Anchor My Faith

Author: Stephen Weller
1,316 words, 7 minutes read time

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Wait for the Lord

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. (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)

Chapter 4 of Hebrews is about entering into God’s rest. As we read through the chapter, we find that many are unable to enter that rest because they were not united by faith to God’s message to them. Many were disobedient to God and hardened their hearts and were not able to enter. We are reminded that “[No one] is hidden from [God’s] sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (verse 13).

Chapter 4 ends with Jesus, the Son of God, being presented as our great high priest, who passed through the heavens to come to us to live as a man and as a result is able to sympathize with our weakness, and in every respect, he has been tempted as we are, yet without sin (verses 14 – 15). Because of who Jesus is and based on what he has done for us through his death on the cross and then his resurrection from the dead, we need to draw near to the throne of grace, with confidence, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (verse 16).

The law cannot save us, but only point out our failure and need of a savior. The law cannot make anything perfect, but God has provided a way, a better hope through Jesus Christ, to draw near to God (Hebrews 7:19). “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for [us]” (Hebrews 7:25 ESV).

To “draw near” is used in Hebrews to mean to approach God, which is possible only when one’s sins are forgiven through the sacrificial and intercessory ministry of a high priest. This encouragement to draw near to God’s throne implies that we have the privilege as Christians of a personal relationship with God.

It is with boldness and courage that we can come before the throne of grace and share our hearts without fear that we will incur shame or punishment in doing so. God the Father, with Jesus seated at his right hand (Hebrews 8:1; 12:2) will graciously provide forgiveness for those in need and strength in time of temptation.

There at the throne of grace, we can receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need because Jesus took our sin and died in our place so that we are able to receive mercy from God and not the judgment that we deserve. With the law satisfied, by Jesus paying our debt, God is then able to extend grace to us in the form of eternal life and the kindness of his grace.

Father what a beautiful thing our salvation is that you have provided for us through Jesus Christ.

The Following Addendum Is Provided by ChatGPT

Summary Theme

Confident Access to God’s Grace Through Christ

Because Jesus Christ is our great High Priest who understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us, believers can approach God with confidence, knowing they will receive mercy, grace, and help in every circumstance.

Summary Paragraph

Hebrews 4:16 is a powerful invitation for believers to draw near to God without fear or hesitation. Under the Old Covenant, access to God’s presence was limited, but through the finished work of Jesus Christ, every believer has direct access to the throne of grace. This verse emphasizes that God is not distant or unwilling to help His children. Instead, He invites them to come boldly, not because of their own righteousness, but because of Christ’s righteousness. At His throne, believers receive mercy for their failures, grace for their daily walk, and divine help exactly when it is needed. This promise encourages Christians to live in continual dependence upon God, trusting that He is both willing and able to provide strength, comfort, wisdom, and guidance.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. What does it mean to “come boldly unto the throne of grace”?

Answer:
Coming boldly does not mean approaching God with arrogance or presumption. Rather, it means approaching Him with confidence and assurance because of what Jesus Christ has accomplished on our behalf. Through Christ’s sacrifice, the barrier of sin has been removed, and believers have been granted access to God’s presence. We can come honestly, openly, and confidently, knowing that God welcomes us as His children. Our boldness is rooted not in our worthiness but in Christ’s perfect righteousness and His ongoing ministry as our High Priest.

2. Why is God’s presence described as a “throne of grace”?

Answer:
A throne represents authority, power, and sovereignty. Yet for believers, God’s throne is also a throne of grace. This means that the One who rules over all creation is also the One who extends unmerited favor to His people. Instead of finding condemnation, believers find mercy and compassion. Through Christ, God’s throne becomes a place of acceptance, forgiveness, and blessing. This description reminds us that God’s power is exercised with love and grace toward those who trust Him.

3. What is the difference between mercy and grace in this verse?

Answer:
Mercy and grace are closely related but distinct. Mercy is God withholding the judgment and punishment we deserve because of our sin. Grace is God giving us blessings, strength, and favor that we do not deserve. At God’s throne, believers receive both. We receive mercy for our failures and shortcomings, and we receive grace to empower us to live faithfully and overcome challenges. Together, mercy and grace demonstrate God’s complete provision for our spiritual needs.

4. What does “grace to help in time of need” teach about God’s care for believers?

Answer:
This phrase reveals that God’s help is timely and sufficient. He knows every need, struggle, temptation, sorrow, and burden that His children face. God’s grace is not merely a general promise; it is practical assistance provided at the exact moment it is needed. Whether facing temptation, suffering, uncertainty, fear, or loss, believers can trust that God will provide the strength and wisdom necessary to endure and overcome. His grace is never late and never inadequate.

5. How should Hebrews 4:16 influence a believer’s prayer life?

Answer:
This verse encourages believers to make prayer a regular and confident practice. Since God invites us into His presence, we should not hesitate to bring every concern, burden, and request before Him. Prayer becomes more than a religious duty; it becomes a privilege of fellowship with a loving Father. Knowing that mercy and grace await us should remove fear and doubt, encouraging us to seek God continually. A believer who understands Hebrews 4:16 will approach prayer with faith, expectancy, humility, and gratitude.

6. How does this verse provide comfort during difficult times?

Answer:
Hebrews 4:16 assures believers that they are never alone in their struggles. When difficulties arise, God does not abandon His people or leave them to rely solely on their own strength. Instead, He invites them to come directly to Him for help. His mercy provides comfort for past failures, while His grace supplies strength for present challenges and future needs. This promise gives believers confidence that no circumstance is beyond God’s ability to sustain them and that His presence is always available in every season of life.

Closing Thought

Hebrews 4:16 reminds believers that through Jesus Christ they have continual access to God’s presence. The throne of the sovereign King is also the throne of grace, where mercy is freely given and grace is abundantly supplied. Therefore, believers can approach God with confidence, trusting Him to provide everything needed for faithful living and steadfast endurance.