Boldness Before the Throne

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16)

I hear so many people use Hebrews chapter 4 as an excuse to approach God in any old way they want. Their complete lack of reverence is appalling and even more repulsive given the fact that they use scripture to try and justify themselves.

Our boldness is yet nothing except for the throne of Grace.

The mere fact that we can come before the throne of Grace is plenty bold enough. I have no claim in this boldness. It is not because of the boldness of man. To claim the right of boldness before God is to be prideful, is thus sinful and thus no more “good” in any regard before the throne. In fact, this means certain death for even the high priests of the Old Testament. To be bold and to be stupid means two different things. To rush into a burning building to save someone’s life is bold. To stand in front of a moving train is stupid. God still expects us to have the heart of the Old Testament high priests. The mere fact that we are approaching the throne of “mercy” should be enough reason to come broken. Just because we have been given the boldness to come whenever we need does not mean we deserve this opportunity. This is still the throne given to us even though we do not serve it. This is the very meaning of grace itself. Also, we come to this throne that we may obtain mercy. Mercy is not getting what we do deserve. I have never come to my father seeking mercy in a prideful, deserving attitude. I may have gotten beat down if I did. I promise I would have, at least, got a verbal lashing. How much more would the wrath of God be expected! The boldness itself came from the incarnation of Christ and His suffering of temptation yet without sin. The boldness was given to us, the mercy is given to us, and the grace is given to us. For sinful man to come crawling on his belly and begging for God’s mercy would be too bold because it would be us still trying. How much more with brokenness and a grateful heart should we take what has been given to us!