The Pulpit Commentary — Ephesians — Section 120

Ver. 12.-The mw spirit of approach to God. As the effect of the work of redemp- t-ion, we stand tn a new relation to God, which entitles us to a continuous access to him, free, unrestricted, and confiding. ~- WE ~AVE BOLDNE~ AND .-'-CCE8:1 ~ Goo. There ~s an open, intrepid speaking which sprmgs from a mmd confident in itself and strong ln the justice of the cause it espouses; but the freedom of speech here referred to is based upon a true appreciation of our relation to Christ and the security enjoyed by the believer in the midst of all bis tremors and dubieties. Our God is indeed a consuming fire, yet the believer can approach him without servile fear, simply because Christ is the way of access, and the bes.rt bas been sprinkled from an evil conscience through his blood. II. IT IS IN CHRIST WE HAVE THIS CHANGED DISPOSITION IN PRAYER. He died that we might have "boldness to enter into the holiest." We see in his atonement, not a means of deliverance out of the hands of God, but the strongest of all reasons for casting onrsel,es into the hands of God as the very best Friend we have in all the universe. Our security from the wrath of God is in the bosom of God. It is Jesus who gi.,es us andience with God, dispelling at the same time from the mind of the worshipper those suggestions which would restrict or narrow the riches of God's love. Ill IT IS BY FAITH IN ClJmIST WE REACH THIS NEW TEMPER OF BOLDNESS. It is by the faith of which Christ is both the Object and the Author, discovering to us the dignity of his person, the efficacy of his work, the security of his love, that we are enabled joyfully to approach God. It is thns we have confidence in our approaches to God. Christ's sacrifice, as it he.s given infinite satisfaction to God, is fitted to inspire the soul of the believer with perfect confidence. He sees that nothing more is needed to ensure his everlasting acceptance, and is thus led to tread with boldness the entrance into the sanctuary of God's presence. He has peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. He has confidence in regard to his interest in God's love, in reg~rd to the power and faithfulness of God to fulfil his promises, and in regard to the con- tinuousness of the supply of grace necessary to his final salvation. IV. TJIE EFFECTS OF THIS BOLDNESS AND ACCESS TO Goo ABE TO MAKE UB SUPERIOR TO ALL THE AFFLICTIONS OF LIFE. The apostle beseeches the Ephesians, on this ground, not to lose heart on account of the afflictions that had come to himself on their account. The cynical philosopher represents most men as easily reconciled to the misfortunes of their friends, but Christianity not only enjoins but sustains a nobler t.emper. So close was the relationship that existed between the apostle and the saints at Ephe.sn.s, that his afflictions had fallen upon them like almost the reality of a per- sonal experience. They were not to be discouraged by his tribulations, which were, after all, the price paid {or his uncompromising assertion of their rights as Gentiles. -T.C. Ver. 15.-" The family in MafJt:n and in earth." The prayer of the apostle, which includes a reference to the whole family interest of the universe under the blessed Father, is one of the most fervent, comprehensive, and sublime to be found in al. Scripture. Let us consider the force and beauty of the expression, "the family in heaven and in earth." The primary reference is to the Church of God, but it likewisb includes the angels, who merge with the saints into one family; for " all they are brethren." The Church is the family of God in many respects. I. IT I8 so IN THE TIE THAT BINDS ALL TIIE MEMBERS TOGETHER. A family has its constitution in nature, not in similarity of opinion, or interest, or taste. We cannot choose who shall be our brothers or sisters. There are relationships in human life into which we can enter or not enter at will, such as political associations, literary fellowships, social bonds of various kinds. The family is not of this character. Now, the Church is a family unlike these merely voluntary associations, for it is founded by Goo. himself, in which we have our place by his own adopting grace, and once we arc there, our relations to everything internal and external are determined, not by our- selrns, but by the laws of family life. We become" children of God by faith in Christ Jesu,;" (G-.J. iii. 26). There may be members in this family who may not recognize oa. m. 1-21.] THE EPIS'l'LE TO THE EPHESIANS. 117