“for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” – Ephesians 2:18 (NASB)
Here we see Paul’s clear statement about the Holy Trinity, leaving no doubt. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all together (cf. Eph. 1:3-14,17; 2:18; 4:4-6). The Trinity refers to the Godhead consisting of three distinct persons—the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit—yet still one God. Nowhere in the Bible will you find the term Trinity, but the concept is pervasive (cf. Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; John 14:26; Acts 2:33-34,38-39; Rom. 1:4-5; 5:1,5; 8:9-10; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; 13:14; Gal. 4:4-6; Eph. 1:3-14; 2:18; 3:14-17; 4:4-6; 1 Thess. 1:2-5; 2 Thess. 2:13; Titus 3:4-6; 1 Pet. 1:2; Jude 20-21). This fundamental concept has been central to the Christian faith for centuries and has sparked extensive theological discussions and debates. I dare not say that the concept encompasses all aspects of God, but the Bible sufficiently reveals everything we need to know about God for our salvation.
The phrase “we both have our access” is a Present Active Indicative which means to have continuous access. This illustrates Jesus’s role in personally leading believers into God’s presence and introducing them. It also conveys the idea of confidently approaching a holy God (cf. Heb. 4:16; 10:19, 35). The apostle explains the practical aspect of his statement, highlighting that everyone, both Jews or Gentiles, regardless of past differences, now have access to the Father. This access is the central truth of our faith, showing how the gospel answers humanity’s long-standing desire to come to God. Through the Son, who brings us together with God, we gain this access. Jesus Christ leads us to the Father, solving the conundrum of finding the way to God.
The phrase “in one Spirit” can be seen as a powerful affirmation of the unifying power of the Spirit, promoting genuine unity amidst diversity (cf. 4:4). It is the Spirit that empowers the believer to become what he already is in Christ. It’s not just God sending His Son to the world; but God sending, Jesus willing to come, and the Spirit empowering, and it’s the work of all three of Them. Believers should take great joy in their salvation because all of the three Persons of the Trinity indwell believers: the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17; Rom. 8:11; I Cor. 3:16; 6:19; II Tim. 1:14); the Son, (Matt. 28:20; John 14:20,23; 15:4-5; Rom. 8:10; II Cor. 13:5; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 3:17; Col. 1:27); and the Father, (John 14:23; II Cor. 6:16). If God is in us and for us, who can be against us? Hallelujah!
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