Come Boldly

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.”

Background: The early church faced persecution and began to waver between standing firm for Christ and falling back to the Jewish religion. The temple still stood and all the priestly ceremonies occurred daily. The writer of Hebrews asks his readers to evaluate their faith and what Jesus Christ had to offer. These second-generation Christians were being seduced by false doctrines. It may seem like they were at a standstill, but in the Christian life, if you do not go forward, then you are going backward. The central theme of Hebrews is the priesthood of Jesus Christ, what He is now doing in heaven on behalf of His people.

This powerful verse gives us the who, what, where, why, and when of prayer.

Who? – “Let us”

As children of God this exhortation was written for us! The context reminds us that Jesus Christ is our High Priest sympathizing with our weaknesses and temptations and opening the door to His throne room.

What? – “therefore come boldly”

Prayer is approaching God, drawing near to Him (James 4:8). One of the devil’s goals is to discourage us from this. “My need is too great or too little,” “Jesus is unapproachable” for various reasons, or “does the Lord really care about my prayer?” – these are a few reasons our enemy may use to put doubt in our hearts. We are to come boldly. One preacher described it this way:

Boldly does not mean proudly, arrogantly, or with presumption.

Boldly means we may come constantly.

Boldly means we may come without reservation.

Boldly means we can come freely, without fancy words.

Boldly means we can come with confidence.

Boldly means we should come with persistence.

Where? – “unto the throne of grace”

As a child of God, we have the privilege to come to the glorious and powerful throne of our heavenly Father. He wants to bless us with this endless source of grace. His grace does not negate His justice but actually fulfills His justice in light of Jesus Christ’s work on the cross.

Why? – “that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help”

The reason we should come to His throne of grace is answered in this part of the verse. When we come to the Lord humbly, repentant, and seeking His will, He is ready to impart His mercy (not getting what we deserve) and His grace (getting what we do not deserve). What love!

When? – “in time of need”

Grace and mercy is available just when and where you need it! The beauty of the Holy Spirit living in us a child of God is Jesus’ way of being with us always. He does not want us to be anxious about anything but to come to Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6). Considering Easter is a few short days away, it has to be mentioned that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives inside you. The power we have as His child!

Dear Lord, thank you for the privilege of coming to Your throne of grace in prayer. Make going to you my immediate course of action when there is a need. Thank You for Your generous gifts of grace and mercy. Let me live my life before others in the same way, so that I point them to You. Amen.

Cross references: Hebrews 10:19; Ephesians 3:12