STANDING​ ​IN​ ​GRACE

​Romans​ ​5:1-2​ ​(Part​ ​3)

Greg​ ​Deuble:​​ ​www.thebiblejesus.org

Therefore,​ ​having​ ​been​ ​justified​ (declared not guilty) ​by​ ​faith, ​we​ ​have​ ​peace​ ​with​ ​God​ ​through​ ​our​ lord​ ​Jesus​ God's anointed one,​ ​through whom​ ​indeed​ ​we​ ​have​ ​gained​ ​access​ ​by​ ​faith​ ​into​ ​this​ ​grace​ ​in​ ​which​ ​we​ ​stand,​ ​and​ ​exult​ ​in​ ​hope​ ​of​ ​the glory​ ​of​ ​God​ ​(Romans​ ​5:1-2).

As​ ​we​ ​continue​ ​to​ ​unpack​ ​this​ ​little​ ​gem​ ​of​ ​a​ ​statement​ ​by​ ​Paul,​ ​we​ ​find​ ​ourselves​ ​standing​ ​in​ ​awe​ ​of​ ​his​ ​explanation of​ ​“justification - declared not guilty ​by​ ​faith”.​ ​​ ​That​ ​God​ ​freely​ ​declares​ ​as​ ​right​ ​in​ ​His​ ​sight​ ​​“through​ ​the​ ​faithfulness​ ​of​ ​Jesus​ His anointed one​ ​all those​ ​who​ ​believe”​ ​​is​ ​truly​ ​staggering​(Romans​ ​3:​ ​22)​.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​​just-as-if-I’d​​ ​never​ ​sinned!

Last​ ​study​ ​we​ ​saw​ ​that​ ​the​ ​first​ ​mighty​ ​result​ ​of​ ​our​ ​having​ ​been​ ​put​ ​right​ ​with​ ​God​ ​is​ ​that​ ​​therefore​​ ​​we​ ​have​ ​peace with​ ​God.​​ ​No​ ​longer​ ​condemned​ ​by​ ​our​ ​sinful​ ​failures​ ​and​ ​guilty​ ​consciences,​ ​no​ ​longer​ strangers​ ​and​ ​aliens,​ ​we​ ​are now​ ​at​ ​home​ ​with​ ​God​ ​our​ ​Heavenly​ ​Father.​We​ ​know​ ​God​ ​is​ ​not​ ​against​ ​us.​ ​We​ ​know​ ​God​ ​is​ ​for​ ​us. ​God​ ​Himself declares​ ​this​ ​all​ ​on​ ​the​ ​basis​ ​of​ ​what​ ​He​ ​has​ ​done​ ​through​ ​the​ ​atoning​ ​blood​ ​of​ ​Jesus.

Today​ ​Paul​ ​will​ ​tell​ ​us​ ​the​ ​second​ ​marvellous​ ​result​ ​of​ ​our ​“having​ ​been​ ​justified​ ​- declared not guilty by​ ​faith”.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​that​ ​we​ ​have​ ​gained access​ ​into​ ​God’s​ ​grace.​ ​As​ ​Paul​ ​puts​ ​it, ​indeed​ ​​we​ ​have​ ​gained​ ​access​​ ​by​ ​faith​ ​into​ ​this​ ​grace​ ​in​ ​which​ ​we​ ​stand.

The​ ​word​ ​Paul​ ​uses​ ​to​ ​describe​ ​this​ ​new​ ​status​ ​the​ ​Gospel​ ​brings​ ​us​ ​into​ ​is​ ​a​ ​rare​ ​word,​ ​only​ ​used​ ​two​ ​other​ ​times​ ​in the​ ​NT.​ ​This​ ​special​ ​word​ ​translated​ ​as​ ​“access”​ ​or​ ​“introduction”​ ​is​ ​a​ ​word​ ​with​ ​two​ ​helpful​ ​pictures​ ​in​ ​it.1 - prosagoge

A​ ​SAFE​ ​HAVEN

The​ ​first​ ​picture​ ​this​ ​word​ ​“access”​ ​paints​ ​is​ ​of​ ​a​ ​harbour​ ​or​ ​safe​ ​haven​ ​for​ ​ships.

If​ ​we​ ​take​ ​it​ ​in​ ​that​ ​meaning,​ ​it​ ​means​ ​that​ ​so​ ​long​ ​as​ ​we​ ​tried​ ​to​ ​depend​ ​on​ ​our​ ​own​ ​efforts​ ​we​ ​were tempest-tossed,​ ​like​ ​mariners​ ​striving​ ​with​ ​a​ ​sea​ ​which​ ​threatened​ ​to​ ​overwhelm​ ​them​ ​completely,​ ​but​ ​now​ ​that​ ​we have​ ​heard​ ​the​ ​word​ ​of​ God's anointed one,​ ​we​ ​have​ ​reached​ ​at​ ​last​ ​the​ ​haven​ ​of​ ​God’s​ ​grace,​ ​and​ ​we​ ​know​ ​the​ ​calm​ ​of depending,​ ​not​ ​on​ ​what​ ​we​ ​can​ ​do​ ​for​ ​ourselves,​ ​but​ ​on​ ​what​ ​God​ ​has​ ​done​ ​for​ ​us.
 ​
Because​ ​of​ ​Jesus​ ​we​ ​have​ ​entry to​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​the​ ​King​ ​of​ ​Kings; ​we​ ​have​ ​entry​ ​to​ ​the​ ​haven​ ​of​ ​God’s​ ​grace.​2 - William Barclay, The Letter To The Romans: The Daily Study Bible. Saint Andrew Press, Edinburgh, Sixth Impression, 1966, p 71

​​Now​ ​isn’t​ ​that​ ​a​ ​wonderful​ ​picture?​ ​We​ ​all​ ​need​ ​a​ ​safe​ ​haven,​ ​and​ ​this​ ​word-picture​ ​reminds​ ​us​ ​of​ ​those​ ​disciples on​ ​the​ Sea​ ​of​ ​Galilee​ ​who​ ​thought​ ​they​ ​were​ ​going​ ​down​ ​under​ ​the​ ​“surging​ ​waves”.​ ​They​ ​were​ ​“swamped​ ​and​ ​in great​ ​danger”​ ​(Luke​ ​8:​ ​23f).​ ​“Lord,​ ​save​ ​us”,​ ​they​ ​cried,​ ​“don’t​ ​you​ ​care​ ​that​ ​we​ ​are​ ​perishing?” ​But​ ​their​ ​.lord​ ​and master​ ​stood​ ​up​ ​in​ ​the​ ​boat​ ​and​ ​commanded​ ​the​ ​wind​ ​and​ ​the​ ​waves, ​“Peace,​ ​be​ ​still!”​ ​​ ​Jesus​ ​brought​ ​them​ ​into​ ​a great​ ​calm. ​Through​ ​Jesus​ ​they​ ​were​ ​“introduced”​ ​into​ ​a​ ​safe​ ​haven.

Similarly,​ ​through​ ​the​ ​Gospel​ ​message​ ​of​ ​God's anointed one,​ ​the​ ​apostle​ ​assures​ ​us​ ​that​ ​we​ ​believers​ ​“have​ ​access”​ ​to​ ​the​ ​very grace​ ​and​ ​goodness​ ​of​ ​God.​ ​​ ​The​ ​wind​ ​and​ ​the​ ​waves​ ​of​ ​this​ ​tumultuous​ ​world​ ​may​ ​rage​ ​all​ ​round​ ​us.​ ​​ ​People’s hearts​ ​may​ ​fail​ ​them​ ​for​ ​fear.​ ​But​ ​Jesus​ ​has​ ​introduced​ ​us​ ​to​ ​the​ ​deep​ ​calm​ ​of​ ​God’s​ ​lovingkindness.​ ​Our​ ​sins​ ​are forgiven​ ​and​ ​we​ ​stand​ ​in​ ​grace.​ ​We​ ​sing,​ ​“It​ ​is​ ​well​ ​with​ ​my​ ​soul!”

There​ ​was​ ​a​ ​time​ ​when​ ​we​ ​were​ ​outside​ ​of​ ​this​ ​grace.​ ​But​ ​the​ ​moment​ ​we​ ​commit​ ​ourselves​ ​to​ ​God's anointed one’s​ gospel word,​ ​we​ ​find​ ​ourselves​ ​inside​ ​the​ ​calm​ ​of​ ​the​ ​boat​ ​with​ ​Messiah​ ​who​ ​is​ ​taking​ ​us​ ​to​ ​the​ ​safe​ ​haven​ ​of​ ​his​ ​Kingdom.

A​ ​ROYAL​ ​INTRODUCTION

The​ ​second​ ​picture​ ​this​ ​word​ ​“introduction”​ ​or​ ​“access”​ ​paints​ ​for​ ​us​ ​is​ ​the​ ​scene​ ​of​ ​being​ ​presented​ ​at​ ​a​ ​Royal Court.​ ​Jesus​ ​introduces​ ​us​ ​to​ ​the​ ​one​ ​God​ ​and​ ​Father​ ​of​ ​the​ ​whole​ ​family​ ​of​ ​heaven​ ​and​ ​earth​ ​(Ephesians ​3:15).​ ​​ ​In​ ​fact, not​ ​only​ ​does​ ​God​ ​accept​ ​us,​ ​but​ ​he​ ​positively​ ​welcomes​ ​us,​ ​indeed​ ​delights​ ​in​ ​us.

The​ ​picture​ ​here​ ​that​ ​many​ ​preachers​ ​and​ ​commentators​ ​helpfully​ ​paint​ ​is​ ​of​ ​a​ ​man​ ​who​ ​has​ ​spent​ ​his​ ​whole​ ​life outside​ ​on​ ​the​ ​street​ ​of​ ​a​ ​great​ ​palace.​ ​Inside​ ​the​ ​royal​ ​palace​ ​there​ ​are​ ​endless​ ​comforts,​ ​riches,​ ​wealth,​ ​and always​ ​plenty​ ​of​ ​food​ ​fit​ ​for​ ​kings.​ ​But​ ​outside,​ ​this​ ​homeless​ ​man​ ​can​ ​only​ ​look​ ​inside​ ​longingly. ​He​ ​is​ ​hungry, shivering​ ​in​ ​the​ ​cold. He​ ​has​ ​no​ ​right​ ​of​ ​entry,​ ​no​ ​access​ ​to​ ​the​ ​palace.​ ​He​ ​is​ ​not​ ​fit​ ​to​ ​enter.​ ​His​ ​clothes​ ​are​ ​rags​ ​and​ ​smelly.​ ​Nobody from​ ​inside​ ​knows​ ​him. ​But​ ​one​ ​day,​ ​the​ ​king​ ​who​ ​has​ ​seen​ ​this​ ​pitiful​ ​sight​ ​takes​ ​compassion,​ ​and​ ​invites​ ​the homeless​ ​man​ ​in​ ​to​ ​the​ ​palace.​ ​The​ ​king’s​ ​courtiers​ ​clean​ ​the​ ​man​ ​up,​ ​provide​ ​him​ ​with​ ​suitable​ ​clothes,​ ​and​ ​bring him​ ​into​ ​the​ ​fabulous​ ​banquet​ ​hall​ ​where​ ​he​ ​is​ ​treated​ ​like​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​king’s​ ​own​ ​family.3 - ​The​ ​story​ ​of​ ​Mephibosheth,​ ​the​ ​banished,​ ​cursed​ ​and​ ​lame​ ​son​ ​of​ ​Jonathan,​ ​son​ ​of​ ​Saul​ ​is​ ​just​ ​this​ ​story. ​King​ ​David brings​ ​Mephibosheth​ ​from​ ​the​ ​“cold​ ​outside”​ ​right​ ​into​ ​the​ ​royal​ ​palace​ ​and​ ​seats​ ​him​ ​at​ ​the​ ​King’s​ ​table​ ​​ ​​as​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the king’s​ ​sons​ ​​for​ ​the​ ​rest​ ​of​ ​his​ ​life​ ​(2​ ​Samuel​ ​9:​​11)!

This​ ​is​ ​the​ ​picture​ ​Paul​ ​gives​ ​us​ ​here.​ ​Once​ ​we​ ​had​ ​no​ ​right​ ​of​ ​access.​ ​In​ ​fact,​ ​we​ ​were​ ​rebels​ ​facing​ ​sure​ ​and​ ​certain judgment.​ ​Lost.​ ​But​ ​the​ ​son​ ​of​ ​the​ ​King​ ​has​ ​brought​ ​us​ ​to​ ​God,​ ​introduced​ ​us​ ​to​ ​his​ ​own​ ​Father. If​ ​we​ ​would​ ​live​ ​dynamic​ ​Christian​ ​lives​ ​that​ ​testify​ ​to​ ​God’s​ ​great​ ​love​ adequately,​ ​we​ ​must​ ​realise​ ​this,​ ​and​ ​get​ ​this into​ ​our​ ​heads​ ​and​ ​hearts.​ In​ ​God's anointed one​ ​we​ ​have​ ​a​ ​whole​ ​new​ ​standing​ ​before​ ​God​ ​our​ ​Father…​ through​ ​him​ ​indeed​ ​we have​ ​gained​ ​access​ ​by​ ​faith​ ​into​ ​this​ ​grace​ ​in​ ​which​ ​we​ ​stand.

Are​ ​we​ ​living​ ​in​ ​the​ ​light​ ​of​ ​this​ ​Gospel​ ​fact?

When​ ​we​ ​approach​ ​the​ living​ ​God,​ ​do​ ​we​ ​come​ ​with​ ​great​ ​difficulty and​ ​a​​sense​ ​of​ ​shame? ​Do​ ​we​ ​pray​ ​as​ ​sons​ ​and​ ​daughters​ ​of​ ​the​ ​King?​ ​Or​ ​do we​ ​feel​ ​like​ ​beggars,​ ​like​ ​paupers?​ ​If we​ ​come​ ​apologetically​ ​before​ heaven’s​ ​Throne,​ ​we​ ​dishonour​ ​the​ ​grace​ ​of​ ​God​ ​in​ His anointed one​ ​Jesus. ​We​ ​do​ ​not​ ​live​ ​in the​ ​light​ ​of​ ​the​ ​fact​ ​that​ ​Jesus​ ​has​ ​brought​ ​us​ ​into​ ​Heaven’s​​court,​ ​has​introduced​ ​us​ ​to​ ​his​ ​Father​ ​and​ ​to​ ​the​ ​angelic hosts,​ ​has​ ​given​us​ ​“access”​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Royal​ ​Throne​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Almighty​ ​as​ ​the​ ​very​ ​children​ ​of​ the​ ​Most​ ​High​ ​God.

I​ ​don’t​ ​know​ ​about​ ​you,​ ​but​ ​when​ ​I​ ​read​ ​of​ ​the​ ​mighty​ ​angels​ ​who​ ​worship​ ​before​ ​the​ ​One​ ​Who​ ​sits​ ​on​ ​the​ ​Throne of​ ​the​ ​Universe,​ ​I​ ​wonder​ ​what​ ​it​ ​must​ ​be​ ​like​ ​to​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​come​ ​and​ ​go​ ​as​ ​one​ ​of​ ​those​ ​worshippers.​ ​Remember what​ ​the​ ​archangel​ ​Gabriel​ ​told​ ​Zacharias​ ​who​ ​doubted​ ​his​ ​word​ ​of​ ​prophecy?​ ​With​ ​what​ ​boldness​ ​and​ ​authority did​ ​Gabriel​ ​say,​ ​​“I​ ​am​ ​Gabriel,​ ​who​ ​stands​ ​in​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​God;​ ​and​ ​I​ ​have​ ​been​ ​sent​ ​to​ ​speak​ ​to​ ​you,​ ​and​ ​to​ ​bring you​ ​this​ ​good​ ​news”​​ ​​(Luke ​1:19).

Well,​ ​the​ ​staggering​ ​truth​ ​Paul​ ​tells​ ​us​ ​here,​ ​is​ ​that​ ​we​ ​are​ ​as​ ​privileged​ ​and​ ​as​ ​favoured​ ​as​ ​Gabriel​ ​the​ ​archangel. For​ ​Jesus​ ​has​ ​introduced​ ​us​ ​to​ ​Heaven’s​ ​Court​ ​as​ ​his​ ​brothers​ ​and​ ​sisters! ​Through​ ​Jesus​ ​Messiah,​ ​we​ ​have​ ​gained access​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Royal​ ​Courtroom​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Universe! ​We​ ​have​ ​an​ ​audience​ ​with​ ​the​ ​God​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Universe!​ ​And furthermore,​ ​observe​ ​this​ ​open​ ​door​ ​is​ ​full​ ​of​ ​grace.​ We​ ​have​ ​access​ ​to​ ​God’s​ ​incredible,​ ​unmerited,​ ​undeserved, unearned​ ​kindness.

No,​ ​I​ ​will​ ​go​ ​further.​ ​And​ ​I​ ​will​ ​go​ ​further​ ​not​ ​because​ ​my​ ​imagination​ ​wants​ ​to​ ​run​ ​wild​ ​or​ ​my​ ​typing​ ​finger​ ​is getting​ ​carried​ ​away.​ ​I​ ​will​ ​go​ ​further​ ​based​ ​on​ ​God’s​ ​own​ ​declaration.​ He​ ​tells​ ​us​ ​that​ ​the​ ​mighty​ ​angels,​ ​these “sons​ ​of​ ​God”​ ​who​ ​in​ ​their​ ​holy​ ​characters​ ​are​ ​like​ ​“flames​ ​of​ ​fire”,​ ​and​ ​who​ ​in​ ​their​ ​works​ ​are​ ​like​ ​mighty​ ​“winds” (Psalm​ ​104:4;​ ​Hebrews​ ​1:​7),​ ​are​ ​not​ ​as​ ​privileged​ ​as​ ​we​ ​who​ ​are​ ​redeemed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​blood​ ​of​ ​Jesus.​ ​​ ​For,​ ​​Hebrews​ ​1:14​ ​​asks:

Are​ ​they​ ​not​ ​all​ ​ministering​ ​spirits,​ ​sent​ ​out​ ​to​ ​render​ ​service​ ​for​ ​the​ ​sake​ ​of​ ​those​ ​who​ ​will​ ​inherit​ ​salvation?

We​ ​stand​ ​in​ ​a​ ​place​ ​of​ ​higher​ ​privilege,​ ​higher​ ​authority,​ ​than​ ​Gabriel​ ​and​ ​all​ ​the​ ​holy​ ​myriads​ ​of​ ​angels! ​Oh,​ ​blessed be​ ​our​ lord​ ​Jesus​ ​who​ ​has​ ​introduced​ ​us​ ​to​ ​this​ ​staggering​ ​privilege​ ​of​ ​being​ ​welcome​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Throne​ ​room​ ​of​ ​the Universe​ ​---​ ​not​ ​just​ ​as​ ​servants,​ ​not​ ​even​ ​on​ ​the​ ​level​ ​of​ ​the​ ​mighty​ ​angels​; ​but​ ​as​ ​joint-heirs​ ​with​ ​the Messiah! We​ ​are​ ​invited​ ​to​ ​come​ ​any​ ​time,​ ​all​ ​the​ ​time,​ ​as​ ​the​ ​very​ ​sons​ ​and​ ​daughters​ ​of​ ​the​ ​living​ ​Creator​ ​Yehovah​ ​God.

As​ ​I​ ​was​ ​reading​ ​​Second​ ​Peter​ ​1:​​1​​ ​the​ ​other​ ​day,​ ​the​ ​word​ ​leaped​ ​off​ ​the​ ​page​ ​into​ ​my​ ​heart.​ ​​ ​I​ ​had​ ​never​ ​seen​ ​it before,​ ​though​ ​I​ ​had​ ​read​ ​it​ ​probably​ ​hundreds​ ​of​ ​times.​Our​ ​English​ ​translations​ ​say:

Simon​ ​Peter,​ ​a​ ​servant​ ​and​ ​apostle​ ​of​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ,​ ​to​ ​those​ ​who​ ​have​ ​obtained​ ​​like precious ​faith​ ​with​ ​us through​ ​the​ ​righteousness​ ​of​ ​God​ ​and​ ​our​ ​Saviour​ ​Jesus​ ​God's anointed one.

However,​ ​the​ ​word​ ​for​ ​“like​ ​precious”​ ​or​ ​“equal​ ​precious”​ ​faith​ ​may​ ​legitimately​ ​be​ ​translated​ ​as​ ​“equally honoured”.​ ​​Has​ ​it​ ​dawned​ ​on​ ​your​ ​spirit​ ​that​ ​you​ ​are​ ​as​ ​privileged​ ​and​ ​as​ ​“equally​ ​honoured”​ ​through​ ​the​ ​Gospel as​ ​an​ ​apostle​ ​of​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ? 4 - ​​isotimon.

Oh​ ​sure. ​I​ ​would​ ​love​ ​to​ ​have​ ​been​ ​in​ ​the​ ​shadow​ ​of​ ​Peter.​ ​I​ ​would​ ​have​ ​given​ ​anything​ ​to​ ​have​ ​been​ ​with​ ​that privileged​ ​and​ ​chosen​ ​group​ ​who​ ​actually​ ​walked​ ​with​ ​Jesus,​ ​who​ ​watched​ ​his​ ​miracles,​ ​who​ ​heard​ ​his​ ​gracious words,​ ​who​ ​had​ ​private​ ​access​ ​to​ ​ask​ ​him​ ​their​ ​questions,​ ​and​ ​who​ ​received​ ​his​ ​individual​ ​and​ ​privileged​ ​insights.

​Peter​ ​himself​ ​says,​ ​in​ ​respect​ ​of​ ​Gospel​ ​privileges​ ​we​ ​are​ ​​equally​ ​honoured​​ ​with​ ​the​ ​apostles.

Wow. ​What​ ​a​ ​standing​ ​you​ ​and​ ​I​ ​have.​ ​Jesus​ ​has​ ​opened​ ​the​ ​door​ ​to​ ​God’s​ ​Throne,​ ​to​ ​God’s​ ​Heart​ ​for​ ​us. And​ ​it does​ ​not​ ​honour​ ​the​ ​God​ ​of​ ​Jesus​ ​if​ ​we​ ​just​ ​shuffle​ ​into​ ​His​ ​Presence.​ ​So,​ ​here​ ​is​ ​a​ ​good​ ​test​ ​to​ ​determine​ ​whether you​ ​and​ ​I​ ​have​ ​really​ ​grasped​ ​the​ ​impact​ ​of​ ​our​ ​having​ ​been​ ​“justified​ - declared not guilty ​by​ ​faith”. ​The​ ​test​ ​is:​ ​Do​ ​you​ ​pray​ ​with confidence​ ​before​ ​God? Are​ ​you​ ​confident​ ​that​ ​God​ ​is​ ​listening​ ​to​ ​​you? That​ ​He​ ​longs​ ​to​ ​hear​ ​from​ ​​you? ​That​ ​He delights​ ​to​ ​bless​ ​​you?

Indeed,​ ​the​ ​NT​ ​goes​ ​further,​ ​and​ ​encourages​ ​us​ ​to​ ​approach​ ​our​ ​Heavenly​ ​Father​ ​with​ ​​boldness. ​

The​ ​teaching​ ​is​ ​that since​ ​we​ ​have​ ​so​ ​great​ ​a​ ​Mediator,​ ​such​ ​a​ ​sympathetic​ ​High​ ​Priest,​ ​Jesus​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​we​ ​are​ ​to, therefore​ ​draw​ ​near​ ​with​ ​confidence​ ​to​ ​the​ ​throne​ ​of​ ​grace,​ ​that​ ​we​ ​may​ ​receive​ ​mercy​ ​and​ ​may​ ​find​ ​grace to​ ​help​ ​in​ ​time​ ​of​ ​need​ ​(Hebrews​ ​4:​16).

The​ ​Greek​ ​tenses​ ​here​ ​indicate​ ​that​ ​we​ ​are​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​coming​ ​forward​ ​so​ ​that​ ​we​ ​may​ ​keep​ ​receiving​ ​the​ ​mercy​ ​and the​ ​favour​ ​freely​ ​offered.​ ​In​ ​other​ ​words,​ ​we​ ​have​ ​received​ ​our​ ​“access”,​ ​our​ ​“introduction”​ ​and​ ​we​ ​don’t​ ​need​ ​to spend​ ​anxious​ ​thought​ ​always​ ​wondering​ ​if​ ​God​ ​has​ ​really​ ​accepted​ ​us. ​We​ ​stand​ ​in​ ​grace! ​The​ ​Father​ ​will​ ​never reject​ ​Jesus​ ​and​ ​the​ ​ones​ ​who​ ​are​ ​holding​ ​his​ ​nail-scarred​ ​hands.​​ Jesus​ ​has​ ​given​ ​you​ ​your​ ​royal​ ​introduction.

Now,​ ​I​ ​mentioned​ ​earlier​ ​that​ ​the​ ​NT​ ​only​ ​uses​ ​this​ ​word​ ​that​ ​is​ ​translated​ ​as​ ​“access”​ ​or​ ​“introduction”​ ​two​ ​other times. And​ ​it​ ​is​ ​significant​ ​that​ ​both​ ​of​ ​these​ ​times​ ​the​ ​word​ ​appears​ ​in​ ​the​ ​context​ ​of​ ​prayer:

For​ ​through​ ​him​ ​we​ ​both​ ​have​ ​our​ ​access​ ​in​ ​one​ ​Spirit​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Father​ ​(Ephesians ​2:18). In​ ​him​ ​we​ ​have​ ​boldness​ ​and​ ​confident​ ​access​ ​through​ ​faith​ ​in​ ​him​ ​(Ephesians ​3:12).

Note​ ​that​ ​the​ ​immediate​ ​context​ ​of​ ​our​ ​“access”​ ​not​ ​only​ ​relates​ ​to​ ​confident​ ​prayer​ ​and​ ​fellowship​ ​with​ ​God through​ His anointed one​ ​on​ ​the​ ​individual​ ​level,​ ​but​ ​the​ ​broader​ ​context​ ​is​ ​speaking​ ​about​ ​Jews​ ​and​ ​Gentiles​ ​both​ ​together having​ ​equal​ ​access​ ​to​ ​God​ ​as​ ​Father.

I​ ​am​ ​sure​ ​this​ ​broader​ ​picture​ ​also​ ​applies​ ​to​ ​our​ ​“introduction”​ ​that’s​ ​mentioned​ ​in​ ​Romans​ ​5:2. ​For​ ​up​ ​to​ ​this point​ ​Paul​ ​has​ ​been​ ​discussing​ ​how​ ​Jew​ ​and​ ​Gentile​ ​are​ ​both​ ​saved​ ​by​ ​God’s​ ​grace​ ​through​ ​His anointed one,​ ​apart​ ​from​ ​works or​ ​personal​ ​merit. ​All​ ​categories​ ​of​ ​men​ ​are​ ​saved​ ​by​ ​God’s​ ​mercy. He​ ​is​ ​rich​ ​unto​ ​all​ ​who​ ​call​ ​upon​ ​Him.

We​ ​must​ ​never​ ​lose​ ​sight​ ​of​ ​this​ ​big​ ​picture​ ​in​ ​the​ ​NT.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​right​ ​and​ ​proper​ ​that​ ​we​ ​individually​ ​should​ ​rejoice​ ​in “justification​ ​by​ ​faith”.​ ​But​ ​let​ ​us​ ​never​ ​forget​ ​that​ ​our​ ​salvation​ ​is​ ​a​ ​corporate​ ​business,​ ​and​ ​that​ ​when​ ​we​ ​believe the​ ​Gospel​ ​of​ God's anointed one​ ​we​ ​are​ ​swept​ ​up​ ​into​ ​God’s​ ​grand​ ​plan​ ​for​ ​the​ ​ages. ​God​ ​is​ ​bringing​ ​a​ ​whole​ ​new​ ​community,​ ​a worldwide​ ​and​ ​international​ ​body​ ​into​ ​being​ ​through​ ​the​ ​Gospel​ ​of​ ​His​ ​Son.

And​ ​for​ ​us​ ​Gentiles,​ ​we​ ​should​ ​never​ ​lose​ ​sight​ ​of​ ​this​ ​grand​ ​design​ ​that​ ​God​ ​has​ ​swept​ ​us​ ​up​ ​into. ​We​ ​who​ ​once were​ ​outside​ ​of​ ​the​ ​blessings​ ​of​ ​God’s​ ​chosen​ ​people,​ ​strangers​ ​to​ ​the​ ​promises​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​separated​ ​from​ ​the Messianic​ ​glory​ ​and​ ​promises,​ ​excluded​ ​from​ ​the​ ​commonwealth​ ​of​ ​Israel,​ ​without​ ​hope​ ​and​ ​without​ ​God,​ ​have​ ​now through​ ​Messiah​ ​Jesus​ ​“been​ ​brought​ ​near​ ​by​ ​the​ ​blood​ ​of​ ​God's anointed one”​ ​(see​ ​Ephesians ​2:​11f).

Jesus​ ​has​ ​introduced​ ​us​ ​to​ ​all​ ​the​ ​promises​ ​and​ ​blessings​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Royal​ ​Court.​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​way​ ​and​ ​nobody​ ​comes​ ​to​ ​the Father​ ​but​ ​through​ ​him​ ​(John​ ​14:6).​ ​​ ​Paul​ ​describes​ ​this​ ​change​ ​of​ ​status​ ​as​ ​“standing​ ​in​ ​grace”​ ​… through​ ​whom​ ​we​ ​have​ ​obtained​ ​our​ ​introduction​ ​by​ ​faith​ ​into​ ​​this​ ​grace​ ​in​ ​which​ ​we​ ​stand.

The​ ​idea​ ​that​ ​we​ ​now​ ​stand​ ​in​ ​grace​ ​is​ ​meant​ ​to​ ​once​ ​again​ ​emphasize​ ​the​ ​certainty​ ​and​ ​the​ ​assurance​ ​of​ ​our​ ​new position.​ ​Through​ God's anointed one​ ​Jesus​ ​we​ ​stand​ ​tall.​ ​We​ ​stand​ ​whole.​ ​We​ ​are​ ​set​ ​firm​ ​in​ ​grace. The​ ​word​ ​conveys​ ​security with​ ​firmness.

I​ ​also​ ​think​ ​that​ ​our​ ​standing​ ​in​ ​grace​ ​is​ ​meant​ ​to​ ​highlight​ ​the​ ​contrast​ ​when​ ​we​ ​were​ ​once​ ​standing​ ​under condemnation.​ ​Paul​ ​will​ ​go​ ​on​ ​to​ ​write:

For​ ​sin​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​be​ ​master​ ​over​ ​you,​ ​for​ ​you​ ​are​ ​​not under law, but under grace. ​(Romans​ ​6:14)

There​ ​is​ ​the​ ​grace ​of ​the ​Gospel ​right ​there.​ ​Once​ we ​stood​ ​under​ ​the ​condemnation​ ​and​ ​judgment​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Law,​ ​but now​ ​we​ ​stand​ ​in​ ​a​ ​new​ ​position​ ​of​ ​favour​ ​and​ ​blessing​ ​in​ ​God's anointed one​ ​Jesus.​ ​Justified - declared not guilty. ​Freely​ ​forgiven.​ ​Declared​ ​righteous before​ ​Heaven​ ​itself.​ ​Introduced​ ​by​ ​Jesus​ ​Messiah​ ​into​ ​the​ ​safe​ ​haven​ ​of​ ​God’s​ ​grace​ ​as​ ​an​ ​heir​ ​who​ ​belongs​ ​in​ ​the Royal​ ​Court! ​So​ ​the​ ​question​ ​is:​

​Are​ ​we​ ​living​ ​daily​ ​in​ ​the​ ​light​ ​of​ ​our​ ​new​ ​standing?

IMAGINE​ ​BEING​ ​MARY

In​ ​order​ ​to​ ​drive​ ​home​ ​the​ ​incredible​ ​privileged​ ​position​ ​that​ ​we​ ​now​ ​have​ ​standing​ ​in​ ​this​ ​grace,​ ​let’s​ ​think​ ​about when​ ​the​ ​archangel​ ​Gabriel​ ​took​ ​his​ ​trip​ ​from​ ​Heaven’s​ ​Throne​ ​to​ ​visit​ ​the​ ​virgin​ ​Mary. ​Every​ ​Jewish​ ​girl​ ​for hundreds​ ​of​ ​years​ ​hoped​ ​she​ ​would​ ​be​ ​favoured​ ​to​ ​carry​ ​the​ ​Messiah.​ ​​ ​(Even​ ​to​ ​this​ ​day​ ​amongst​ ​Jews​ ​who​ ​still hope​ ​for​ ​their​ ​Messiah,​ ​Jewish​ ​women​ ​dream​ ​of​ ​the​ ​privilege​ ​of​ ​being​ ​the​ ​chosen​ ​one​ ​to​ ​be​ ​the​ ​mother​ ​who​ ​bears Messiah.)

But​ ​the​ ​event​ ​happened​ ​on​ ​a​ ​fateful​ ​day​ ​about​ ​2,000​ ​years​ ​ago.

Now​ ​…​ ​the​ ​angel​ ​Gabriel​ ​was​ ​sent​ ​from​ ​God​ ​to​ ​a​ ​city​ ​in​ ​Galilee,​ ​called​ ​Nazareth,​ ​to​ ​a​ ​virgin​ ​engaged​ ​to​ ​a man​ ​whose​ ​name​ ​was​ ​Joseph,​ ​of​ ​the​ ​descendants​ ​of​ ​David;​ ​​ ​and​ ​the​ ​virgin’s​ ​name​ ​was​ ​Mary​ ​(Luke 1:​28).

Can​ ​we​ ​possibly​ ​imagine​ ​how​ ​we​ ​might​ ​feel​ ​if​ ​the​ ​same​ ​visitor​ ​came​ ​to​ ​our​ ​house​ ​one​ ​day? ​We​ ​are​ ​talking​ ​about one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​most​ ​exalted​ ​beings​ ​in​ ​all​ ​God’s​ ​universe​ ​…​ ​an​ ​archangel. This​ ​angel​ ​has​ ​already​ ​told​ ​us,​ ​​“I​ ​am​ ​Gabriel who​ ​stands​ ​in​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​God;​ ​​ ​and​ ​I​ ​have​ ​been​ ​sent​ ​to​ ​speak​ ​to​ ​you,​ ​and​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​you​ ​this​ ​good​ ​news”​ ​(Luke 1:19).

We​ ​have​ ​already​ ​met​ ​Gabriel​ ​whose​ ​name​ ​means​ ​“Man​ ​of​ ​God”​ ​in​ ​the​ ​OT.​ ​​ ​In​ ​​Daniel​ ​8​ ​​Gabriel​ ​appears​ ​to​ ​Daniel​ ​and Daniel​ ​said​ ​he​ ​felt​ ​enormous​ ​fear​ ​to​ ​the​ ​point​ ​of​ ​falling​ ​on​ ​his​ ​face​ ​(Daniel​ ​8:​15f).​ ​But​ ​far​ ​from​ ​intending​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​fear to​ ​Mary,​ ​listen​ ​to​ ​Gabriel’s​ ​words​ ​to​ ​the​ ​young​ ​Mary:

“Hail,​ ​favoured​ ​one!​ ​​ ​The​ ​LORD - Yehovah ​is​ ​with​ ​you”​ ​(Luke 1:28)​5 - ​Gabriel​ ​literally​ ​said,​ ​“Hail,​ ​the​ ​one​ ​being​ ​shown​ ​favour​
​(​kecharitomene ​is​ ​a​ ​perfect​ ​passive​ ​participle,​ ​vocative​ ​singular feminine)!”

Now​ ​try,​ ​if​ ​you​ ​can,​ ​for​ ​a​ ​moment​ ​to​ ​imagine​ ​how​ ​you​ ​would​ ​feel​ ​if​ ​God​ ​singled​ ​you​ ​out​ ​for​ ​such​ ​a​ ​life-changing, history-making​ ​home​ ​visit.​ ​Straight​ ​from​ ​God’s​ ​glorious​ ​heaven​ ​into​ ​your​ ​humble​ ​house​ ​arrives​ ​this​ ​exalted​ ​being. Your​ ​immediate​ ​instinct​ ​is​ ​to​ ​just​ ​fall​ ​down​ ​in​ ​a​ ​trembling​ ​heap,​ ​wishing​ ​the​ ​ground​ ​would​ ​swallow​ ​you​ ​up. ​But​ ​you hear​ ​this​ ​encouraging​ ​word,​ ​“Hail,​ ​to​ ​the​ ​one​ ​being​ ​shown​ ​favour!​ ​The​ ​LORD​ – Yehovah ​is​ ​with​ ​​you!

”Wow” ​Once​ ​the​ ​dust​ ​settled,​ ​wouldn’t​ ​you​ ​feel​ ​enormously​ ​humbled​ ​yet​ ​privileged​ ​at​ ​the​ ​same​ ​time?​ ​You​ ​would think,​ ​God​ ​knows​ ​where​ ​I​ ​live.​ ​​ ​God​ ​knows​ ​my​ ​name. ​God​ ​wants​ ​little​ ​old​ ​​me. ​Oh, ​what​ ​a​ ​difference​ ​this​ ​would make​ ​in​ ​your​ ​daily​ ​living,​ ​would​ ​it​ ​not?​ ​​ ​You​ ​could​ ​care​ ​less​ ​about​ ​what​ ​others​ ​thought​ ​of​ ​you. ​You​ ​have​ ​received your​ ​“introduction”,​ ​your​ ​“access”​ ​into​ ​the​ ​very​ ​secret​ ​heart​ ​and​ ​grace​ ​of​ ​God​ ​for​ ​you. God​ ​sent​ ​His​ ​angel​ ​to​ ​visit you!

OK. ​Now​ ​what​ ​if​ ​I​ ​told​ ​you​ ​that​ ​the​ ​word​ ​Gabriel​ ​spoke​ ​to​ ​Mary​ ​is​ ​only​ ​used​ ​once​ ​more​ ​in​ ​the​ ​rest​ ​of​ ​the​ ​NT​ ​and​ ​it​ ​is spoken​ ​to​ ​you,​ ​the​ ​believer​ ​in​ ​Messiah​ ​Jesus​ ​our​ ​Lord?​ You’ll​ ​find​ ​it​ ​in​ ​​Ephesians​ ​1:6​.​ ​After​ ​writing​ ​to​ ​say​ ​that​ ​our glorious​ ​God​ ​and​ ​Father​ ​has​ ​chosen​ ​us​ ​in​ ​His anointed one​ ​“before​ ​the​ ​foundation​ ​of​ ​the​ ​world”​ ​that​ ​we​ ​might​ ​be​ ​“adopted​ ​as sons​ ​through​ ​Jesus​ ​Messiah​ ​to​ ​Himself”​ ​Paul​ ​says​ ​this​ ​staggering​ ​truth​ ​is,

To​ ​the​ ​praise​ ​of​ ​the​ ​glory​ ​of​ ​His​ ​grace, ​which​ ​He​ ​​freely​ ​bestowed​​ ​on​ ​us​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Beloved​ ​(NASB).​​ ​Or, ​if​ ​you prefer ​the ​King ​James​ ​Version,​ ​​To​ ​the​ ​praise​ ​of​ ​the​ ​glory​ ​of​ ​his​ ​grace,​ ​wherein​ ​he​ ​hath​ ​made​ ​us​ ​​accepted​​ ​in​ ​the beloved.​​6 - ​​Echaritosen​​ is​ ​an​ ​aorist​ ​active​ ​indicative​ ​3rd​ ​singular​ ​literally​ ​meaning​ ​“has​ ​favoured​ ​us”.

God’s​ ​word,​ ​which​ ​cannot​ ​fail,​ ​is​ ​that​ ​you​ ​are​ ​​accepted,​ ​​and​ ​that​ ​He​ ​has​ ​​freely​ ​bestowed​ ​​the​ ​blessings​ ​of​ ​heaven upon​ ​you.​ ​Have​ ​you​ ​made​ ​the​ ​connection​ ​yet? ​As​ ​a​ ​believer​ ​in​ God's anointed one ​Jesus​ ​you​ ​have​ ​God’s​ ​gracious​ ​word​ ​from​ ​His own​ ​heart​ ​to​ ​you:​​​You are​ ​as​ ​highly​ ​prized​ ​and​ ​favoured​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Living​ ​God​ ​for​ ​a​ ​special​ ​calling,​ ​as​ ​Mary​ ​was​ ​to​ ​bear Jesus​ ​the​ ​Messiah! ​​Fact!

The​ ​only​ ​question​ ​left​ ​to​ ​ask​ ​then,​ ​is​ ​will​ ​you​ ​act​ ​on​ ​it? ​Will​ ​you​ ​make​ ​this​ ​a​ ​daily​ ​habit​ ​to​ ​step​ ​out​ ​on​ ​God’s declaration​ ​that​ ​you​ ​have​ ​through​ ​Jesus​ ​gained​ ​“access”​ ​to​ ​the​ ​high​ ​favour​ ​of​ ​Heaven’s​ ​Court?​ ​​ ​Will​ ​you​ ​declare​ ​by faith​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Gospel​ ​of​ ​Christ​ ​you​ ​are​ ​chosen​ ​to​ ​stand​ ​in​ ​grace?​ ​​ ​Will​ ​you​ ​enjoy​ ​your​ ​heavenly​ ​Father’s​ ​favour​ ​so​ ​​freely bestowed​​ ​on​ ​you​ ​in​ ​Christ?

This​ ​is​ ​the​ ​test​ ​that​ ​determines​ ​whether​ ​you​ ​have​ ​really​ ​grasped​ ​the​ ​doctrine​ ​of​ ​“justification​ - being declared not guilty ​by​ ​faith”.​ ​Since​ ​God declares​ ​us​ ​forgiven​ ​and​ ​accepted​ ​through​ ​the​ ​merits​ ​of​ ​His​ ​beloved​ ​Son,​ ​since​ ​we​ ​are​ ​“under​ ​grace”​ ​with​ ​full​ ​and free​ ​access​ ​to​ ​our​ ​Heavenly​ ​Father’s​ Heart,​ ​do​ ​we​ ​daily​ ​stand​ ​confidently​ ​in​ ​this​ ​safe​ ​haven​ ​of​ ​God’s​ ​love?

You​ ​stand​ ​in​ ​grace,​ ​with​ ​God’s​ ​very​ ​own​ ​righteousness​ ​through​ ​His anointed one​ ​upon​ ​you!​ ​Hallelujah. ​Now​ ​act​ ​on​ ​it​ ​every day. ​Make​ ​your​ ​boast​ ​in​ ​God’s​ ​favour. You​ ​stand​ ​in​ ​it! ​Now​ ​do​ ​not​ ​dishonour​ ​God’s ​very ​word​ ​nor ​His ​great salvation​ ​given ​so​ ​fully ​and​ ​freely ​to ​you​ ​in ​Jesus ​God's anointed one.

Jesus’​ ​Gospel​ ​has​ ​given​ ​you​ ​this​ ​access.​We​ ​should​ ​not​ ​be​ ​apologetic​ ​or​ ​furtive​ ​Christians​ ​ever​ ​again.​ ​​ ​We​ ​should never​ ​again​ ​pray​ ​the​ ​dishonouring​ ​prayer​ ​that​ ​asks​ ​God​ ​to​ ​“please​ ​accept”​ ​us,​ ​to​ ​“please​ ​bless”​ ​us,​ ​to​ ​“please​ ​look favourably”​ ​upon​ ​us.

No. ​No. ​No. ​We​ ​should​ ​gratefully​ ​and​ ​confidently​ ​thank​ ​God​ ​that​ ​we​ ​have​ ​access​ ​to​ ​all​ ​the​ ​riches​ ​of​ ​His ​glorious grace.

​​I​ ​say​ ​to​ ​you​ ​in​ ​the​ ​name​ ​of​ ​Jesus​ the Messiah​ ​God’s​ ​own​ ​Son, ​“Hail,​ ​O​ ​one​ ​being​ ​highly​ ​favoured!​ Yahovah ​God​ ​is with​ ​you,​ ​for​ ​you,​ ​and​ ​you​ ​stand​ ​in​ ​His​ ​grace​ ​through​ ​His anointed one​ ​Jesus.”​ ​Glory​ ​to​ ​God.

A​ ​CONTRAST

But​ ​I​ ​cannot​ ​​ ​help,​ ​but​ ​immediately​ ​feel​ ​a​ ​definite​ ​heaviness​ ​in​ ​my​ ​heart​ ​at​ ​the​ ​same​ ​time.​ Whilst​ ​rejoicing​ ​in​ ​our amazing​ ​place​ ​in​ ​God's anointed one,​ ​I​remember​ ​those​ ​who​ ​have​ ​not​ ​yet​ ​heard​ ​this​ ​Gospel​ ​announcement.​ Yes,​ ​we​ ​are​ ​the highly​ ​favoured,​ ​but​ ​there​ ​is​ ​a​ ​vast​ ​number​ ​of​ ​folks​ ​who​ ​do​ ​not​ ​stand​ ​in​ ​this​ ​grace​ ​and​ ​who​ ​have​ ​not​ ​yet​ ​felt​ ​the​ ​joy of​ ​their​ ​being​ ​introduced​ ​and​ ​having​ ​access​ ​to​ ​the​ ​God​ ​of​ ​heaven​ ​for:

The​ ​ungodly​ shall ​not ​stand ​in ​the​ ​judgment,​ ​nor​ ​sinners​ ​in​ ​the​ ​congregation​ ​of​ ​the​ ​righteous​. For Yehovah knows the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. ​(Psalm ​1:​​5).

On​ ​that​ ​last​ ​great​ ​Day​ ​when​ ​every​ ​person​ ​who​ ​has​ ​lived​ ​throughout​ ​all​ ​the​ ​millennia​ ​stands​ ​before​ ​the​ ​Great​ ​White Throne,​ ​and​ ​when​ ​the​ ​books​ ​are​ ​opened​ ​and​ ​the​ ​deeds​ ​are​ ​examined,​ ​​the​ ​ungodly​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​stand​ ​in​ ​the​ ​judgment. They​ ​will​ ​collapse​ ​in​ ​anguish​ ​and​ ​terror.​ ​Our​ ​lord​ ​said​ ​there​ ​will​ ​be​ ​weeping​ ​and​ ​gnashing​ ​of​ ​teeth.​ ​And​ ​Jesus​ ​who has​ ​been​ ​appointed​ ​by​ ​God​ ​to​ ​judge​ ​humanity,​ ​will​ ​announce​ ​those​ ​heart-rending​ ​words,​ “​Depart​ ​from​ ​me,​ ​you workers​ ​of​ ​iniquity.​ ​​ ​I​ ​never​ ​knew​ ​you.”

What​ ​a​ ​stark​ ​contrast​ ​is​ ​this.​ ​​ ​So​ ​let​ ​us​ ​never​ ​forget​ ​that​ ​we​ ​are​ ​favoured​ ​to​ ​bless​ ​our​ ​fellows.

O​ ​Father,​ ​we​ ​bless​ ​you​ ​that​ ​by​ ​Your​ ​grace​ ​in​ Your anointed one​ ​Jesus​ ​we​ ​have​ ​been​ ​declared​ ​right​ -  not guilty ​in​ ​Your​ ​sight.​ ​We​ ​don’t understand​ ​how,​ ​but​ ​we​ ​rejoice​ ​that​ ​Your​ ​lovingkindness​ ​has​ ​drawn​ ​us to Your anointed one. ​For​ ​You​ ​have​ ​caused​ ​us​ ​to​ ​trust​ ​in​ ​the​ ​word of​ ​Your​ ​beloved​ ​son,​ ​our​ ​Saviour​ ​Jesus​ ​Your anointed one,​ ​and​ ​so​ ​we​ ​do​ ​not​ ​fear,​ ​for​ ​we​ ​now​ ​have​ ​access​ ​to​ ​Your​ ​Presence,​ ​and through​ ​Jesus​ righteousness,​ ​we​ ​stand​ ​in​ ​Your​ ​favour​ ​now. Yehovah ​God,​ ​we​ ​don’t​ ​need​ ​the​ ​visit​ ​or​ ​special​ ​words​ ​of​ ​an archangel​ ​to​ ​tell​ ​us​ ​we​ ​are​ ​highly​ ​favoured.​ ​We​ ​have​ ​the​ ​word​ ​of​ ​Your​ ​son,​ ​Jesus​ ​Your anointed one​ ​our​ ​lord.​ ​We​ ​know​ ​that​ ​by his​ ​merits​ ​and​ ​shed​ ​blood​ ​we​ ​have​ ​a​ ​foretaste​ ​of​ ​the​ ​joy​ ​of​ ​this​ ​access​ ​into​ ​Your​ ​most​ ​holy​ ​Presence. ​We​ ​rejoice that​ ​by​ ​Your ​faithfulness​ ​to​ ​Your​ ​son,​ we​ ​will​ ​be​ ​introduced​ ​into​ ​the​everlasting​ ​glories​ ​of​ ​Your​ ​Eternal​ ​Kingdom. May​ ​Your​ ​holy​ ​Name,​ ​Oh​ ​Yahweh​ ​our​ ​God,​ ​be​ ​praised​ ​for​ ​evermore​ ​through​ ​Jesus​ ​our​ ​lord​ ​and​ ​Messiah.