Heb 4:16 “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (NIV)
I have for several weeks been teaching a series of messages on the Grace of God titled, “What’s so amazing about grace?” If we are honest, the longer we live and serve the Lord, the more we realize that God’s grace is simply amazing. One of the most profound things about God’s grace is that it invites us to God’s throne. Notice that the throne we are invited to is not one of judgment, but of Grace. The writer of Romans gives us this same picture. He writes, “But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” (Rom 5:15-17)
Here we see that God provided abundant grace to address the result of Adam’s sin. At a time when sin required judgment, God satisfied this judgment through his son Jesus Christ and called it a gift of grace. Later in this same chapter, God said, “where sin abounds, grace abounds much more.” (verse 20) God’s solution to sin is grace, not judgment. Why? Because the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ was enough! It satisfied the judgment of God. Let me encourage you if your struggling with sin, God’s not mad at you! There is nothing you and I can do to pay for any of our sin. Just receive the gift of grace provided through the sacrifice of God’s son, Jesus.
I think it is important to remember at this point, that Grace is the unmerited favor of God. It is a favor or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that same person deserves. That is why we are invited to come to this throne without hesitation. In the transition above, it tells us to come to this throne with “confidence.” Another transition says that we may “come boldly” unto the throne of grace. This word “boldly” is the Greek word, parrhesia (par-rhay-see’-ah) it literally means to come with an all out-spokenness, frankness and bluntness. It also implies that we can do so, without fear of repercussions. Let me ask you this question. When was the last time you went to God and spoke your mind honestly and openly, with out fear of some repercussions? You may be uncomfortable with this, but that’s exactly what God’s grace allows us to do. I find it interesting that people harbor all kinds of thoughts in their heart that they would not even consider speaking with their mouth. Yet, they fail to realize God already knows their thoughts! They act as if they were to verbalize them to God, he would punish them with some consequence. They think a lightning bolt from heaven is going to strike them because the had the audacity to speak their mind to God. I frequently remind people, God is a big boy, feel free to tell Him how you really feel.
Let me challenge you today. Go “boldly” to God’s throne with what ever need you have. Do not be afraid to speak your mind to God, because mercy and grace await you. Grace invites you to its throne because it longs to help you. Remember, Grace always says, “I can help you if you will just simply come to me!” See you at the throne!
Pastor Craig Carter
North Kent Community Church
1480 Indian Lakes Rd., Sparta
Church Office 887-2478
Service Time: Sunday’s @ 10:00am – Nursery & Children’s Ministry provided.
