Deep Bible Study: How Can We Have Access to God?
Theme: Access to the Father through the Son. Key Scripture: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (John 14:6)
INTRODUCTION
Since the dawn of humanity, the deepest longing of the human heart has been to draw near to its Creator. However, biblical truth reveals that access to God is neither automatic nor achieved through human merit, good works, or religious heritage. There is a profound "distance" that must be bridged.
Today, we will explore:
1. Why the sinner cannot approach God in their natural condition.
2. How access is made possible solely through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
3. How believers must continually exercise this privilege of access in their daily lives.
I. SINNERS CANNOT APPROACH A HOLY GOD IN THEIR SINS
The nature of God and the nature of sin are fundamentally incompatible. Before we can appreciate the "Good News," we must understand the gravity of our separation.
• A. Sin Creates a Barrier In Isaiah 59:1–2, the prophet declares that our iniquities have built a wall. It is not that God is physically distant or "hard of hearing"; rather, sin acts as a spiritual insulator.
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God..."
• B. Enemies and Strangers According to Ephesians 2:12 and Colossians 1:21, without Christ, we are described as "alienated" and "enemies in our minds." Sin does more than just distance us; it places us in a state of spiritual hostility toward God's sovereignty.
• C. Spiritual Death Ephesians 2:1, 5 teaches that the sinner is "dead in trespasses and sins." A person who is spiritually dead lacks the capacity to seek God or move toward Him on their own. Life must be granted from the outside.
• D. God Withholds Approval from the Impenitent While God hears the cry of the repentant, Psalm 34:15 and 1 Peter 3:12 remind us that "the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Persistent, unrepentant sin prevents a favorable hearing before the Throne of Grace.
II. SINNERS FIND ACCESS TO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
This is the heart of the Gospel: what man could not do for himself, God did through His Son.
• A. Jesus is the Only Mediator 1 Timothy 2:5 states: "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." A mediator is one who intervenes between two parties to restore peace. There is no other name, saint, or religious figure who can fill this role.
• B. Jesus is the Only Way In John 14:6, Jesus uses the definite article: The Way. He is not one of many options; He is the exclusive bridge over the chasm of sin.
• C. Brought Near by the Blood Ephesians 2:13 explains that those who were "far off" have been "brought near by the blood of Christ." In the Jewish context, being "far off" meant being under God's judgment, while being "near" meant being under His favor. The sacrifice of Jesus shifted our position.
• D. The Path to Obtaining Access The New Testament outlines a clear response to this grace:
1. Hear: Faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17).
2. Believe: Trusting in Christ’s deity and sacrifice (John 3:16).
3. Repent: Turning away from sin toward God (Acts 2:38).
4. Confess: Acknowledging Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9).
5. Be Baptized: For the remission of sins, entering into Christ (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27).
III. CHRISTIANS MUST CONTINUALLY DRAW NEAR THROUGH CHRIST
Access is not a one-time event; it is a permanent relationship that must be cultivated.
• A. Praying in the Name of Jesus In John 16:23–24, Jesus instructs His followers to ask the Father "in His name." This isn't a magic formula, but rather praying by His authority and based on His merits.
• B. Our Advocate and Intercessor 1 John 2:1 and Hebrews 7:25 reveal that Christ’s work continues in heaven.
◦ Intercession: He stands before the Father on our behalf.
◦ Advocacy: When we stumble, He is our legal defender, pleading His own blood as the satisfaction for our sins.
• C. Help in Times of Temptation Hebrews 2:17–18 teaches that because Jesus suffered and was tempted, He is uniquely able to "succor" (help) those who are being tempted today. We have access to divine strength for our daily battles.
• D. Approaching with Boldness Hebrews 4:14–16 encourages us to "come boldly to the throne of grace." Because our High Priest understands our weaknesses, we don't approach God with "slavish fear," but with the "holy confidence" of a child approaching a loving Father.
- Bible Study: The Conversion of Cornelius
- Bible Study on Deception: Consequences & effects
- Bible Study: The Seven Visions of Revelation
CONCLUSION
The message of Scripture is clear: Sin bars the door, but Christ is the Key. Through His death and resurrection, the veil has been torn. We no longer have to stand outside. Whether you are seeking God for the first time or seeking to deepen your daily walk, the invitation remains: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).
