“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 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” (Hebrews 4:15-16).
When I was a child in school there was an invitation I never wanted to receive. I didn’t want to be called to the principal’s office because I associated that place with punishment. I had to go there once and I was right. Some people view God with similar reservations. What a surprise to read that God’s throne isn’t a throne of judgment but a throne of grace.
God’s throne isn’t a throne of harsh, unattainable demands. It is where we receive mercy. It isn’t a throne that proves crime doesn’t pay. It is a throne where we find grace to help us in our time of need. Greek scholar A. T. Robinson translates “our time of need” as “the nick of time.” God has grace for us who have needs (and who doesn’t?) and that grace comes in the nick of time.
For too many people their response to God is “Stay away.” It is as if He is just waiting for an opportunity to get even with us for our rebellious ways. Hebrews brings a different message. It invites us to “approach God’s throne with confidence.” Our sin was judged on the Cross of Christ. That’s why salvation is attained by believing in Him. Now His throne is the source of an abundant supply of grace.
There is a reassuring thought in the word “confidence.” The Greek word literally means that we can tell Him everything. We can especially be honest about our shortcomings. What do we find when we come to God honestly? We find grace that comes to help us “in the nick of time.” That seems to me to be an invitation that’s too good to refuse.
