Standing in Grace

Faith in Jesus gives us peace with God.

We are no longer enemies.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;2 Corinthians 5:18

We are adopted sons and daughters.

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.Romans 8:15

This reconciliation gives us access to the presence of God.

Reconciliation with God gives us a new status.

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;Ephesians 2:16-19

This access to God is available through faith in Jesus.

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.Ephesians 3:10-13

Jesus’ payment on the cross removed the barrier of direct access to God.

Direct access to God had been available only to Jewish priests. Now all believers, Jew or Gentile, is a priest with access to God.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.Hebrews 4:16

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:1 Peter 2:9

The tearing of the temple veil signified the removal of the barrier between God and His people.

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;Matthew 27:51

Jesus brings us into this grace where we stand.

We are saved by God’s grace.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.Ephesians 2:8-9

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:Romans 3:24

We are kept by God’s grace, not our own merit.

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?Galatians 3:2-3

Our standing for eternal life is in the grace of God.

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.Galatians 4:5-7

God desires a closeness with you.

Only Jesus can bring the reconciliation that facilitates nearness.

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.Ephesians 2:14-18

Our standing with God is by our faith.

Our standing with God is based on His grace.

Closeness requires familiarity and time.

There is a difference between knowing about God and knowing God.