Hebrews 4:16 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.
Because Jesus has been where we are as a human and was tempted like us, he is qualified to be the perfect high priest. The high priest in the Old Testament opened the way to the presence of the holy God in the Holy of Holies by making atonement for the sins of the people. The “throne of grace” was located on the ark of the covenant, the symbolic place of God’s presence among the people. It is significant that God’s throne is described as “grace.” It is where we find forgiveness and new life if we come in faith. But if we lack faith and come in disobedience, God’s presence brings judgment of sin. This is a warning to the readers who may be tempted to be like the desert generation who has been the topic of chapters 3 and 4. Do not be like them but step out in faith and follow God’s promises which are found in Jesus. The outcome of this will be receiving mercy and finding grace. God will help us when we are tempted if we come in seeking and submissive faith. When we come to God through Jesus with faith, what we find is not a judge but an advocate, friend, guide, and resource to help us on our difficult journey. God always leaves the choice up to us but will use sources like the Epistle to the Hebrews and the preaching of the gospel to point the way to freedom and Sabbath rest from our struggles with sin.
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