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

Extended Explanation

Paul is making a powerful statement about what Jesus has done for us. Because of Christ, we can now come directly to God with freedom and confidence.

Before Jesus, people didn’t have this kind of direct access to God. Under the Old Testament law, approaching God was restricted. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place in the temple, and even then, only once a year and with the proper sacrifices (Leviticus 16:2). But because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, all believers can now come to God without fear, without barriers, and without hesitation.

This access is not based on our own good works or status, but through faith in Him. Jesus made the way for us, and faith in Him is what allows us to enter into God’s presence.

Historical Context

In the ancient Jewish system, the temple was the center of worship, and access to God was limited. There was a thick curtain separating the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the division between God and man. When Jesus died, that curtain was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), showing that the barrier was removed.

For many of Paul’s readers—both Jews and Gentiles—this was a radical concept. Jews had been raised under a system where approaching God required priests and sacrifices. Gentiles were often told they had no place at all in God’s presence. But now, Paul declares that through Christ, anyone who believes can approach God directly.

Paul himself was writing this letter from prison (Ephesians 3:1), yet he still speaks with confidence about access to God. Even in chains, he knows that nothing can separate him from God’s presence.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus Gives Us Direct Access to God – Because of Christ, we don’t need a human priest or rituals to approach God. We can come to Him anytime.
2. We Can Approach God with Confidence – Instead of fear, we come to God as beloved children (Romans 8:15-16).
3. Faith, Not Works, Gives Us Access – Our ability to approach God is not based on performance but on faith in Christ.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses the phrase “In him and through faith in him,” emphasizing that Jesus is the only way to God. This echoes what Jesus Himself said in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The words “freedom and confidence” are key.

• “Freedom” (Greek: parrēsia) means boldness or openness, like someone speaking without fear.
• “Confidence” (Greek: pepoithēsis) means full trust, being completely assured.

Paul wants believers to understand that their relationship with God is not distant or fearful. It is close, personal, and built on trust.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence…”
• Matthew 27:51 – The temple curtain is torn, symbolizing direct access to God.
• Romans 5:1-2 – We have peace with God and access to Him through Jesus.
• John 14:6 – Jesus is the only way to the Father.
• Galatians 4:6-7 – We are no longer slaves, but God’s children, able to call Him “Abba, Father.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a game-changer for how we relate to God. Instead of feeling like we have to be “good enough” to come to Him, we are reminded that we already have access through Jesus.

It also means we don’t have to be afraid or hesitant. When we pray, we are talking directly to our Heavenly Father, not a distant or angry judge.

And because we can approach God with confidence, we can also be bold in our faith—sharing the gospel, standing firm in difficult times, and trusting that God hears and answers us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He wants us to come to Him. He didn’t just save us and leave us at a distance. He made a way for us to be in relationship with Him—not out of fear, but out of love.

This verse shows that God’s heart is not about restrictions and barriers. Instead, He welcomes us openly through Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the reason we can come to God freely.

• He is our High Priest (Hebrews 10:19-22).
• His death removed the barrier between us and God (Matthew 27:51).
• He continually intercedes for us before the Father (Romans 8:34).

Without Jesus, we would still be separated from God. But through Him, we have complete and confident access.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Do you ever feel hesitant to come to God in prayer? Why?
2. How does knowing you have direct access to God change your relationship with Him?
3. What does it mean to approach God with freedom and confidence?
4. How can this truth encourage you when you are facing struggles or doubts?
5. How can you help others understand that they too can come to God through faith in Christ?

Ephesians 3:12 is a reminder that our access to God is not based on how good we are, but on how good Jesus is. Because of Him, we can come to God freely, boldly, and with full confidence that we are welcomed and loved.