“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
My Notes
What Does Hebrews 4:16 Mean?
The writer of Hebrews issues an invitation: come boldly to the throne of grace. Not timidly, not apologetically, not hiding behind your failures. Boldly.
The throne is specifically called a throne of grace — not judgment, not examination, not performance review. Grace. The thing you receive there is not what you deserve. It is what you need.
The purpose of coming is twofold: to obtain mercy and to find grace to help in time of need. Mercy addresses the past — covering what you have done wrong. Grace addresses the present and future — providing help for what you are going through.
"In time of need" means the throne is not for when you have it together. It is for when you do not. The needier you are, the more appropriate the approach. You do not earn access to the throne of grace. You need access to it.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What keeps you from approaching God boldly?
- 2.What do you need more right now — mercy for the past or grace for the present?
- 3.How is a 'throne of grace' different from what you expect when you come to God?
- 4.What would change if you believed the throne room was truly open to you — right now, as you are?
Devotional
Come boldly. That word undoes every instinct to shrink back, to clean up first, to wait until you feel worthy. The writer does not say come carefully, come after sufficient preparation, come when you have your theology sorted out. Come boldly.
Unto the throne of grace. What waits for you when you approach is not a judge's bench. It is a throne of grace — the place where you receive what you do not deserve and find help you could not earn.
That we may obtain mercy. For the past — for the things you have done, the ways you have failed, the sins you keep repeating. Mercy is there. Available. Waiting.
And find grace to help in time of need. For the present — for the crisis you are in right now, the challenge you face today, the weakness you are trying to hide. Grace — help — is there for the taking.
The throne room is open. The invitation is bold. And the only thing that keeps you from entering is the lie that you are too messed up to approach. The throne of grace was built specifically for messed-up people. Come boldly.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace - “The throne of grace!” What a beautiful expression. A throne is…
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace - The allusion to the high priest, and his office on the day of…
In this latter part of the chapter the apostle concludes, first, with a serious repeated exhortation, and then with…
Let us therefore come boldly Rather, "let us then approach with confidence." The notion of "approach" to God…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture