Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For 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. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus Christ as our High Priest is one of the magnificent truths that matures us in the faith with the invitation that draws us more intimately to Him. With the Spirit leading, let us have a closer look. Just as the High Priest under the Old Covenant passed through 3 areas (the outer court, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies) to make the atoning sacrifice for Israel, Jesus passed through the heavens as a glorious High Priest. He passed into heaven for me and you to make intercession for us. And He is described as being a sympathetic High Priest who understands our weaknesses, because He became a man and experienced the temptations that man experiences. He knows our problems we face each day, He knows our weaknesses that plagues us. And thus can empathize with us, this makes Jesus, the Son of God, our great High Priest, now seated at the right hand of throne of God (Hebrews 12:2), more unique than any man, as we accept His invitation to come to Him with boldness. The use of both the title of humanity (Jesus) and of deity (Son of God) is significant. Jesus was completely successful in His mission of redemption. He came and died as the sacrifice for our sins. He rose victoriously over sin and death, and ascended to heaven where He retained His place of authority, seated at the right hand of the Father. Knowing this as a Christian today, gives us great cause to remain steadfast in our confession of hope in Him.
Furthermore, our great High Priest is able to understand our needs and express His compassionate grace towards our frailities. Our Lord faced what we face and even more, as the enemy of our souls Satan, threw all of his tempting devices at Jesus. So He understands what battles we go through on a regular basis. That in itself is what makes Him special, and yet we read, He never yielded to the tempter’s attacks: “yet without sin.” He not not only understands our plight, but He can also provide us victory.
Come boldly to the throne of grace—Most ancient rulers were unapproachable by anyone but their highest advisors. In contrast, the Holy Spirit calls for all to come confidently before God’s throne to receive mercy and grace through Jesus Christ. We are hereby given reason to approach God through our great High Priest, we can come without hesitation or apprehension to find the help we need. And so I approach God on the basis of His grace and mercy towards me, not on the basis of my own good works and deserving favor. And because I come to God with boldness, I can always receive the help that I need as His child, and by His invitation to me. How can I ever come boldly to the throne of grace except through Jesus Christ? Dare I come boldly to the throne of grace asking God to accept my works as sufficient, or better yet, to reward me for my good works. If good works could save us, it would nullify Christ’ death for us on the cross. It would no longer be called a throne of grace, but of good works. God forbid. No, I tell you, I can only come, you can only come to God through Jesus Christ. And we can come boldly because the great High Priest understands our needs, our weaknesses, tempted just as we are. That is why He is able to help me in my time of temptation.
Beloved friend, So how are you going to approach God? On the basis of your goodness, your efforts, your works, or on the basis of the finished work of Jesus Christ? I am resting today, not because of my own righteous deeds, but I’m resting in His finished work for me. I come boldly today to His throne of grace at His own personal invitation positionally as His child. Everything I need His grace will provide for me, and not because I somehow deserve it, but because I am loved by God as His adopted son, through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, His Son. The Bible says, I am a co-heir with Christ, The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (Romans 8:16-17) Every believer has been made an heir of God, our Father, and I believe and trust God to bless me so He does, because the blessings are always predicated upon the faith and believing in Him to do so. Any lack of blessing does not come from lack of devotions, but from our lack of faith. That’s hard to grasp, isn’t it? But today’s whole teaching isn’t predicated by what we have done, but on what Christ has done for us! By faith we take God’s Word to heart, and say, “No matter what comes my way Lord, I will trust in You, for the outcome!” God loves to prove Himself to those who have no other gods they are counting on, But Him, and Him alone! Glory be to God, for His redeeming strength!
May the Lord bless your walk with Him!
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