Boldly Approaching the Throne of Grace
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." – Hebrews 4:16
The Christian life is a life of grace, marked by humility and dependence on the God of all grace. Prayer is how we live out that dependence daily, and Hebrews 4:16 offers an incredible invitation: we are called to come boldly to the throne of grace.
At first glance, the idea of boldly approaching God’s throne might feel overwhelming. After all, this is the throne of the Creator of the universe—holy, powerful, and just. Yet, through Christ, this throne becomes a place where we find mercy and grace in our times of need. Let’s reflect on what this means for our lives today, with inspiration from Bob Hoekstra’s Day by Day by Grace devotional.
A Throne of Sovereignty and Holiness
God’s throne is described in vivid detail in Revelation 4. John’s vision reveals the majesty and holiness of God, as angelic beings proclaim:
"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" – Revelation 4:8
This is the throne of the King of the universe, the One who created all things and holds all power. For the godless, this throne represents judgment:
"And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it…And they were judged, each one according to his works." – Revelation 20:11-12
If this throne were only about sovereign power and judgment, approaching it would be impossible. But for those who are in Christ, it becomes something entirely different: a throne of grace.
A Throne of Grace through Jesus Christ
The transformation of God’s throne into a throne of grace is only possible because of Jesus. As Revelation 5:6 depicts, Jesus—the Lamb who was slain—is in the midst of the throne. His sacrifice opened the way for us to approach God without fear.
Through Christ, we are no longer bound by dread but are invited into an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father:
"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father'" – Romans 8:15.
This access isn’t because of our merit but because of His grace. Jesus makes it possible for us to approach God confidently, knowing that we are accepted and loved.
Practical Application: Living Boldly in Grace
How does this truth transform our lives? It means that in every moment of need, we have access to mercy and grace. Whether we’re facing temptation, struggling with sin, or enduring trials, we can bring it all to God in prayer.
Example:
Imagine you’re facing a difficult decision at work. You feel overwhelmed, unsure of what to do, and tempted to rely on your own understanding. In that moment, Hebrews 4:16 invites you to pause, turn to God, and boldly approach His throne. Instead of striving in your strength, you pray:
"Father, thank You that I can come to You with this decision. I trust You to provide the wisdom and grace I need. Guide me in Your will."
As you surrender the situation to Him, you find peace—not because the circumstances change immediately, but because you know you’ve placed it in the hands of a sovereign and loving God.
Why Boldness Matters
This boldness isn’t about arrogance; it’s about confidence in Christ’s finished work. When we approach God’s throne boldly, we:
Acknowledge Our Need for Him: Boldness means we recognize our insufficiency and trust His sufficiency.
Rest in Our Identity: Through Christ, we are adopted as children of God, free to come to Him as a loving Father.
Access His Grace: Boldly approaching the throne allows us to receive the mercy and grace we need for every situation.
Reflect & Respond
Take a moment to reflect:
Are there areas of your life where you hesitate to approach God in prayer?
How does knowing that God’s throne is a throne of grace change the way you pray?
Pray This:
“Father, thank You for opening the way to Your throne through Jesus Christ. I confess my need for Your grace in every moment. Thank You for inviting me to come boldly, not because of my worthiness but because of Christ’s. I rest in the assurance that Your mercy and grace are always available. May I walk in humble dependence on You today. Amen.”
A Final Thought
God’s throne is not just a place of sovereignty and holiness; for those in Christ, it is a place of grace. As we live by grace, we can come boldly to Him in every situation, confident that His mercy and grace are sufficient.
When life feels overwhelming, remember this invitation:
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
This is the essence of living by grace—walking in continual dependence on the One who has made us His own.