Hebrews 4:16 (ESV) … “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.”
Given the fact that we have a sinless Savior, what can we do? What should be our response?
First, we must approach. Worshipers used this verb (Heb. 7:25) in describing their movement into God’s presence. We are to come to God with all the reverence and awe which his worship demands.
Second, we come to the throne of grace. This is a reverent reference to God’s presence. It is the place where God gives out his free favor. The term describes an attitude more than a place. The seeking sinner will find this throne of grace (Luke 18:9–14).
Third, we come in an attitude of confidence. Although we must approach God with reverence, we can enter his presence with freedom and without fear. The term describes a boldness based on an awareness that God has all the grace we need. It is the attitude of customers coming to a store seeking an important item which they know is plentifully stocked.
Fourth, we come for the purpose of obtaining mercy and grace. God’s mercy prescribes pardon for our many failures. God’s grace provides strength for the demands of God’s service.
At times I have raced with an empty wallet to a bank seeking money. Sometimes I have arrived just as the teller was locking the door. I couldn’t get money that day. The bank was closed.
Now most cities have twenty-four-hour teller machines. With a card and a PIN number, you can withdraw the cash you need at any time. The bank never closes. It is always open.
In the same way God’s throne of grace is always available to lead us to experience God’s rest. We see no sign announcing, “Closed for the day.” He makes his grace and mercy available around the clock. Come to God with boldness, an awareness of his majesty, and a willingness to claim his mercy and grace to reach his rest. Jesus will take you where Joshua never could. [1]
[1] Lea, T. D. (1999). Hebrews, James(Vol. 10, p. 75). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.