Sunday, November 23, 2014

Boldly Into His Throne Room



So I’m reading in Hebrews this verse in chapter 4:

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (15-16). 

The word ‘confidence’ in Greek can also be translated, ‘boldly.’  Thus, another translation of verse 16 can read: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

And speaking of High Priest, according to Moses, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle only once a year to make atonement for the nation (Hebrews 9:7, Leviticus chapters 16 and 17). But now, the Holy Spirit tells us we can “have boldness to enter” that holiest of places by the blood of Jesus. Whenever we want. As often as we want.

You can’t make this stuff up.

Who’d ever think up a story of a God, the supreme ruler of the galaxies, the final and decisive arbiter of life and death, who would think this Being would permit – no, that He would welcome – His creatures to boldly enter His very Holy of Holies? No religion aside from Judeo-Christian faith – none hold their god so near. So personal. So gracious. So compassionate. So loving.

But our God, whom we know as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, from the time of Adam to this very moment as you read this, our God welcomes us to enter confidently, boldly, into His very throne room.

Whenever we want. As often as we want.

Do you have a problem? Have a need? Just want to talk? You can enter His Holy of Holies now. Confidently. Tell Him what’s on your heart.

He is always ready to listen.

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You can find my YouTube Bible study through 1 Peter if you click this link.

2 comments:

kkollwitz said...

I like this. King James Version says: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

παρρησία parrisia:

freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech

openly, frankly, i.e without concealment

without ambiguity or circumlocution

without the use of figures and comparisons

free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance

Rich Maffeo said...

Yes, Christian. In fact, that is how I memorized it decades ago. And when I quote it still today, that is how I do so. I like that rendering of the Greek better than 'confidence' -- although both work, and both make the point that we do not have to fear bothering Him, but He welcomes us at any time we wish to come. Thanks be to God and hallelujah!