How does Hebrews 4:16 connect to Jesus as our High Priest? The Bigger Context: Our Great High Priest • Hebrews 4:14-15 sets the stage: “Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God… we have One who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.” • Israel’s earthly high priest entered the Holy of Holies only once a year (Leviticus 16). Jesus, the sinless Son, has entered heaven itself and remains there on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24). • Because His priesthood is real, present, and ongoing, verse 16 invites us to act on that truth. The Throne of Grace: What It Means • Hebrews 4:16: “Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” • “Throne” signals royal authority; “grace” signals unearned favor. Joined together, the place where God rules is also the place where He generously gives. • Under the old covenant, approaching God’s throne uninvited meant death. Through Jesus, the same throne becomes our safe haven. Confidence That Flows From His Priesthood Because Jesus is our High Priest: • He understands us—“tempted in every way… yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). • He represents us—“entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in God’s presence” (Hebrews 9:24). • He opened a “new and living way” through His flesh (Hebrews 10:20). • In Him “we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12). Mercy and Grace Supplied Through His Sacrifice • Mercy addresses our guilt; grace empowers our need. Both flow from His finished work. • Romans 5:1-2 highlights the same access: “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand.” • Hebrews 2:17-18 confirms that His priestly suffering equips Him to help us when we suffer. Living It Out: Practical Encouragements • Draw near daily, not just in crisis. The verb “approach” is present tense—keep coming. • Come “with confidence,” not presumption. Confidence rests in His merit, not ours. • Expect fresh mercy for past failures and fresh grace for present challenges. • Stand firm in assurance; the same throne that judged sin now welcomes the sinner cleansed by Christ. Supporting Passages to Explore Further • Hebrews 10:19-22 — confidence to enter the Most Holy Place • Hebrews 7:24-25 — His permanent priesthood and continual intercession • John 14:6 — Jesus, the only way to the Father • 1 Timothy 2:5 — one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus |
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