3/19/2023 0 Comments Theine free meaning![]() ![]() The Lord knows the right moment to provide what we need. The psalmist wrote that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 KJV). Instead of being eternally apart from God because of our sins, we find grace and the loving presence of our Father. Instead of deserved wrath and punishment, we receive mercy. Now, instead of a terrifying presence or judgment, we “obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). The author of Hebrews invites us to come boldly to God’s presence through Jesus. There is no need to be afraid, for Jesus’s sacrifice paid for our sins, and God said he would “remember no more” our sins (Hebrews 10:17-22). When we approach God, we need to remember that we are his children, and He is our dear Father (Romans 8:15). Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted like we are. This is why we can come with confidence to the Father’s presence. So, “we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15 NKJV). Once forgiven, we have access to the Father through Christ (Ephesians 3:12). Because of Him, we are free from the condemnation that would have cost our lives (Romans 8:1). However, Jesus offered His own life to pay for our sins, once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). In the Old Testament, a priest “stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins” (Hebrews 10:11 NKJV). The author of Hebrews explained that Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 5:6,10). It is a graceful presence for those who come to Him through Jesus (Ephesians 2:18). Note that the word “grace” hints that His presence is not fearsome. The throne of grace in verse 4:16 represents the sovereign presence of God. #2 We Can Come to the Throne of GraceĪ throne is where a king reigns over his kingdom. He wasn’t allowed to enter that room on any other day, or he would die (Leviticus 16:2). So, the Old Testament shows us that people were very afraid of being in the presence of the Lord. The only person who could enter the Most Holy Place was the high priest, once a year, on the Day of Atonement. It was called “Most Holy Place.” This is where the Ark of the Covenant was, with the Mercy Seat on top of it (Exodus 25:21-22, 26:34). ![]() There was a special room in both buildings where God manifested His presence. There are other examples, but let’s talk about the Tabernacle in the desert and the Temple in Jerusalem. So, from that moment on, God spoke to the people of Israel through prophets, starting with Moses (Exodus 20:18-19 and Deuteronomy 5:23-31). So, they pleaded that God would no longer speak directly to them. They thought that sinners like them would never survive in the presence of a Holy God. However, when they heard His voice, they were terrified. After leaving Egypt, the Israelites came to Mount Sinai to worship the Lord and receive His Law (Exodus 19). #1 The Fear of the Presence of the Lordįirst, you need to understand one important concept that was very familiar to the Jews back then: the fear of the presence of God. Hebrews 4:16 tells us of an important change that Jesus brought to the relationship between God and people. It is important to understand those concepts so we can better comprehend the revelation that God gave, starting with the Old Testament, how Jesus fits that revelation, and what changed after His death and resurrection. He also explained to his readers how the relationship with the Father changed because of Christ. ![]() He emphasized Jesus’s role as the high priest of God’s people. The author focused on showing how the Old Testament laws were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The book of Hebrews was originally written to the Jews that were converted to Christianity, those who believed that Jesus was the Messiah they were waiting for. “ 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 4:16 KJV) ![]()
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