Esther 4:10-5:3, The Sufficiency of the Cross (2)

In the previous post, the ideas about “forsaken” and “torn in two” bring me to the subject of “The Sufficiency of the Cross.”  Jesus without exception bore the sins of the world on Himself.  His work was complete.  The IMMEDIATE result was that, upon His actual death, the veil was torn, granting access to God.  In the Septuagint in Esther 1:14 we see that the seven princes of Media and Persia, the highest ranking officials in the government, were the only ones to have “access” to the king.  Later in the story, although the term is not used, the thing that everyone needed was access.  Haman had it by virtue of the King’s ring.  Esther was afraid to approach the King but did and was granted it when the King extended his scepter.  Mordecai later was given the ring, giving him access.  All this tells us that “access” is a high privilege, and brings great blessing to those who have it.

In the NT the term is used thrice.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Rom. 5:1-2)

For through Him we both (Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ) have access by one Spirit to the Father. (Eph. 2:18)

…according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. (Eph. 3:11-12)

Before we go any further, I want to share some current background illustrations that have brought this “access” to my attention.  We recently made a four week to visit family and friends.  We attended church fellowship on the four Sundays in what would be called “evangelical” churches.  In two of the four we were encouraged to celebrate or participate in some way in the 40-days of Lent.  I sat wondering why Protestants are taking up the call to Lent?  For some reason, centuries ago, we found these to be lacking in some way.  People died over the issue.  It appeared to my keen “pastor’s” eye that one church was parroting a program suggested by someone else.  Sure enough, later, through an internet search, I could find the same materials and terms and PowerPoint slides that had been used.  The other, which I know has some Anglican leanings, was much more “original” about it. 

Additionally, I have seen some article suggesting there is a great movement among young people towards the Catholic Church, even from those with Protestant leanings.  The reason has to do with a love for “ancient religion” and the ritualistic emphasis of the RCC.  Again, I’m wondering why?  Don’t expect a full answer to these questions, but I am extremely interested in the issue of “access” to both these questions.