The throne of grace: coming boldly to God
Picture an ancient palace. At its centre stands an imposing throne. Only a privileged few may approach the king, and even they with fear, for a wrong word could cost them their life. In the book of Esther we read that no one could enter unbidden before the king of Persia; whoever did so would die, unless the king held out his golden sceptre. Esther risked her life to intercede for her people.
Against this image, the letter to the Hebrews presents an astonishing invitation: we can approach the throne of God, the King of kings, not with fear but with confidence. For those who are in Christ, that throne is not a court of condemnation but a throne of grace. In this article we explore this invitation and what it means for our prayer life.
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:14-16
The context of the letter to the Hebrews
The letter to the Hebrews was written to believers facing pressure, persecution and the temptation to abandon the faith and return to former religious practices. The author shows them that Jesus Christ is superior to everything: to the angels, to Moses, to Aaron’s priesthood and to the temple sacrifices. In him all that the Old Testament foreshadowed is fulfilled.
One of the central themes of the letter is Christ’s priesthood. In Israel the high priest was the mediator between God and the people. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, he entered the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle, behind the veil, with the blood of sacrifices, to make atonement for his own sins and those of the people. No one else could enter. Access to God’s presence was restricted.
Jesus, our great high priest
Hebrews presents Jesus as “a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens”. He did not enter a sanctuary made with hands, but heaven itself, into the presence of God. He did not offer the blood of animals, but his own blood, once for all (Hebrews 9:12).
Moreover, Jesus is not a distant priest. The text says we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Jesus knew hunger, weariness, loneliness, betrayal, pain and temptation. That is why he understands us. When we draw near to God, we do so through someone who knows exactly what we are going through.
And he continues to intercede: “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
The torn veil
When Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the temple that separated the Most Holy Place was torn in two, from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). It was a powerful sign: the way into God’s presence was open. Hebrews explains it like this:
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Hebrews 10:19-22
What was once reserved for one man, once a year, is now available to every believer, every day, in any place. We do not need other human mediators to reach God; we have Christ.
A throne of grace
The expression “throne of grace” joins two ideas that seem opposed. A throne speaks of authority, majesty, government and judgment. Grace speaks of undeserved favour, kindness and forgiveness. In Christ, the throne of God, which for the unforgiven sinner would be a fearful court, becomes a place of grace.
God has not stopped being holy or sovereign. But through Christ’s work, his children do not approach as defendants, but as beloved sons and daughters. The same throne from which God governs the universe is the place where he receives us with mercy.
“Let us come boldly”
The Greek word translated “boldly” is parrēsia, meaning freedom of speech, frankness, courage. It is the attitude of one who has the right to be there. It is not arrogance or demand, but the confidence of a child who knows he is welcome.
Many people approach God with fear, thinking they must earn his attention or that their sins prevent them from praying. Others feel their problems are too small or too big to bring to him. Hebrews tells us: come boldly. Your confidence rests not on your worthiness but on Jesus’.
Mercy and grace to help in time of need
The text says we come “that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”. These are two different gifts.
Mercy is not receiving the punishment we deserve. When we have failed, at the throne of grace we find forgiveness and compassion.
Grace is receiving what we don’t deserve: strength, help, wisdom, comfort, provision. And it is grace “in time of need”, that is, at the moment we need it. God does not give us tomorrow’s grace today, but it never fails when we need it. Just as the manna fell each morning, grace comes on time.
What can we bring to the throne of grace?
Our sins: to receive forgiveness and cleansing. Our weaknesses: Jesus is touched by them. Our temptations: he was tempted and is able to help those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). Our illnesses: to ask for healing and strength; you can read our article How to pray when your health fails. Our material needs: God knows what we lack. Our loved ones: we can intercede for them. Our questions and tears: God hears the sincere heart. Our gratitude and worship: the throne of grace is also a place of praise.
Biblical examples of bold access
Abraham interceded for Sodom with persistence and humility. Moses spoke with God face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Hannah poured out her soul before the Lord in the temple. Daniel prayed three times a day with his windows open towards Jerusalem. The Canaanite woman persisted before Jesus for her daughter and was praised for her faith. Blind Bartimaeus cried out with a loud voice even though others told him to be quiet. All of them teach us that God honours those who come to him in faith.
Obstacles to drawing near
Guilt: the enemy accuses us to drive us away from God, but in Christ there is no condemnation. Go to the throne precisely in order to be forgiven. Pride: thinking we can solve everything on our own. Distraction: a life too busy to leave time for prayer. Mistrust: doubting God’s goodness. Hebrews answers all these obstacles with the person of Jesus: he is enough.
The throne of grace in Revelation
The last book of the Bible lets us behold the throne of God. John saw a throne encircled by a rainbow, and around it living creatures and elders who worshipped day and night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.” In the midst of the throne he saw a Lamb as it had been slain (Revelation 5:6). In other words, at the centre of the government of the universe is the crucified and risen Christ. That is why the throne is a throne of grace: the one who reigns is the same one who gave his life for us.
At the end of the vision John hears a great voice from the throne: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them.” What we experience today in prayer will one day be a full reality: we will live for ever in God’s presence, without tears, without death and without pain. Every time we pray, we draw near in advance to that final home.
How to live close to the throne of grace
Pray every day: don’t wait for an emergency to draw near. Pray in the name of Jesus: recognising that he is your access. Pray honestly: present your reality as it is. Pray with the Word: lean on God’s promises. Pray persistently: grace comes at the right time. Pray in community: encourage one another to draw near to God, as Hebrews 10:24-25 urges. If you would like us to pray with you, write in Request prayer.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that in Jesus Christ I have access to your presence. He is my great high priest, who knows my weaknesses and lives to intercede for me. Today I come boldly to your throne of grace. I ask for mercy for my failings and grace for my need. Give me the timely help I need in this season. Teach me to live close to you every day. In the name of Jesus, amen.