The Air of an Heir

June 27, 2025

Ephesians 3:1-13

”This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is for your glory.” – Ephesians 3:11-13

The shroud of mystery that surrounded the ancient Tabernacle always perplexed me. Why would God be so off-limits? From the separation of the walls to the exclusivity of visitation, the place where God dwelt was with man—but clearly not among man. Something maintained a safe distance between the two. I say safe because it is, indeed, not safe for a holy God and sinful man to dwell together. There is only one possible response to sin: wrath. This explains the necessity of locked and guarded access to God. Only the high priest was permitted to enter the space where God's presence resided.

Fast forward a couple thousand years, and the curtain that separated God and man is torn in two. Christ has been crucified. The wrath of God has been satisfied. What does this mean for us?

Paul clarifies in Ephesians: “(In Christ) we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him” (3:12).

When I think about my status before God, I typically say, “I have access to God.” Of course I do—this is what Christ died for! But Paul says I have more than just access. He says I have boldness and access with confidence. That’s a whole different story.

Think of it this way: there is quite a difference between an aide seeking an audience with the President of the United States and the young son of the president seeking an audience with his dad. The aide waits patiently and is careful not to make any mistakes in his waiting or his approaching. Meanwhile, the son comes freely to his father—no waiting for the right time, no anxiety about his reason for coming—just pure confidence that his relationship as a son guarantees his access.

Because of Christ, we have that same childlike boldness in our approach to God. Think about that. You can be bold in coming to him—not lacking reverence, but full of confidence. You can come to him at any time, in any emotional state, through any failure, for any reason—and have complete confidence that you come as a son or daughter of a loving Father who will not reject you, but open wide his arms to receive you.

Access is no longer restricted—it is now freely and permanently granted to all who put their faith in Jesus. It is for them that they may approach the King of Glory with childlike boldness—with the air of an heir. Access to God is inherent to your status before him: an adopted son or daughter.

So, what is it today that you need to be reminded you have boldness and access with confidence to bring before God?