“For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”
~Ephesians 2:18
The invitation of the Trinity is far-reaching. So far-reaching, in fact, that Paul has told us that through Jesus, God extended the invitation of His Spirit to not only include those who belonged to the spiritually devoted in Israel, but the offer is available to a new life now for everyone who accepts the gift of the Son. The invitation to eternal life-to-the-full is extended to those who are perishing; new life in God through Jesus. The lost and the found both have access to God through the Spirit because of the redemptive work of the Son: many people, but one path.
The offer of a transformed life is by grace through faith. There is now no barrier keeping us from all God offers except for the barriers we create and maintain—excuses, refusal to believe, our pride, our confidence in our flesh, etc.
Isn’t it amazing that God shows no favorites? From a human perspective, we sometimes think of ourselves ‘more highly than we ought’ (Romans 12:3). Everyone needs God. Everyone needs salvation. Everyone needs God and salvation at all times. Believing that our status as children of God means we are more special than others runs the risk of discounting God’s work and emphasizing our own. Paul says that we ALL have access to God through the One Spirit. The desire of the Trinity is for everyone to come into a relationship through Jesus… Everyone.
The eternal and inexhaustible riches of God’s spiritual blessings are available to those who are near and to those who are far. God’s love is never-ending, never failing, outwardly reaching, and inwardly healing. This love is so great and so important to God to share that it is not reserved for those who are near, but it pursues those who are far. We are invited to be participants in this love and of this invitation.
Additionally, we who are near—we who have received the gift of the Spirit through faith—have been granted access to the Throne of grace. Nothing stands in the way except our reluctance or hesitation. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus tells us about this access to God.
Are you weary? Come to Jesus.
Are you afraid? Come to Jesus.
Are you burdened? Come to Jesus.
He will remove the yoke of this world and replace it with one of freedom.
Do you find yourself returning to old ways and old burdens? Come to Jesus.
Identify the who/what/when moments that make you weary, stressed, or anxious.
- Determine how much of these are within your control. What can you change to bring about relief?
- What is outside of your control? Bring these to Jesus and ask for wisdom, clarity, compassion, and understanding.
- Seek a change of heart from God. When our hearts become changed our burdens become lighter and our focus aligns with the direction God is inviting us to walk.
