The Throne of Grace

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

‘Come’ [Greek: proserchomai] draw near (7:25; 10:1, 22; 11:6; 12:18, 22).

‘Boldly’ [Greek: parrhesia] outspokenness. Translated: Boldness of speech (2Cor. 7:4). Plainness of speech (2Cor. 3:12). Freely (Acts 2:29). Openly (Mark 8:32; John 7:4, 13; 11:54; 18:20; Col. 2:15). Boldly (John 7:26; Eph. 6:19; Heb. 4:16). Boldness (Acts 4:13, 29, 31; Eph. 3:12; Php. 1:20; 1Tim. 3:13; Heb. 10:19; 1Jn. 4:17). Confidence (Acts 28:31; Heb. 3:6; 10:35; 1Jn. 2:28; 3:21; 5:14).

‘Throne of grace’ – The throne from which all grace proceeds. In Israel, it was the mercy seat or covering for the ark between the two cherubim. The high priest could approach this only once a year and that with the blood of atonement. If he transgressed in anything he would be struck dead. His approach was with fear and trembling. The new covenant believers can come boldly to God’s throne without fear and trembling, and that is daily and at any time of the day. This is the freedom, confidence, and liberty of approach they are commanded to keep until the end.

‘That we may obtain mercy, and find grace.’ Two blessings we may expect from God: [1] The Greek word eleos means mercy, pity, and compassion. Used 28 times, 23 of which are associated with God (4:16; Matt. 9:13; 12:7; 23:23; Luke 1:50, 54, 58, 72, 78; 10:37; Rom. 9:23; 11:31; 15:9; Gal. 6:16; Eph. 2:4; 1Tim. 1:2; 2Tim. 1:2, 16, 18; Tit. 1:4; 3:5; Jas. 2:13; 3:17; 1Pet. 1:3; 2Jn. 1:3; Jude 1:2, 21). [2] Grace to help or support when needed, where needed, and to the extent needed. It is not a help for needs we think we shall have in the future, but immediate and present needs.

‘Help in time of need.’ Seven steps in obtaining help: Recognition of a meeting place with God – the throne of grace (4:16). Consciousness that this meeting place is made possible through the atoning blood of Christ (10:19-20). Obedience in coming to this throne (4:16; 10:22-23). Calling upon God for mercy and grace to help in times of need (4:16). Boldness in approach (4:16). Fervency and earnestness in presenting needs (Jas. 5:16; Luke 11:5-13). Faith in the answer (11:6; Jas. 1:5-8; Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24).