Freedom and Confidence

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

I read this verse today and it really stood out to me.  I'm not sure why I have never noticed it before since the verses following this are some of my all time favorites.  We have so much to be thankful for in the person of Jesus Christ.  We have been given the forgiveness of sin through him, the gift of transformational grace through him, and the hope of eternal life through him just to list a few.  I don't know that we, being post crucifixion and resurrection can truly understand the incredible words of Ephesians 3:12.  The Jewish nation would read these words very differently than we do.  I think we might take our reconciled relationship with God for granted at times, unintentionally maybe even.  Jesus has closed the chasm that sin created between us and we are now able to speak to God with freedom and confidence.  We no longer have to be ceremonially cleansed or be a particular type of priest or rabbi to be in the presence of God and speak to Him.  We are able to go to the Throne of Grace anytime we have great need or praise. This is because of Jesus. His finished work of the cross has given us a freedom that we can't completely grasp in our 21st century life. Take advantage of this opportunity today by asking Jesus into your life and every day you can speak to God personally.