Access to the Father

Setting:  Jesus on the cross, been there 6 hours. 
John 19:28-37 - died evening of Passover - whole point of this passage - Jesus was DEAD!!!  Spear in side - blood and water - thought that his heart actually ruptured.  Fulfillment of OT prophecy
Ex. 12:46 - original Passover lamb - no bones broken
Zech. 12:10 - "the one that they pierced"

John 19:38 - Joseph of Arimethea, rich, devout, secret disciple, member of Sanhedrin but was not consenting to Jesus' death - takes Jesus' body - with Pilate's permission

Question:  What happened between Death and Resurrection????

Bookend views:
I)  He went to hell .....
     A) and suffered - Example Apostles' Creed - "He descended into hell" (place of the dead).   newer version:  "He descended to the dead" -
    B)  and preached - 1 Pet. 3:18-20

II)  He went to heaven..... Luke 23:43 - in Paradise
..and presented His sacrifice to God - Heb. 9:11-12,23-24

III)  He did both .... hell, then heaven

Fact is:  We don't know exactly WHAT took place those 3 days.

BUT - we DO KNOW something that took place this is very Relevant and Applicable to us:

ie:  by His death - JESUS PROCURED OUR ACCESS TO GOD  (gain/acquire/earn/secure)

Matt: 27:50-51 - "...top to bottom" - the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place

POINT:  The Way is Now Open!!!  - by the blood of Jesus
                        Heb. 10:19-20, 21-22
                        Rom. 5: 1-2

This Access is:  bought by Christ, secured by Him, available through Him

#1.  Unmerited  (unearned, undeserved)
       Eph. 2:8-9 - has nothing to do with our goodness
       Heb. 4:15-16 - 21st. century people have no concept of barriers to God's presence as in the temple, tabernacle.  1st. and 2nd. century Christians were VERY familiar with this concept.  AND, were amazed that they could now approach God on their own.  
However, we have NO right to approach God EXCEPT through Christ.

#2.  Equal to all
       Eph. 2:14, 17-18 - two are now one - Jews and Gentiles - both have access by one Spirit
       Gal. 3:28-29 - all are one in Christ - access equally the same for  everyone, BUT only through the true veil - Christ.

#3.  Available to all
BUT access secured, granted, guaranteed DOES NOT MEAN Appropriated!!!
      Heb. 4:16 - availability dies NOT assure it's done!
Note:  to enter with boldness, confidence DOES NOT mean with IMPUDENCE!!!!  He is GOD!!
Example:  disciples always addressed Jesus as:  "Lord, Master, Teacher, etc."  never by His name.  Always used title of reverence in recognition of who He was.

Application:  simple - HIS part is done!!!            
                                 Your part =
Decide and come -- initially (for salvation)
                            -- continually - entry is always the same again.