As part of my job, I attend monthly meetings with IT providers from all over North America. Their unique personalities intrigue me and I learn something new at each group’s gatherings.
When put on the spot or held accountable to a previous commitment, they respond in interesting ways. Some stay silent until forced to answer. Others stumble through a half-hearted apology. A few give circular replies that sound impressive while evading the question. The smallest percentage answer confidently, with no fear of judgment–even if they neglected to follow through with their plans.
Personally, I don’t like being put on the spot. I prefer having time to think about my reply or to analyze my actions before explaining them. But my response in part depends on the party to whom I am answering.
The end of Ephesians 3:12 says, . . . in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.
This last phrase of one of Paul’s signature mega-long sentences sticks out to me. I used to have NO boldness and NO confidence when I came to God! I was guilt-ridden and hopelessly, pitifully focused on my sins—the ones I was aware of, that is. Many people speed read past this part of Paul’s sentence, but to me, it’s huge! Getting a revelation of God’s love and the truth of how grace and faith work together completely changed how I approach God.
I remember SO many times in church, especially during worship, when I felt unworthy, guilty, unclean, clueless, etc. Praise God, those days are over! I now walk in increasing freedom and it is a glorious feeling!
How did I get to this place? It started with realizing that God knows me inside and out. He understands my human frailty and the weakness of my flesh. His assessment: no inherently righteous person has ever lived (Romans 3:10-12, Psalm 14:1-3 and 53:1-3). It never fazes God when I mess up. But we humans mistakenly and illogically believe that by our own determination and good intentions we can overcome sin. Half the battle lies in facing the fact that it’s not a matter of if but when we will blow it.
The second half of the equation requires faith. Since I cannot redeem myself, atone for my faults, erase my own guilt, or pay for my offenses, I desperately need a Savior. In His grace, Jesus redeemed me (Galatians 3:13), sacrificed Himself for my atonement (Romans 3:25), cleansed my conscience (Hebrew 10:22), and gave Himself as a ransom for my offenses (I Timothy 2:6).
Truly believing in Jesus’s perfect and eternal work on my behalf frees me from the fear of God’s anger. I now go straight to the Father, acknowledge my sins, and tell I’m sorry–sometimes in tears. But then I thank Jesus for covering me every single time. I live daily convinced that nothing I do can separate me from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
My confidence before God boils down to this: it’s not about my track record of holy conduct or goodness. It’s about what Jesus accomplished on my behalf and the righteousness He’s imparted to me by grace, through faith.
