The verse Hebrews 4:16 says “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” This verse encourages believers to come boldly and confidently before God’s throne to receive grace and mercy from Him. But what exactly does it mean to “come boldly to the throne of grace”? Let’s explore this phrase in more detail.
1. The throne of grace represents God’s presence and authority
In the Bible, a throne often represents the seat of authority of a ruler or king. God’s throne in heaven symbolizes His sovereign rule and reign over all of creation. The “throne of grace” specifically points to God’s mercy seat – the place where His grace and mercy are dispensed. This throne is called a “throne of grace” because it is here that we receive undeserved favor and help from God (Hebrews 4:16).
When we come before God’s throne of grace, we are approaching the very presence and authority of God. We come to the highest place, into the holy presence of the Almighty Himself. He is the King of Kings seated on His heavenly throne, from which He dispenses grace and mercy to His children.
2. Coming boldly means approaching God with confidence
Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” To come “boldly” means to have courage, fearlessness, and assurance as we draw near to Him. We are not to come trembling, but with boldness and confidence in Him. This boldness is not arrogance, but rather a firm trust and reliance on God’s goodness and grace.
This confident posture is possible because of what Jesus accomplished for us. Hebrews explains that “we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God” (Hebrews 4:14). Jesus is our great high priest who sympathizes with our struggles, and has opened the way for us to confidently approach God and receive grace and mercy in our times of need.
Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we now have unhindered access to come before God’s throne. We do not come on the basis of our own merit or good works, but wholly relying on Christ’s finished work on the cross. This gives us assurance that God will welcome us with mercy and grace as His beloved children.
3. At the throne of grace, we receive mercy and find grace
The key blessings we receive by coming boldly to God’s throne are “mercy and grace.” Mercy refers to God withholding deserved punishment and instead granting forgiveness and compassion. Grace refers to His free kindness, favor, and empowerment. It is undeserved, unmerited favor and help from God.
We desperately need God’s mercy and grace every day. We need His mercy to forgive our frequent sins and shortcomings. We need His enabling grace to strengthen us to obey, serve Him, and fulfill our God-given purpose. God promises abundant mercy and grace to those who humbly and sincerely come to Him for help in their time of need.
Some examples of needs we can come boldly to God’s throne for include:
- Forgiveness and cleansing from sin (Hebrews 4:16, 1 John 1:9)
- Strength to resist temptation and walk in holiness (Hebrews 4:16, 1 Corinthians 10:13)
- Wisdom for decisions in work, relationships, and more (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6)
- Grace to persevere through hardship and endure suffering (2 Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 4:16)
- Help in relating to difficult people and conflict resolution (Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:18)
- Healing from sickness and disease (James 5:14-16, Psalm 103:2-3)
God’s throne of grace is open to us 24/7. We have ongoing access to come and “obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” And God promises to provide the grace and mercy we need according to His divine wisdom and love.
4. We must come with reverence, sincerity, and humility
Although Hebrews encourages boldness, this does not justify coming flippantly or casually before God’s throne. We must still approach God with utmost reverence, honor, and humility. There is a holy fear of the Lord that recognizes He is the Almighty Creator before whom all will one day stand to give account (Hebrews 4:13, 1 Peter 1:17).
We also come sincerely – not seeking grace for selfish gain or with wrong motives, but genuinely seeking to love God and walk in His ways. And we come humbly, acknowledging our total dependence on Him, lacking any righteousness of our own, pleading only the merits of Christ (Luke 18:13-14).
Boldness means confidence in God, not pride in ourselves. We can have assurance in God’s promises to generously dispense grace and mercy to those who seek Him. But this is very different from any sense that we deserve His grace or have earned His favor.
5. Jesus is our ultimate model for coming to the throne of grace
Jesus demonstrated the perfect way to come before God’s throne. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus threw Himself before the Father in boldness, sincerity, and humility as He prayed in intense agony (Luke 22:39-46). He asked for God’s mercy and grace to endure the cross. Jesus shows us we do not need to pretend we are strong, but honestly cast ourselves on God’s goodness and grace in our moments of desperation.
The book of Hebrews also emphasizes repeatedly that Jesus is our great high priest. He lives forever to intercede for us before God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 7:24-25). We come boldly to the throne only through His redeeming work, not based on any righteousness of our own.
Following Jesus’ example, we come earnestly, dependent wholly on mercy and grace. And God promises to lavishly pour out favor upon us as His beloved, redeemed children.
6. We must maintain continual access to the throne of grace
The invitation to God’s throne of grace is not a one-time event, but an ongoing privilege. The author of Hebrews exhorts believers to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). The tense of the verbs indicates we should habitually and continually draw near to receive whatever grace we need.
Scripture encourages praying regularly, consistently, and persistently (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Romans 12:12, Luke 18:1-8). Like breathing, prayer should be the spiritual air we constantly breathe as children of God. Through maintaining a close walk with Jesus, we have unlimited, 24/7 access to directly make our needs known before God’s throne (Hebrews 10:19-22).
We live in a world full of trials, temptations, and needs. We continually require fresh grace, strength, and mercy from our heavenly Father. As we stay connected to Him through prayer and humility, we can confidently come back to His throne of grace whenever we have another need.
7. There are hindrances that can block us from coming boldly
While God graciously invites us to come boldly to His throne, there are attitudes and sins that can block us from confidently approaching Him. These include:
- Pride: An inflated sense of our own goodness and self-sufficiency keeps us from admitting we desperately need God’s grace.
- Unbelief: Doubting God’s promises and ability to help prevents us from coming expectantly.
- Unconfessed sin: Deliberately cherishing sin erects a barrier between us and God (Isaiah 59:2).
- Unforgiveness: Refusing to forgive others blocks God from forgiving us (Matthew 6:14-15).
- Neglecting prayer: A lack of regular, earnest prayer practice weakens our confidence in approaching God.
- Self-reliance: Depending excessively on our own wisdom and strength rather than God’s.
Thankfully Scripture gives guidance for overcoming these hindrances through repenting of pride and self-reliance, asking God to grow our faith, walking in purity, forgiving others, and committing to regular prayer. As we take these steps, we will grow in boldly coming to receive the mercy and grace we desperately need.
8. There are tremendous blessings for those who come boldly
God promises powerful benefits to those who continually draw near His throne of grace with confident expectation. Some of the blessings include:
- Receiving mercy, grace and spiritual help in times of need (Hebrews 4:16).
- The Father’s attentive listening and response to our prayers (1 John 5:14-15).
- Being strengthened with power through God’s Spirit in our inner being (Ephesians 3:16-17).
- God’s peace to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7).
- Access to God’s river of delights and joyous presence (Psalm 36:7-9).
- Growing deeper in reverent awe of God (Psalm 130:3-4).
- Bearing stronger fruit for God’s kingdom (John 15:5, 16).
These blessings are given not because we deserve them, but because God is generous and delights to lavishly pour out His favor on His children. When we walk closely with Jesus and regularly draw near to the throne of grace, we will experience more of God’s mercy and help in our daily lives.
9. We are called to persevere in coming boldly
Because we live in a fallen world and have an enemy who wants to discourage us, believers will face times when it feels difficult to approach God’s throne. In those seasons, Hebrews 4:16 exhorts us to persevere in “coming boldly to the throne of grace.” Here are some ways we can continue confidently approaching God’s presence even in tough times or dry seasons:
- Remembering testimonies of God’s past faithfulness encourages future boldness.
- Focusing on the certainty of God’s promises fortifies us when we don’t feel His presence.
- Crying out to God from our heart’s depths – groaning when words fail us.
- Trusting God’s hidden purposes when prayers seem unanswered.
- Seeking counsel and prayer support from mature believers.
- Pouring out raw honesty to God even when faith feels weak.
- Refusing to believe Satan’s lies that God has abandoned us.
During the wilderness wanderings, God’s presence filled the tabernacle. Yet the Israelites still faced times of doubt, impatience and failure. In the same way, though God’s throne of grace is always available, we may encounter spiritual dry spells or wavering faith. But just as God remained faithful to lead Israel, He promises to sustain us as we persist in coming to His throne of grace.
10. Heaven is the ultimate experience of approaching God’s throne
While we taste wonderful glimpses of God’s presence on earth, one day believers will fully experience forever dwelling before the throne of grace. In heaven, we will:
- Be free from all sin’s hindrances to fully delight in God’s presence.
- Have new resurrected bodies and souls to worship God wholeheartedly.
- Stand in awe before our exalted Savior Jesus enthroned in majesty.
- Experience intimate fellowship and unrestrained joy in God’s presence.
- Serve and reign with Christ, shielded from all evil and suffering.
- Marvel eternally at new depths of God’s mercy and grace.
The book of Revelation provides breathtaking glimpses of our eternal destiny before the throne. Because of Jesus’ victory, we are promised perfect access to the dazzling throne room of God, where we will “serve him day and night in his temple” and God “will shelter them with his presence” (Revelation 7:15). This certain hope can inspire us to continue boldly approaching God’s throne of grace today, regardless of circumstances or emotions.
Conclusion
Hebrews 4:16 offers life-changing encouragement. No matter what difficulties we face, God beckons us to come boldly to His throne room. He promises to meet us there with mercy, grace and loving help for every need. Knowing God as the King of grace and mercy transforms fear into courage, anxiety into peace, and uncertainty into confident faith. As we walk closely with Jesus, we have the priceless privilege of coming with boldness before the throne of the God of the universe – our beloved Father who delights to give good gifts to His children.