The Ladder to Access Heaven’s Grace, Glory and Gift

What is a ladder?

Scriptures: Genesis 28:10-17; Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, 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 boast in the hope of the glory of God.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame,

because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5:1-5 NIV

The Ladder is a tool or method to access a higher dimension.

It is clear from Jacob’s Ladder dream that the initiative was divine. Thus, human effort and work is not the way. As the Apostle Paul declares in Romans 5:1, “we are justified through faith…through our Lord, Jesus Christ.” Our “access” to heaven is through “this grace”…

What is Access?

o Greek: προσαγωγή, prosagōgē (G4318) prose-ah-goh-GAY

o Definition: Admission.

o Detailed definition:

The act of bringing to, a moving to.Access, approach.To God, i.e., that relationship with God whereby we are acceptable to him and have assurance that he is favorably disposed towards him.“For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

o — Ephesians 2:18

“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”

o — Ephesians 3:12

Jacob was driven. He had goals and ambitions that were greater than those of his brother.

Genesis 28:17

“This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

Wow!

The House of God = The Gate of Heaven—the Place of Access to the Presence and Power of Heaven.

Jacob coveted what his brother took for granted.

Ask, Why did Jacob cheat his brother out of his birthright? The question is hinged to the question as to why Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of cereal.

Ask, “Why did Jacob steal his brother’s blessing, tricking his own father in the process?”

The Bible condemns coveting. The Tenth Commandment prohibits coveting anything that belongs to another.

But get this, there are certain times and things to covet.

But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 12:31

But earnestly desire [covet] the higher gifts.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Through a dream, Yahweh God showed Jacob that he did not have to deceive or cheat anyone to gain access to heaven’s glorious riches and favor.

A covenant relationship renders its own special rewards.

During his time with his uncle, Laban, Jacob learned what is felt like to be on the receiving end of another person’s greed, deception and exploitation. But Jacob also learned that when you are on the good side of God, you will come out on top.

Jacob experience God’s Grace

Jacob suffered in hope of the Glory of God (winning Rachel).

Jacob received the Gift of wealth and prosperity. Heaven’s greatest gift, the Holy Spirit, rewards us with riches money can’t buy.

What is Grace?

What is the Gory?

What is the Gift?

What is the meaning of Jacob’s Ladd