Vaccinated

Vaccinated

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we have boldness and confident access through to God him and presence. – Ephesians 3:12

Romans 5:1-2

 1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, we have obtained access and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

An article appeared in the Wall Street Journal titled: COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Could Help Life Return to Normal, but Experts Urge Caution (WSJ, Jason Douglas, Dec. 8, 2020)

The idea is that individuals could stop wearing masks and following social-distancing rules. That is if they can prove they have been inoculated  and so they are not a risk to others. Studies determined that crowded, indoor venues probably accounted for 80% of new coronavirus infections Restaurants, coffee shops, theaters, and offices could reopen with confidence by admitting those certified as vaccinated, and international travel could resume. As the vaccinated population increases, normal life could gradually resume.

Should vaccinated people have greater freedom? Was there a case for issuing proof of immunity to people who have been inoculated? Such proposals triggered moral and political considerations as well. It is it wise or just to divide citizens into new categories based on their vaccination status?

As the vaccines began to be distributed for the coronavirus in late 2020, a whole series of ethical and practical dilemmas began to arise. Will people be coerced to take the vaccine? Will people be required to demonstrate that indeed they did take the vaccine? “The 2019 coronavirus pandemic and ensuing global shutdown has demonstrated the need for instantaneous, verified, and individual-consent public screening for immunities, vaccines, and travel history” (https://immunosafety.com/). What form of proof will be required? Will it be a card or a vaccine passport? Could it possibly be some form of digital proof of immunity? (Google it)

Could the vaccine be required for travel, work, entry into public buildings, or sports facilities, shopping, buying and selling? Who knew where this is all headed?

In December 2020, the Health Ministry of the Nation of Israel made plans to issue “Green Passports” to all citizens that had been vaccinated against the coronavirus. This passport will show that a person is vaccinated and will give a number of advantages. The passport will lift some restrictions, including mandatory quarantine following exposure to an infected person, and offer access to cultural events and restaurants.

Access to some locations on planet Earth is highly restricted and protected. For example some research and medical facilities, military bases, Area 51, Fort Knox, and of course the White House.

Dr. Erwin Lutzer relates his personal experience about the time he visited the White House. He was in Washington D.C. One of the individuals who had access to the White House invited him for a personal tour. He was delighted to go. Once he was initially vetted, Dr. Lutzer accompanied his host on his personal one-on-one tour. He soon discovered that it was not necessary for him to show his pass demonstrating he had clearance to enter and move about in the White House. His host was well-known and only had to say, “He is with me.”

REFLECT & PRAY

“There is no vaccine against stupidity” (Albert Einstein).

Father thank You that I can come boldly into Your presence without fear or trepidation. The choices before me require Your all-knowing guidance and direction. Give me wisdom, insight, and discernment to know what to do.

INSIGHT

Romans 5:1-2

 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

The Greek term translated introduction or access is prosagoge. Prosagoge could be literally translated “a leading or bringing into the presence of.” It is derived from two Greek words pros – to and ago – to lead. It denotes “access,” freedom to enter provided by the assistance or favor of another. Prosagoge was commonly used for the right to approach royalty or other high officials granted by someone capable of doing so (Zodhiates).

Access to the Father has been restricted since the Garden of Eden when the human race was separated from Him. Even Moses was not allowed to approach Him unimpeded.

Exodus 3:5 Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”

But all that is now changed once and for all time! We are now welcome, more than that urged to come excitedly into the Father’s presence!

Prosagoge is the regular word for introducing or ushering someone into the presence of royalty; and it is the regular word for the approach of the worshipper to the Father. It is as if Paul was saying, “Jesus ushers us into the very presence of the Father. He opens the door for us to the presence of the King of Kings; and when that door is opened what we find is grace; not condemnation, not judgment, not vengeance, but the sheer, undeserved, incredible kindness of the father” (Barclay).

Because of what Christ has done, we have obtained our access, our introduction to the presence of the Father, the very throne room of the Father God. We can confidently and excitedly approach Him.

Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

One day, each child of the King will go to their heavenly home because of the access and introduction they have been provided through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Imagine for a moment that an angel would challenge our right to be there. The Lord Jesus Christ will simply say “they are with Me.”

Blessed assurance Jesus is mine, O what a foretaste of glory divine (Fanny Crosby).

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