COMING TO THE THRONE OF GRACE
STUDY TEXT: Hebrews 4:14-16
14 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.
15 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.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
- Because Jesus is our high priest we are to:
a. Hold fast our profession.
1. We are not to deny him or be ashamed of him.
2. We are not to be discouraged by our challenges to go back from him.
3. We are not to be double minded in our walk with him.
4. We are not to walk in disobedience to his words and commands to us.
5. We are not to compromise our faith in Him nor be conformed to this evil world practices and principles.
b. Come badly to the throne of grace.
1. We are to come through the righteousness of the blood of Jesus.
2. We are to come with assurance that we will be gladly received.
3. We are to come with certainty that our request shall be granted.
4. We are to come with readiness to receive help in all our weaknesses.
5. We are to come with the consciousness that He had made us His sons, and we are no longer slaves.
- We shall consider the study under three sub-headings:
1. The priest of the throne of grace.
2. The people for the throne of grace.
3. The provision at the throne of grace.
1. THE PRIEST OF THE THRONE OF GRACE.
- After giving his life as a sacrifice, he entered Heaven and serves in the presence of God as our high priest.
1. Jesus was both the priest and the sacrifice itself.
- He offered himself for all the people as a perfect sacrifice for sin, dying in sinner’s place.
2. Jesus mediates the new and better covenant that we might receive the promise of external inheritance.
3. He is in Heaven to bestow the grace of God upon us who believe.
- By his grace, we are saved and received a new life in order to have a healthy fellowship with the Lord.
- Christ regenerates us. John 3:3-8:
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
- He pours out the Holy Spirit upon us. Acts 2:1-4:
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
4. Jesus acts as a mediator between God and all who have broken God’s law and seek forgiveness and reconciliation. 1 John 2:1-2
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
5. Jesus holds his priesthood permanently, sympathizing with believers temptations and aiding them in their needs.
6. Jesus lives forever to make intercession continually in heaven for all those who come unto God by him.
2. THE PEOPLE FOR THE THRONE OF GRACE
1. All sinners in need of repentance and salvation. Luke 19:1-6
And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
2. All self-righteous and innocent people who are ignorant of the grace of GodActs 10:1-6
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
3. All backsliders or believers that fell into sin.
4. Everyone in needs of grace for a victorious Christian living.
5. Everyone in need of help for a divine assignment or responsibility.
6. Everyone facing difficulties and challenges of life.
7. Everyone in need of blessing both physical and spiritual.
THE PROVISION AT THE THRONE OF GRACE.
It is called the throne of grace because from it flows:
1. The love of God.
2. Help from above.
3. Mercy that prevails over judgment.
4. Forgiveness of all kinds of sin.
5. God’s wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
6. Fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
7. All that we need in all circumstances.
- No one comes to the throne of grace and will be rejected; there is abundance of grace and mercy to everyone who comes for a newness of life.
- Jesus is inviting you to come there today whatever the situation with you, and His grace, mercy, healing, favour and blessings are waiting for you.
