Storybook Faithনমুনা

The text from these chapters expands on one of the most unique and important aspects of Christianity. The humanity and compassion of Jesus—a Savior who can completely empathize with our flaws and temptations. Human logic and experience tells us that we would have to pick one: either a powerful and perfect God, or a good God who is gentle and merciful. But our God is both. 

Verse 16 of Hebrews, chapter 4 tells us we can come before God’s throne of grace with confidence because we will receive grace and mercy. For modern day Christians, coming before God’s throne may seem simple enough, but let’s remember that under the old pact for the Hebrews (which up until now was all they knew) no one could go before the throne of God, and it was certainly not considered a throne of grace.

So when the Hebrews of the time thought of God’s throne, it wasn’t somewhere they felt confident about approaching. They hadn’t yet understood the fullness of the gift that Jesus had given them (and us) upon the cross—the gift of full forgiveness. Not for each one of our sins, one at a time, but forever, so that we could be sure that when we go before the throne of God, it is now, and forever will be, a place to find mercy and grace. And who needs mercy and grace? Sinners! 

This is important to understand also. God is not expecting only “unblemished church-goers” to approach Him. He sent His son to earth, to walk among tax collectors and prostitutes, because He wants us to understand that no matter what we have done, He still wants to pursue a relationship with us. 

If God’s throne were only for the perfect, then we wouldn’t need to find mercy and grace there. In fact, in chapter 5, vs 2, it’s referring to the high priest of the old covenant, yet it assures us that under the new covenant, as part of our new story, Jesus would now take that role and deal gently and mercifully with us even when we fall short. Passages like this one are the reason why it’s so important to learn about who God is through His word, and not through our own preconceptions. He does not judge us for the ways we have been tempted. Instead he deals gently with us, over and over again.

That means there will never be a day where Jesus is not enough, or where your sin is too much. We don’t have to run away from God or give up on our relationship with him when we sin. No matter how great the transgression, His salvation is enough. His grace and mercy are infinite and eternal. So, as the verse says, let us come boldly before the throne of grace.

Today, as you meditate on these scriptures, ask yourself:

Do I see God’s throne as a place of grace and mercy? Or have I been afraid of coming before God when I am tempted or in need?

How does understanding that Jesus is the eternal source of salvation change the way I think of sin? How can it change my relationship

What can I do to make a habit of coming before the throne of grace every time I need it, and not just once in a while?