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“And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:17-18

Despite the fact that I can’t play any instrument and I’m not the greatest singer, music has always been a passion of mine. In fact, for decades I was a hardcore concert goer. Beginning at age 13, I started seeing my favorite bands and solo artists perform, in venues from huge stadiums to intimate clubs. In all those years of hundreds of shows, one thing I have never been privileged to have is one of those “all-access” passes. You know, that special lanyard that grants you entrance backstage with all the roadies…and even affords you the opportunity to meet the object (or objects) of your fanaticism.

So, what makes one worthy of such prestigious access? Most of the time, it comes down to money—if you pay enough, you get access. Other times, it’s about who you know. Your uncle Joe knows the brother of the stage manager (who owes him a favor), so you end up with that priceless tag around your neck. Next thing you know, you’re face to face with some rock god you’ve obsessed about for years.

Sweet sister, let me let you in on an amazing truth: As a believer, you have been granted access to God Himself. In fact, you have an all-access pass to go boldly to His throne at any time. And at the end of your earthly journey, you will literally be face to face with Him. But, unlike a stage pass for some musical show, you cannot pay any price for this access—nothing you can do can earn you that proverbial lanyard. The Christian’s all-access pass, however, is acquired by that “who-you-know” route.

See, for every individual, there is just one way to gain this entrée to God’s presence—one Person to know. The moment you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are presented before the throne of God the Father (no interceding roadies, gatekeepers, or ticket-takers). Jesus paid the cost—a price we could never afford—so we can stand in perfect holy righteousness before the Creator. All we have to do is ask.

Why not reach out and accept your all-access pass today? Just acknowledge that your brokenness and sin separate you from God. Then, turn from your old ways and accept the free gift of grace from Jesus who has made a way for you. On the cross and through His resurrection victory over death, He has exchanged your sin for His righteousness, so you can have a restored access (relationship) to God.

“Jesus, thank You for living a life I could not live and paying a debt I could never afford, providing me with an all-access-for-eternity pass to God.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life