BOLDNESS AND ACCESS WITH CONFIDENCE

BOLDNESS AND ACCESS WITH CONFIDENCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 3:8-13

Key Verse: “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” — Ephesians 3:12 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 10:19-22; Romans 5:1-2; Romans 8:15-17; Ephesians 2:18; 1 John 5:14-15; Acts 4:29-31.

Description: Through faith in Jesus Christ, every believer has the privilege of approaching God with boldness, enjoying unhindered spiritual access to the Father, and living confidently in the assurance of His grace and promises.

INTRODUCTION

One of the greatest privileges of the Christian life is the opportunity to approach the Almighty God personally through Jesus Christ. Under the old covenant, access to the holiest place was restricted, and the high priest entered the Most Holy Place only under prescribed conditions. However, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the way into God's presence has been opened to everyone who believes in Him. We are no longer required to stand at a distance, uncertain of whether God will receive us. In Christ, we have been brought near and given the privilege of fellowship with our heavenly Father.

In Ephesians 3, Apostle Paul explains the mystery of Christ and God's eternal purpose to bring Jews and Gentiles together into one body through the gospel. He declares in verse 12 that believers have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Christ. These three expressions—boldness, access, and confidence—reveal the wonderful privileges available to every child of God. Boldness speaks of freedom from slavish fear; access speaks of the right to approach God; and confidence speaks of the assurance with which we exercise that privilege.

Many Christians love God but still approach Him as though they are strangers. Some are intimidated by past failures, others are discouraged by unanswered prayers, and some believe that only a few specially anointed people can approach God effectively. The Word of God teaches otherwise. Every believer has access to the Father through Christ. We must therefore learn to approach Him with reverence, faith, assurance, and a willingness to obey His Word. This privilege should transform our prayer life, strengthen our witness, and give us courage in the face of life's challenges.

1. JESUS CHRIST IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR BOLDNESS

Our boldness before God does not originate from our personal achievements, human righteousness, church position, or spiritual reputation. It rests entirely on the finished work of Jesus Christ. We can approach God because Jesus has dealt with the problem of sin and opened the way into the Father's presence.

The believer's confidence is therefore not arrogance or presumption. It is a faith-filled response to what Christ has accomplished on our behalf. When we understand the sufficiency of His sacrifice, we no longer need to live under condemnation or approach God as though we must earn the right to be heard.

a) His Blood Has Opened the Way (Hebrews 10:19)

Hebrews 10:19 declares that believers have boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus. Under the old covenant, access to the Most Holy Place was restricted. But the blood of Jesus has provided the basis for our entrance into God's presence.

The blood of Jesus speaks of redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the satisfaction of God's righteous requirements concerning sin. We do not come before God claiming that we have never failed; we come trusting in the sacrifice of the One who paid the price for our redemption. Whenever guilt attempts to drive us away from God, we must remember that genuine repentance and faith in Christ bring us back into fellowship with Him.

b) His Righteousness Gives Us Acceptance (2 Corinthians 5:21)

The Bible teaches that Christ, who knew no sin, was made sin for us so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. This is the foundation of our acceptance before God. We are not accepted because we have attained perfection through our own efforts, but because we are united with Christ through faith.

This truth does not encourage careless living. Rather, it inspires gratitude, holiness, and obedience. Knowing that our acceptance rests on Christ should make us more committed to pleasing the One who has shown us such great mercy.

c) His Sacrifice Has Removed Condemnation (Romans 8:1)

Romans 8:1 declares that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Condemnation tells a person that failure has permanently disqualified them from God's mercy. The gospel, however, calls the repentant believer to receive forgiveness, rise again, and continue walking with God.

The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin so that we may repent and be restored. The enemy seeks to use guilt to make us abandon prayer and fellowship. We must distinguish between the conviction that leads us to repentance and condemnation that drives us away from God.

d) His Mediation Makes Our Approach Possible (1 Timothy 2:5)

The Bible declares that there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus. Jesus is our perfect Mediator because He is the One who reconciles us to the Father.

We do not need another saviour to supplement Christ's finished work. Through Him, we can pray, worship, confess our sins, receive grace, and present our petitions to God. Our confidence must remain anchored in His person and work rather than in human intermediaries or religious rituals.

Biblical Example: The Publican Who Sought God's Mercy (Luke 18:13-14)

The publican stood afar off, acknowledged his sin, and cried for God's mercy. Jesus declared that he went home justified rather than the self-righteous Pharisee. His story teaches us that acceptance before God comes through humble dependence on His mercy, not boasting in personal achievements.

2. WE HAVE BOLDNESS TO APPROACH GOD

Boldness in the Christian life means having the spiritual freedom to approach God without being paralysed by fear, shame, or a sense of rejection. It is not disrespect for God's holiness; it is confidence in His gracious invitation through Christ.

God is holy and worthy of reverence, yet He invites His children to draw near. We must not allow intimidation, past mistakes, or the opinions of people to rob us of the privilege of seeking His face.

a) We Can Come to the Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16)

The writer of Hebrews instructs us to come boldly to the throne of grace so that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Notice that it is called the throne of grace. God is the King of kings, but through Christ, His throne is also a place where needy people can receive mercy and help.

When you are weak, seek His strength. When you have failed, repent and seek His mercy. When you are confused, ask for His wisdom. When you are burdened, bring your concerns to Him. Do not wait until everything is perfect before you pray; come because you need His grace.

b) We Can Pray Without Being Controlled by Fear (Romans 8:15)

Romans 8:15 teaches that believers have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.” Our relationship with God is not meant to be dominated by the terror of a slave who expects punishment at every moment.

Through adoption, we have become God's children. We can approach Him with the love and trust of children who know their Father cares for them. This does not eliminate reverence or accountability; it removes the terror that prevents genuine fellowship.

c) We Can Speak God's Word With Courage (Acts 4:29-31)

When the early believers faced threats, they prayed for boldness to speak God's Word. They did not ask merely for the opposition to disappear; they asked for courage to remain faithful in their witness. God answered their prayer, and they spoke His Word with boldness.

The same principle applies today. We need boldness to defend the truth, share the gospel, stand for righteousness, and remain faithful when our convictions are challenged. Christian boldness is not the loudness of our voices but the strength to obey God even when obedience is costly.

d) We Can Stand Firm in Times of Opposition (2 Timothy 1:7)

God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Fear can make believers withdraw from their responsibilities, compromise their convictions, or abandon opportunities to serve God.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to face challenges with courage, love, wisdom, and self-control. We must not confuse boldness with recklessness. True spiritual courage depends on God, acts according to His Word, and remains under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Example: Peter and John Before the Council (Acts 4:13)

Peter and John stood before the religious authorities and spoke openly about Jesus. The council recognised their boldness and understood that they had been with Jesus. Their courage was not the product of worldly status or academic prestige; it reflected their relationship with Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

3. WE HAVE ACCESS TO THE FATHER THROUGH CHRIST

Access means the privilege and right to approach someone who would otherwise be beyond our reach. Through Jesus Christ, we have been brought into a relationship with God and given the privilege of approaching Him in prayer and fellowship.

Our access is not limited to church buildings, special services, or the presence of a particular minister. Wherever we are, we can call upon God through Christ. We should therefore cultivate a daily relationship with Him rather than depending exclusively on occasional moments of corporate worship.

a) Christ Has Brought Us Near to God (Ephesians 2:13)

The Bible teaches that those who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Sin separated humanity from God, but Jesus made reconciliation possible through His sacrifice.

No matter how far a person has wandered, the gospel invites them to turn to Christ in repentance and faith. Our past does not have to determine our future when we receive God's mercy and walk in the new life He provides.

b) Through Christ, We Have Access by One Spirit (Ephesians 2:18)

Ephesians 2:18 explains that through Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have access by one Spirit unto the Father. This reveals the unity of the Godhead in our salvation: through the Son, by the Spirit, we come to the Father.

Access to God is not the exclusive privilege of one tribe, nationality, social class, or Christian denomination. All who are reconciled to God through Christ can approach Him. This truth should destroy pride, prejudice, and every attitude that makes other believers feel spiritually inferior because of their background.

c) We Can Draw Near With a True Heart (Hebrews 10:22)

Hebrews 10:22 invites believers to draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having their hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and their bodies washed with pure water. God desires sincerity rather than pretence.

We should come to Him honestly, confessing our sins, acknowledging our weaknesses, and trusting His cleansing power. Access to God must never become an excuse for hypocrisy. The privilege of fellowship should inspire us to live with integrity before Him.

d) We Can Maintain Fellowship With God Daily (Psalm 55:17)

David spoke of praying in the evening, morning, and at noon. His example demonstrates the importance of a consistent prayer life. Fellowship with God should not be restricted to moments of crisis or scheduled church programmes.

We can speak to God in the morning, seek His guidance during the day, and thank Him at night. We can pray over our families, work, ministry, decisions, and challenges. A life of daily fellowship deepens our knowledge of God's character and helps us recognise His guidance through His Word and Spirit.

Biblical Example: Esther Approached the King (Esther 5:1-3)

Esther approached the king despite the danger associated with entering his presence without an invitation. The king extended the golden sceptre and received her. Although this earthly event is not identical to our relationship with God, it illustrates the importance of being received into a presence that was not freely accessible to everyone. In Christ, God Himself has provided the way for us to approach Him.

4. WE MUST EXERCISE OUR ACCESS THROUGH FAITH

Ephesians 3:12 specifically states that our boldness and access come through faith in Christ. Faith is not merely agreeing that God exists; it is trusting His character, relying on His promises, and acting according to His Word.

The door has been opened through Christ, but believers must learn to use the privilege they have received. We must pray in faith, worship in faith, obey in faith, and continue trusting God when circumstances seem unfavourable.

a) Faith Gives Us Assurance in Prayer (1 John 5:14)

The Bible teaches that we have confidence toward God when we ask according to His will. This means our prayers should be shaped by God's revealed character and Word, not merely by personal desires.

We can pray with assurance when our requests align with His will. We must also remain humble enough to accept His wisdom, timing, and answer. Faith does not force God to obey our preferences; faith trusts Him to act according to His perfect wisdom and goodness.

b) Faith Enables Us to Overcome Doubt (James 1:6)

James teaches that when we ask God for wisdom, we should ask in faith without wavering. Doubt can weaken our ability to act on what God has revealed, especially when circumstances contradict our expectations.

Biblical faith does not mean pretending that difficulties do not exist. It means acknowledging the difficulties while trusting God's faithfulness. We strengthen our faith by meditating on Scripture, remembering His past faithfulness, and obeying the truth we already know.

c) Faith Must Be Accompanied by Obedience (James 2:17)

James explains that faith without works is dead. Genuine faith produces a response. If we believe God has instructed us to forgive, we must forgive. If we believe He has called us to serve, we must serve. If we believe His Word concerning holiness, we must pursue a holy life.

We cannot use boldness in prayer as a substitute for obedience. A life of faith expresses itself in practical choices that honour God and reflect the character of Christ.

d) Faith Helps Us Remain Steadfast During Delays (Hebrews 10:35-36)

The writer of Hebrews warns believers not to cast away their confidence, because it has great reward. He also reminds them of the need for patience. Sometimes, an answer to prayer does not come when we expect it, and we may be tempted to conclude that God has forgotten us.

However, waiting does not mean that we have lost access to God. We can continue praying, serving, and trusting Him while pursuing every responsibility He has given us. Our confidence rests in God's faithfulness, not in our ability to predict when or how He will answer.

Biblical Example: The Centurion Who Trusted Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13)

The centurion believed that Jesus could heal his servant by speaking a word. He understood the authority of Christ and expressed remarkable faith in His power. Jesus commended his faith, and the servant was healed. The account reminds us to trust the authority of Christ rather than measure His ability by physical distance or visible circumstances.

5. BOLDNESS AND CONFIDENCE MUST BE JOINED WITH HOLINESS AND REVERENCE

The privilege of approaching God should never produce carelessness. The same grace that welcomes us into His presence teaches us to reject ungodliness and pursue righteousness. We must approach God confidently because of Christ while maintaining a humble awareness of His holiness.

Our confidence is not permission to live in deliberate disobedience. Rather, the closer we walk with God, the more we should desire to please Him and reflect His character in our daily conduct.

a) We Must Approach God With Reverence (Hebrews 12:28-29)

Hebrews 12:28 calls believers to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, for our God is a consuming fire. The grace of God does not diminish His holiness. It teaches us how to approach Him through the way He has provided.

Reverence affects how we worship, how we pray, how we handle Scripture, and how we conduct ourselves in the house of God. We should never confuse freedom in Christ with contempt for the things of God.

b) We Must Keep a Clear Conscience (1 Timothy 1:5)

Paul explains that the goal of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. A clear conscience does not mean that we have never made a mistake; it means we are willing to respond to God's correction, repent where necessary, and pursue what is right.

When the Holy Spirit convicts us, we should not harden our hearts. We should confess our sins, make restitution where appropriate, and seek reconciliation when we have wronged others. This keeps our lives aligned with the truth we profess.

c) We Must Forgive Others (Mark 11:25)

Jesus taught that when we stand praying, we should forgive if we have anything against anyone. Unforgiveness damages relationships and can poison the heart. It is inconsistent to ask God for mercy while deliberately refusing to extend mercy to others.

Forgiveness does not mean pretending that wrongdoing never happened or abandoning necessary boundaries. It means surrendering vengeance to God and refusing to allow bitterness to rule our hearts. Where possible and safe, we should also pursue reconciliation in truth and wisdom.

d) We Must Walk in the Light (1 John 1:7)

First John 1:7 teaches that if we walk in the light as God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. Walking in the light means living honestly before God and refusing to make peace with hidden, deliberate sin.

Our access to God should lead us into greater transparency, not hypocrisy. We must welcome the searching of God's Word, allow the Holy Spirit to correct us, and seek help from mature believers when necessary. A life that honours God gives credibility to our prayers and witness.

Biblical Example: Isaiah's Encounter With God's Holiness (Isaiah 6:1-8)

When Isaiah saw the Lord, he became conscious of his own uncleanness and the uncleanness of his people. God provided cleansing, and Isaiah responded to the divine call. The encounter teaches us that genuine nearness to God produces humility, cleansing, and readiness to serve.

6. OUR CONFIDENCE IN GOD MUST TRANSFORM OUR DAILY LIVES

The privilege of boldness and access is not meant to remain a theological statement. It should influence how we face challenges, serve in ministry, make decisions, and relate to people. When we know that we can approach God through Christ, we no longer need to be ruled by hopelessness or the fear of human opinion.

A confident believer is not someone who never experiences difficulty. It is someone who knows where to turn in difficulty and continues to trust God while taking responsible steps of faith and obedience.

a) We Can Face Life's Challenges With Courage (Psalm 27:1)

David declared that the Lord was his light and salvation, asking whom he should fear. His confidence was rooted in God's character. He did not claim that enemies or dangers did not exist; he declared that God was greater than the threats he faced.

We, too, can face uncertainty, opposition, and difficult responsibilities with courage. Our confidence does not guarantee that every situation will change immediately, but it assures us that we can seek God's wisdom, receive His strength, and remain faithful through every season.

b) We Can Pray for Wisdom and Direction (James 1:5)

God invites those who lack wisdom to ask Him. This means we do not have to make every decision through human reasoning alone. We can seek divine wisdom through prayer, Scripture, godly counsel, and careful consideration of the facts.

A confident Christian does not become careless or refuse advice. Instead, the believer acknowledges dependence on God and remains teachable. Access to the Father should make us wiser, more prayerful, and more responsible in the decisions we make.

c) We Can Witness for Christ Without Shame (Romans 1:16)

Paul declared that he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, because it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes. Our confidence in God should give us courage to share the gospel with humility and love.

We should not be ashamed to identify with Jesus, explain the hope we have in Him, or stand for biblical truth. At the same time, we must communicate with gentleness and respect, avoiding needless quarrels and treating people with dignity.

d) We Can Serve God With Endurance (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Paul encouraged believers to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that their labour is not in vain. Confidence in God's presence and promises strengthens us to continue serving even when results appear slow.

Whether in pastoral ministry, family responsibilities, evangelism, teaching, or acts of kindness, we should serve faithfully. Human applause may come and go, but the Lord sees our labour. Our access to Him enables us to receive fresh grace and renew our commitment to His work.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah Rebuilt Jerusalem's Walls (Nehemiah 2:17-20; 4:6)

Nehemiah faced opposition, threats, and discouragement while rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Yet he prayed, planned, organised the people, and continued the work. His confidence in God did not make him passive; it strengthened him to take practical action in the face of opposition. His example teaches us to combine prayer with diligence and courage.

CONCLUSION

Ephesians 3:12 reveals a remarkable privilege available to every believer in Jesus Christ: boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. We do not approach God on the basis of our personal perfection, social position, religious achievements, or human connections. We come through the finished work of Jesus, whose blood has opened the way and whose mediation brings us into fellowship with the Father. Therefore, we must reject the condemnation that drives us away from God, the fear that silences our prayers, and the doubt that weakens our obedience. We must draw near with sincere hearts, reverent worship, and unwavering trust in His grace.

Today, make use of the access Christ has provided. Develop a consistent prayer life, study and obey God's Word, repent quickly when you fail, forgive those who offend you, and boldly fulfil the assignment God has placed in your hands. Do not allow your past, present challenges, or the opinions of others to determine the measure of your faith. Approach the throne of grace for mercy and help, and let your confidence in Christ produce holiness, courage, endurance, and fruitful service. The way to the Father has been opened through Jesus Christ; walk in that privilege by faith.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ through which I have access to Your presence; help me to appreciate and exercise this privilege daily, in Jesus name.

2. O Lord, remove every spirit of fear, condemnation, and spiritual intimidation that prevents me from approaching You with boldness, in Jesus name.

3. Father, strengthen my faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ and help me to depend completely on His righteousness and mediation, in Jesus name.

4. O God, rekindle my prayer life and grant me grace to seek Your face consistently in every season of my life, in Jesus name.

5. Father, grant me boldness to preach the gospel, defend biblical truth, and stand for righteousness without being ashamed, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, give me wisdom to pray according to Your will and patience to trust Your timing when answers appear delayed, in Jesus name.

7. Father, cleanse my heart from pride, bitterness, hypocrisy, and every attitude that hinders my fellowship with You and with others, in Jesus name.

8. O Lord, help me to walk in holiness, maintain a clear conscience, and respond promptly to the correction of Your Word and Spirit, in Jesus name.

9. Father, strengthen me to face every challenge with courage, wisdom, and unwavering confidence in Your faithfulness, in Jesus name.

10. O Lord, let my life reflect the boldness, grace, and confidence I have received through Christ, and make me fruitful in Your service, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You will grow in your understanding of the finished work of Jesus Christ, and you will approach the Father with increasing boldness, reverence, and confidence through faith in Him, in the mighty name of Jesus.

2. You will not remain a prisoner of guilt, shame, or condemnation; as you repent and trust in Christ, you will receive grace to rise, walk in obedience, and continue in fellowship with God, in the mighty name of Jesus.

3. You will experience a renewed desire for prayer, worship, and the study of God's Word, and your relationship with the Father will become stronger and more consistent, in the mighty name of Jesus.

4. You will receive courage to stand for the truth, share the gospel, and fulfil your divine assignment without being controlled by the fear of human beings, in the mighty name of Jesus.

5. You will grow in faith and discernment, and you will learn to distinguish between God's revealed promises, your personal desires, and the wisdom required for responsible decisions, in the mighty name of Jesus.

6. You will receive grace to forgive, wisdom to pursue peace, and strength to walk in holiness, so that your conduct will honour the God whose presence you have been invited to enjoy, in the mighty name of Jesus.

7. You will not surrender your faith because of temporary delays or difficult circumstances; you will remain steadfast, trusting God's wisdom and continuing faithfully in the path He has set before you, in the mighty name of Jesus.

8. You will receive wisdom for your family, ministry, work, and daily responsibilities, and you will learn to combine prayer with diligence, planning, and obedience, in the mighty name of Jesus.

9. You will grow in spiritual maturity and become a source of encouragement to others, helping them understand that through Jesus Christ they too can approach the Father in faith, in the mighty name of Jesus.

10. You will live as a confident and faithful child of God, drawing near to Him daily, walking in His grace, standing firm in His truth, and fulfilling your calling to His glory, in the mighty name of Jesus.