We have all heard the phrase “red tape” used as a metaphor for the way a bureaucracy—particularly a government bureaucracy—slows and even prevents things from getting done. Bureaucratic red tape obstructs measurable and meaningful forward progress. Currently, returning war veterans are running into red tape that obstructs their access to much-needed, well-deserved benefits for their service to our nation.
Well, in God’s economy, there is NO red tape to keep us away from getting anything and everything we need from the Sovereign Lord of all the universe.
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 now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
Through [Christ Jesus] we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18)
In [Christ Jesus] and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
Our Redeemer has removed any and all obstructions that would impede our access to the throne of grace. In the Old Testament, only the High Priest could have access to God. But through the blood of the Lamb of God, we may now come boldly before the throne of grace, knowing that we are both invited and welcomed . . . without having to go through any red tape.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
Our Redeemer will not allow any barriers to keep us from receiving mercy and finding the grace we need. The road to heaven has been paved by our Prince, who has bridged the impassable gap between God and man by His atoning death on the cross. Here is what we need to remember, especially in those times when the storm winds are blowing:
Full and immediate access is available to every child of God . . . and that includes you!
There is no one to stand in our way, impede our progress, or make us jump through holy hoops when we need a little “alone time” with God. Jesus assured us that we need only to ask to receive . . . seek to find . . . knock to find that the door shall be opened (Matthew 7:7).
So . . . what is keeping you from asking, seeking, and knocking today? Don’t let the red tape that this world strings up in front of you hinder your progress in accessing the world to come. God will never put you on hold, break for lunch, or close down for holidays. No red tape means 24/7 access to heaven!
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 