"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Hebrews 4:15-16
Part 4
Yesterday: Believers, Come to the Throne of Grace!
“Yet without sin.” (b)
“Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace.”
Imagine sinners being allowed to come before God’s throne of grace! It is only because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us that we may stand before the throne.
Today: Need Mercy and Grace? Come to God’s Throne!
What does God’s throne of grace look like? We know He has a “great white throne” from which He will dispense justice and judgment on the lost at the end of time (Revelation 20:11-15). But this special seat where we believers approach our God is called the throne of grace, not a judgment seat. Perhaps we need to look at this idea in another way. The writer of Hebrews tells believers of the Ark of the Covenant, which was in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple.
“And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy-seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly” (Hebrews 9:5).
The mercy seat had a specific pattern to be fashioned after (Exodus 25:17-22. It was a work of art and must have been beautiful to behold. It had a unique function, and God explained the limited access to it to Moses. Once a year, Aaron could go in and stand before the mercy seat.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat” (Leviticus 16:2).
This was the place where the Holy God will abide among humans on the earth. Annually the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and sprinkle the blood of the Passover sacrifice on the mercy seat.
In heaven, Jesus carried His own blood and sprinkled it on the mercy seat there in that “greater and more perfect tabernacle” (Hebrews 9:24-28). When Jesus died for our sin, the way to the mercy seat was opened when the great veil was split. The heavenly mercy seat is always in the presence of God and always open to us as redeemed sinners. This is the place where God dispenses His mercy. Think of it this way, the “Throne of Grace” is where our God meets us and gives us mercy.
“That we may obtain mercy.”
Isaiah, the prophet, thought of God’s mercy this way.
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7).
Because of God’s grace and mercy toward us as “saved sinners,” we can go to Him directly with our requests. No person is standing in our way, like some preacher, priest, or pope. Believers, we are called to that throne by the One who sits upon it!
“Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
All genuine believers are described as—
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10).
“And find grace to help in time of need.”
Not only can believers boldly enter God’s presence, but they can also find His grace when they need His help. Paul learned that God does not always answer our prayer as we want, but He does what is best for us, from His perfect perspective.
“For this thing, I besought the Lord thrice [his “thorn in the flesh”], that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10).
God gives us the grace and strength we need each day to endure our weaknesses and live in a way that glorifies Him in these bodies of clay. Believers, one day He will give us glorified bodies like His Son is wearing. No more sin! No more pain! No more weakness of this flesh! “Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20b).
Quote: “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him” (Lamentations 3:21-24).