Sometimes when we read the Bible we have the tendency to pass over words without considering their spiritual importance. This is completely understandable because we tend to be dull to some things due to their familiarity. I believe this to be the case with the word, “access.” It only appears three times in the New Testament: Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:18; 3:12. It is a very ordinary word but how much it reveals to us of God’s grace!

The word in the original language means “admission, or approach”; it originally had the idea of having access to a king’s presence. A good example of this was when the Persian king, Ahasuerus, pointed his golden scepter in the direction of Esther, evidence of her acceptance by him (Est. 5:2).

The “access” mentioned in Romans 5:1–2 is the fruit of justification. We have been justified by faith and have peace with God. It is through our Lord Jesus Christ that we have this access. Firstly, we should note that the words “we have” are in the perfect tense, meaning, we have obtained and continue to possess access. The access which we have is not a one-time or occasional thing but permanent and unchanging. This access brings us into a standing of grace, or favor (cf. Eph. 1:6 jnd). Secondly, Paul says “we stand” in this favor or grace. This is in a continuous tense, meaning our standing is permanent; it is the ongoing place of all believers.

Do we appreciate this wonderful favor of God? Do we daily come into His presence in prayer due to the permanent access that we have and stand in? May it be so, more and more.