The throne of grace is
the place of God’s presence
to which believers are invited to
draw near with confidence.
Through the finished work of Jesus Christ,
the throne that once inspired terror
has become a place where mercy
and help are freely given in time of need.
Throughout Scripture, the throne of God is a symbol of His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and authority. In the Old Testament, approaching the divine presence was carefully regulated and often filled with fear. The Most Holy Place of the tabernacle and temple could be entered only by the high priest, and only once a year, with sacrificial blood.
The writer of Hebrews acknowledges this reality while announcing a dramatic change that has taken place because of Christ.
Hebrews 4:16 declares:
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
The same throne that is the seat of God’s sovereign rule is now called a “throne of grace.” Because of the high priesthood of Jesus, the presence of the holy God has become a place of welcome rather than a place of dread for those who are in Christ.
At this throne, two things are available:
Access to the throne of grace is characterized by boldness and full assurance rather than terror. This confidence rests on:
Because the way has been opened by Christ, every believer is invited to approach God freely and continually.
Because the throne of grace is open, believers can:
This invitation is one of the greatest privileges of the New Covenant.
The throne of grace is the open invitation of the gospel. What was once restricted and fearful has become, through Jesus, a place of welcome, mercy, and help. Believers are not only permitted to approach God — they are invited to come with confidence. This nearness is both the daily privilege of the Christian life and a foretaste of the eternal presence of God.
Entry compiled for the JESUSaves.com Bible Glossary. Optimized for wiki.js Visual Editor.