In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12

What a wonderful inheritance we have in Christ. Even though we deserve the wrath of God due to our sin we have the liberty to enjoy a relationship with Him. Now I don’t know about you but knowing that I can “approach God with freedom and confidence” is a reality that short circuits my little brain! It’s incredible! Sinners can “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16) because “the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men” Romans 5:18.

The abolishment of slavery in Jamaica on August 1, 1838 is a fitting illustration. On July 31 a large number of slaves gathered on a beach to celebrate the eve of their emancipation. It was a solemn, yet joyous occasion and they had constructed a large mahogany coffin which they had placed on the sand next to a large hole that had been dug earlier that day. Through the evening they placed, with some ceremony, the symbols of their slavery into the coffin. There were chains, leg irons, shackles, whips, padlocks, and other items involved in their enslavement. Just before midnight the lid of the coffin was closed and the coffin was lowered into the hole. Sand was thrown over the coffin and then they joined together to sing, Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below, praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. They were finally and irrevocably free from slavery.

How much they were like Christians, who, through Christ’s death are free from their slavery to sin. And how like them are Christians, who in heaven will be free from the very reminder and presence of sin. Yes, because of all that Christ accomplished on the cross of Calvary we are no longer slaves to sin and “in him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” Ephesians 3:12. Praise the Lord!