Before the Throne of God Above
“We have the boldness to enter the holy of holies and into the glorious presence of God, knowing full well there is not a thing holy or righteous about us.”
“Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (CSB)
A common phrase to remember when studying Scripture is that when you come across the word, “Therefore” we should ask ourselves, “What is the therefore there for?” The answer to that question is often found in the preceding verses. So let’s take a look at what the author of Hebrews has to say in Hebrews 4:14-15.
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
For the Israelites there was one man who would serve as the high priest at any given time. His primary role was to intercede on behalf of the Israelites and supervise all aspects of worship in the temple. One could argue the high priest’s most important job was performed once a year on the day of atonement. This is when the high priest would offer blood sacrifices on behalf of the Israelites. These sacrifices would take place in the holy of holies, at the very center of the temple. It was here that the presence of the glory of God would dwell.
Without the high priest the Israelites would have no hope or way to have access to God to perform the sacrifices required to atone for their sin. They would be lost and dead in their sin. The high priest was the mediator between the people and God.
Jesus serves as our high priest. More than that, he simply isn’t another high priest that served in the temple. Jesus is the great high priest. Jesus is God himself made flesh who dwelt among us.
Without Jesus’ atoning, sacrificial death on the cross we would have no hope of forgiveness of our sins. Without Jesus’ resurrection, we would have no assurance that our sin has been defeated. Without our great high priest, Jesus, we would be lost and dead in our sin.
It is in light of that glorious truth, our confession that we hold to, that we can boldly approach the throne of grace. We have the boldness to enter the holy of holies and into the glorious presence of God, knowing full well there is not a thing holy or righteous about us. Our only hope is the blood of Christ covering us. Praise be to God who sent Jesus to live the perfect life we could not, die a sacrificial death on our behalf, and rise from the dead so that those who believe in him would have abundant and eternal life.
Today read Leviticus 16, Luke 23:44-46, Matthew 27:50-51, Hebrews 9-10.
I know it’s a lot. But let me encourage you that nothing is more important than understanding the weight of Christ’s sacrifice for us. Fun fact: it was while listening to sermons on Hebrews 9 and 10 that I came to understand the gospel for the first time 12 years ago. Those two chapters hold a special place in my heart.
Faith Follow-Through:
This week, take some time to grow in motherhood and faith:
Tuesday:
Did you read the passages from yesterday yet? If not, go ahead and read them now. Once you’ve read them, journal or write observations you see in the texts. What did you learn about Jesus?
Wednesday:
Listen to and read the lyrics of Before the Throne:
Listen to and read the lyrics of Nothing but the Blood of Jesus:
Thursday:
Approach the throne of grace boldly and with confidence. Knowing our great high priest, Jesus, is listening. Thank him for his grace shown to us in the cross. Praise him for the victory he has given us over sin and death. Who is greater than our glorious King and Savior?
Written by Michelle, mom of 1
