More on Boldly Approaching the Throne of Grace
“The Holy of Holies, where God's glory dwelled, is no longer a distant place we approach with trepidation. It is as intimate as a family den, where our loving Father welcomes us to come and commune with Him.”
*(Inspired by the 12-28 devotional from Day by Day by 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).
What an extraordinary invitation this verse gives us! The Creator of the universe—the sovereign, holy Judge of all—welcomes us to approach His throne boldly, not with fear or hesitation but with confidence and trust. This is possible only because He is also the "God of all grace" (1 Peter 5:10), and through Jesus Christ, He has made a way for us to commune with Him freely.
Bold Access Through Christ
The image of a throne might conjure thoughts of power, distance, or authority. Yet for us as believers, God’s throne is described as a throne of grace. How is this possible? Because of Jesus.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus tore the veil that separated humanity from God’s holy presence. As Hebrews 10:19-20 reminds us:
"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us."
The throne room, once accessible only to priests through rituals and sacrifices, is now open to us as children of God. Imagine this: the Holy of Holies, where God's glory dwelled, is no longer a distant place we approach with trepidation. It is as intimate as a family den, where our loving Father welcomes us to come and commune with Him.
Mercy and Grace for Every Day
At this throne, we receive two indispensable gifts: mercy and grace.
Obtaining Mercy
Mercy is God withholding from us the punishment we rightly deserve for our sins. Through His mercy, God offers forgiveness and restoration:
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:7).
Every day, His mercies are fresh and new, sustaining us in ways we often fail to notice. As Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us:
"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
Finding Grace
Grace, on the other hand, is God giving us what we could never earn—His favor, His strength, and His sufficiency for every need. Through grace, we are saved (Ephesians 2:8). But God’s grace doesn’t stop at salvation; it empowers us for daily living:
"The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age" (Titus 2:11-12).
Whether we’re facing challenges at work, navigating complex relationships, or simply trying to live faithfully in a chaotic world, God’s grace meets us where we are.
A Practical Reflection
Let’s consider a practical example: Imagine you’re overwhelmed by a difficult conversation you need to have with a friend or family member. Instead of approaching the situation in your own strength, you pause and pray. At that moment, you come boldly to the throne of grace, asking God for wisdom and patience. His mercy meets you, calming your heart, and His grace equips you with the words to speak in love and truth.
This daily reliance on God’s mercy and grace transforms not only how we approach life’s challenges but also how we reflect His character to the world.
Living in the Reality of the Throne of Grace
God’s invitation to approach His throne boldly is not a one-time offer. It’s a daily reality for His children. Each time we come, we find His mercy to cover our failings and His grace to strengthen us for what lies ahead.
As we journey through life, let’s remember the privilege we have to access God’s throne. Let’s live in the reality of His mercy and grace, letting them shape how we think, act, and respond to others.
Scripture for Reflection:
"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23).
"For the grace of God… teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age" (Titus 2:11-12).
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the open invitation to come boldly to Your throne of grace. Thank You for Your daily mercies that sustain us and Your grace that empowers us to live for You. May we approach You with confidence, trusting in Your unfailing love and provision. We thank You for teaching us to rely on Your mercy and grace in every situation. Let our lives reflect Your goodness to those around us. Amen.