Christian boldness.
I. BOLDNESS IS A CHRISTIAN GRACE. The gospel destroys the gloomy old religions of terror. It dispels even the natural fear of guilty souls in the presence of the holy God. It brings liberty and courage. It is essentially the manly faith of the world's adult age.
II. THIS BOLDNESS IS MANIFEST IN OUR CONFIDENT ACCESS TO GOD. The Christian is not to approach God under the circumstances which made the courageous entrance of Queen Esther into the presence of King Ahasuerus so nobly patriotic. We see God as our Father waiting to be gracious. It is unworthy to fear. Our prayer should not be the cry of the captive for mercy, but the glad request of the child. Note:
1. Christian boldness is wasted unless we use it in coming nearer to God.
2. This boldness is no excuse for irreverence.
III. CHRISTIAN BOLDNESS IS EXPLAINED BY OUR RELATION TO CHRIST.
1. Christ dispels our ignorant terrors by revealing the fatherhood of God. We have but to acquaint ourselves with him to he at peace (Job 22:21).
2. Christ gives to us the perfect love that casts out fear.
3. Christ reconciles us with God, and so removes all ground of reasonable alarm. For while we are unreconciled and unforgiven, courage is madness, and the wildest terror the reasonable condition of those whose conscience is roused and who realize their frightful peril. But through Christ we are forgiven and reconciled to God. It is ungrateful, after being thus blessed, to cherish the old fears.
IV. CHRISTIAN BOLDNESS IS ENJOYED THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST.
1. Faith is necessary in order to bring us into those relations with Christ which make our boldness right and justifiable. Without faith we are not redeemed, and while unredeemed we have no ground for being bold in Christ.
2. Faith is necessary in order to enable us to realize our free and safe condition through Christ. Until we trust Christ we shall not dare to approach God with a confidence that is grounded on our relations with Christ. Thus spiritual cowardice is a mark of unbelief. He who trusts most strongly will enjoy most freedom of access to God.—W.F.A.