For through him (Christ) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Ephesians 2:18 KJV
WE Vine’s Expository Dictionary of NT Words: Access is the Greek word prosagoge’ which means; a leading into the presence of, denotes access, with which is associated the thought of freedom to enter through the assistance or favour of another…….This access involves the acceptance which we have in Christ with God, and the privilege of His favour towards us.
MR Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament defines access as; the act of bringing to.
For through him….
This is referring to Messiah Jesus. The first three and a half chapters of Ephesians are about what believers have in Him. Jesus Christ is the door through which we enter the kingdom. There is no approach to God aside from the Lord Jesus. No man can come unto the Father unless he comes through Christ. No one can come to Christ unless the Spirit draw him.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9
………we both……
We both refers to Israel and the Gentiles. Under the Law, God chose to reveal Himself exclusively to the Jews. He chose them as a nation to be His own peculiar people, but they rebelled against God and came under His judgment. Under Grace and the coming of the promised Messiah, the door was opened to the Gentiles and the individual Jew. Under Grace we both have access to God through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.
……….have access……….
Having access refers to having the freedom to enter God’s presence through the assistance or favor of another. When we are in Christ, the Holy Spirit takes us by the hand as dear children and ushers us into the presence of the Father.
……..by one Spirit……
There is only one Holy Spirit. If anyone is being led contrary to the Scripture, he is not being led by the Holy Spirit who is the author of Scripture. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. II Peter 1:21
Believers are exhorted to ….believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. I John 4:1
The Holy Spirit is God. He cannot lie. He will not contradict Himself. To be led contrary to Scripture is to be led by another spirit not of God.
…….unto the Father……
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Galatians 4:6
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…….