Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Because we have a great High Priest who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, the author urges believers to hold fast their confession. This High Priest is not aloof; He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin, and can therefore be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Because of who He is and what He has done, believers are invited to 'come boldly unto the throne of grace' — not timidly, not through intermediaries, but boldly, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. This is the practical fruit of righteousness by faith: because our standing depends on Christ's perfect sympathy and sinless mediation rather than our own worthiness, we can approach God with confidence even in our weakest moments. The throne is a throne of grace, not of terror, for those who come in Jesus' name.
I. The great High Priest identified
- Jesus, the Son of God, passed into the heavens
- Hold fast our profession
- Superior to every earthly priest
II. The sympathizing Priest
- Touched with the feeling of our infirmities
- Tempted in all points like as we are
- Yet without sin
III. The bold invitation
- "Let us therefore come boldly"
- Unto the throne of grace, not judgment
- Confidence based on Christ's merit, not ours
IV. The purpose of the approach
- Obtain mercy
- Find grace to help in time of need
- A throne that meets need, not merely observes it
You do not need to approach God timidly, hoping He will notice your effort. Come boldly, right now, in whatever weakness you carry, to the throne of grace where mercy and help are waiting.
Key points
- Christ's sinless yet fully tempted humanity makes Him a sympathetic High Priest.
- Believers are invited to approach God's throne with boldness, not fear.
- The throne of grace supplies mercy and timely help, not condemnation.
Key passages
- Hebrews 4:14-16
- Hebrews 2:17-18
- Hebrews 7:25
- Romans 8:34