Boldness

In the context of the Bible, boldness is often associated with the confidence and courage that believers are encouraged to exhibit in their faith and witness. This boldness is not rooted in human strength or arrogance but is a result of the work of the Holy Spirit within the believer. The New Testament frequently highlights the importance of boldness in the proclamation of the Gospel and in approaching God in prayer.

One of the key passages that speaks to this concept is found in the Book of Acts. After Peter and John were released from custody, they prayed for boldness to continue speaking God's word despite opposition. Acts 4:29-31 records their prayer: "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." The result of their prayer was that they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes boldness in his letters. In Ephesians 6:19-20 , he requests prayer for himself, "that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Here, boldness is linked to the fearless proclamation of the Gospel, even in the face of persecution.

Access

Access, in biblical terms, refers to the believer's ability to approach God directly through Jesus Christ. This access is a significant theme in the New Testament, highlighting the shift from the Old Covenant, where access to God was mediated through priests and the sacrificial system, to the New Covenant, where believers have direct access to God through faith in Christ.

Ephesians 2:18 states, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." This verse underscores the Trinitarian work in granting believers access to God: through Jesus (the Son), by the Spirit, to the Father. This access is not limited to a select few but is available to all who are in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles.

Hebrews 4:16 further encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This confidence, or boldness, in approaching God is made possible because of Jesus' high priestly role and His atoning sacrifice, which has removed the barrier of sin.

The concept of access is also linked to the idea of reconciliation. Romans 5:1-2 explains, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand." Here, access is a result of justification and is characterized by peace with God and standing in His grace.

In summary, boldness and access are intertwined themes in the New Testament, reflecting the believer's empowered witness and direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ. These concepts encourage believers to live out their faith with confidence and to approach God with assurance, knowing that they are welcomed into His presence.