Bible Dictionaries
Access

Holman Bible Dictionary

Permission and ability to enter into a secured area or into the presence of an important person or God. In the human realm access usually applied to persons who were permitted to see the king face to face (Esther 1:14 ). Thus they had a place to stand in the king's presence (Zechariah 3:7 ). Each royal court had its own rules. The Persian court which Esther faced set the death penalty for anyone who sought access to the king without royal permission (Esther 4:11 ). The New Testament teaches that every person can now have access to God because Jesus' death on the cross has opened the way. Such access is actually experienced by those who express personal trust in Jesus and rely on divine grace. This brings peace and eternal hope (Romans 5:1-2 ), but it is always dependent upon the heavenly King's royal favor, not upon entrance requirements established or met by humans. Both Gentiles and Jews have an open door to the Father through Christ's death on the cross and through the work of the Holy Spirit present in the believer's life (Ephesians 2:10-18 ). Access to God through faith in Christ was God's eternal purpose and gives the believer confidence and boldness to approach God (Ephesians 3:12 ). Old Testament religious practices allowed only the high priest to enter the holy of holies and that only once a year (Leviticus 16:2 ,Leviticus 16:2,16:34 ). Through Christ believers have constant access to the holiest place, where God is (Hebrews 10:19-22 ).