“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
I need grace. Selfishness keeps me from faithfully representing Jesus every day. Pride contaminates the service I offer God. Fear submerges the longing to love Jesus most of all. Maybe you can relate.
So, when the writer of Hebrews tells us we can find grace at God’s throne, it’s a great relief. Not only can we hope to find grace, but we can come to God confidently, even boldly, expecting to receive grace.
Yet, we shouldn’t simply think positively, believe in ourselves, or conjure up confidence. Paul had a long list of good works and religious pedigree, but he didn’t put any confidence in those things (Philippians 3:3-7).
To understand where our confidence comes from, we need to look at the preceding verses in the Hebrews:
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:14-15).
Because Jesus always did God’s will and never sinned, His death paid the penalty for our sins. The confession Hebrews indicates is: Jesus is Lord; God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).
Our confidence, therefore, doesn’t come from our own goodness, but from Jesus’ sacrifice.
The author of Hebrews urges us to daily seek God and heed His voice. The more we pursue Jesus, the more we understand our need for grace. And only those who admit their need for grace will approach the throne of grace.
Gracious God, I come before you confident that Jesus paid for my sins. I ask you for the grace I desperately need. Grace to live a holy life, to overcome temptation, to face the struggles of today and the fears of tomorrow. May your power flow through me. Amen.
By Suzanne Benner
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• Reasons to be Thankful
• The Healing – A poem by Katy Kauffman
• Salvation Explained