Why, then, do we have such boldness to enter the Holiest—in the very presence of God? It is “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (Jn. 1:13). It is because of what Christ did: “with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12). When someone believes that Jesus is the Son of God and puts his trust in His accomplished work on the cross, his heart is sprinkled—or purified—from a wicked conscience and his body entirely washed clean with pure water. This person is now made perfectly fit to enter the very presence of God. In the spiritual warfare in which every child of God is engaged, knowledge truly is power. Knowing that we are now in Christ in such a perfect state before God can only produce great boldness to enter the Holiest.

But are we making use of this access, or do we take it for granted? “Let us draw near” is the express invitation! “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (4:16). The Lord gave us an amazing, full, complete promise in this regard: “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mk. 11:24). Is this not giving even more boldness to come and ask? Is this not answering all the longings of our hearts, in the Lord’s service and in our lives? But what is the use of having these promises, and such a state before God, and even boldness, if we do not come to the throne of grace in prayer?

Let us go into the presence of God and give thanks for this free access we have in Christ, and ask His help to make good use of it.