "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."

This verse reminds me of Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

According to Ephesians 3:12, as Christians, we can approach God because of Christ's work ("In him") and the faith that has saved us ("through faith in him").

I am also reminded of Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

I like the word "confidence" that is used in describing how we are to approach God's throne. This attitude is the exact opposite to the Old Testament story of Queen Esther when she had to approach the king. She literally feared for her life. If he didn't show her mercy and extend his scepter to her, she would be put to death. There was no confidence in approaching the king -- even though she was his wife, the queen.

Our God is the King of Kings. If ever there should be trepidation and fear in approaching a king, you would think it would occur in approaching the all-powerful, thrice-holy God who is described as an all-consuming fire and who cannot look upon sin. How amazing that He allows me to approach Him at my whim. And, even more amazing, it's pleasing to Him when I come to Him confidently. He wants to reward me when I earnestly seek Him. 

We don't need to wait for an Invitation to approach the Father. Christ's saving work and our faith have provided us access to Him. We only need to approach with confidence and in faith.

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