Welcomed Into His Presence
Through Jesus’ blood, we hold the ultimate access pass into the Father’s presence, welcomed with joy and delight.
Devotional Credit: Abide Above by Miles Stanford
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Miles Stanford points us to the staggering reality that our acceptance before God is not earned but already secured in Jesus. For many, there are long seasons of reckoning without much relief, fighting sin in their own strength, only to find frustration and futility. Then, by the Spirit’s gracious leading, our eyes are lifted to the Deliverer Himself. We are reminded not only of what He has done, but of where He has placed us. We are raised up together with Him and seated in the heavenly places.
Stanford, quoting J.B. Stoney, presses this truth further. The astonishing wonder is not merely that we find delight in being with Him, but that the Father Himself delights to have us there. Through Jesus’ blood, we have boldness to enter the holiest place, not as tolerated guests, but as dearly loved children. Our acceptance is not fragile, dependent on how well we perform. It rests on the unshakable foundation of God’s grace and His own delight in sharing His joy with us.
To realize this truth changes everything about how we see the world. Once we grasp that we belong in heaven’s fellowship now, the things of earth shift in color and weight. The trials that once seemed crushing lose their power, for we see them through the lens of our heavenly position. Even as we walk through this world, we do so as those already joined to Jesus, already sharing in His life, and already welcomed into the Father’s presence.
Stanford is careful to note that this position is not meant to float above daily reality. It is joined with our study of Jesus’ ways here on earth, guiding how we walk. Our heavenly position gives direction to our earthly practice. The two belong together, shaping both our outlook and our obedience. The more we rest in the truth of our position, the more we are freed to live in simple trust, delight, and conformity to Jesus in this present world.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, you do not strive for access, for you already have it. Through the blood of My Son, you have boldness to enter My presence. You are no longer far away but brought near. Do not think of yourself as trying to arrive. You are already seated with Him in the heavenly places, already received in My delight.
I want you to rest in this reality. Your acceptance is not shaky, nor does it waver with your feelings or failures. It is anchored in Jesus, who loved you and gave Himself for you. When you come to Me, you come in Him, and My joy is to share My fellowship with you.
This new position is not for some future day only. It is the lens through which to live now. When you remember that you are raised with Him, the pressures of earth lose their power to enslave you. When you see that you are near, loneliness and fear lose their hold. When you stand in the truth that you are loved, you are freed to walk in confidence and peace.
Keep your eyes open to My Son’s ways as He lived among men. In Him you see not only your position above but your pattern here below. You have been made new in Him, so let His life flow freely through you as you yield and trust.
Scripture References: Hebrews 10:19, Ephesians 2:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:10, Ephesians 2:13, Colossians 3:1-4, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4-6, John 17:22-24, Philippians 3:20-21, 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine being handed an exclusive pass to a concert. You walk past long lines of people trying to get in, uncertain if they will make it, but your pass gives you instant entry. The guard smiles, waves you through, and welcomes you inside. You belong there, not because of anything you did, but because your pass guarantees it.
In the same way, the blood of Jesus has granted you full access to the Father’s presence. You no longer stand in line wondering if you will be accepted. You already belong. Today, as I face moments of doubt or heaviness, I can simply whisper, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me as one already welcomed into Your presence.” That truth changes how I respond to everything.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that I am not striving for a place at Your table. In Jesus, I am already seated with You in heavenly places. I rejoice that You delight to have me near, not because of my worthiness, but because of His blood and His life. I rest in the truth that I am fully accepted, fully welcomed, and fully loved. May this reality shape how I walk today, confident that I am Yours forever.