Daily EncouragementSample

The original Methodist preachers were sometimes referred to as “the Now Preachers” because they proclaimed full salvation now. The joyful notes of a present salvation ring out in this chapter. Justification now - “since we have now been justified by his blood” (verse 9); reconciliation now - “we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (verse 11); access to God now - “through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (verse 2).

The wonder of this access to God which we now enjoy should arrest us. What an amazing contrast this is to the former state of affairs - think of the “mountain . . . burning with fire” (Heb. 12:18), of the ritual of tabernacle and temple. Only the high priest could enter the holiest place, “and that only once a year and never without blood” (Rom. 9:7).

Access now - the cost of it should always be on our minds: “Christ died for the ungodly . . . Christ died for us . . . justified by his blood” (Rom. 5:6-9).

Access now - the experience of it should be a privilege constantly exercised: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb. 4:16).