Introduction

The New Testament teaches that every person can now have access to God because Jesus’ death on the cross has opened the way. Such access is actually experienced by those who express personal trust in Jesus and rely on divine grace. This brings peace and eternal hope, (Rom 5:1-2) but it is always dependent upon the heavenly King’s royal favor, not upon entrance requirements established or met by humans. Both Gentiles and Jews have an open door to the Father through Christ’s death on the cross and through the work of the Holy Spirit present in the believer’s life. (Eph 2:10-18) Access to God through faith in Christ was God’s eternal purpose and gives the believer confidence and boldness to approach God. (Eph 3:12) Old Testament religious practices allowed only the high priest to enter the holy of holies and that only once a year. (Lev 16:2,34) Through Christ believers have constant access to the holiest place, where God is. (Heb 10:19-22)

Examples

Hendriksen (New Testament Commentary, Ephesians) cites the following examples of access to God:

1. Abraham’s intercession for the cities of the plain (Gen 18:23 ff.);
2. Jacob’s wrestling at the Jabbok (Gen 32:26);
3. Moses’ entreaty for the people of Israel (Exo 32:32);
4. Hannah’s prayer for a child (1 Sam 1:10-11);
5. Samuel’s answer to Jehovah’s call (1 Sam 3:10);
6. his “cry” to God at Ebenezer (1 Sam 7:5-11);
7. David’s many confessions, pleas, expressions of thanksgiving and adoration (in the Psalms);
8. Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple (2 Chron 6:12 ff.);
9. the supplications of Jehoshaphat when beset by enemies (2 Chron 20:5 ff.), of Elijah on Carmel (1 Kiing 18:36 ff.), and of Hezekiah when he had received Sennacherib’s defiant letter (2 Kings 19:15 ff.);
10. the prayerful “interjections” of Ezra (Ezr 9:5) and of Nehemiah (Neh 5:19; Neh 6:9, Neh 6:14; Neh 13:22, Neh 13:29, Neh 13:31);
11. Daniel’s confession (Dan 9:3-19);
12. the prayers of the publican (Luk 18:13), of the early church (Act 4:24-31), of Stephen (Act 7:59-60), and of Paul (Eph 1:15ff.; Eph 3:14-21; etc.);
13. and the yearning of the bride for the coming of the Bridegroom (Rev 22:17).

To these, but in a category of their own, should be added the example of Jesus himself, Lk 10:21-22; 23:34; 23:46; Jn 11:41-42; 11:17.

But, says Hendriksen, access is more than prayer:- ‘It is first of all the condition of the soul that rests in the Lord, surrendering itself fully to him, trusting that he will, in answer to prayer, fulfil every need. Prayer, being the natural result of this state of heart and mind, is an essential element in access.’