The New Testament text in our Pause Bible Reading Plan recently was Hebrews 4. Check out vs. 16 with me:
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
There are so many words in this verse that are powerful and noteworthy, but one especially grabbed me: “THEN.”
Let us THEN approach God’s throne…
One could say “Because of this, we can approach God’s throne” or “In light of what’s been established previously, we can approach God’s throne.”
THEN. Why can we approach God’s throne?
Here’s why…look with me at the few verses just prior to Hebrews 4:16.
1. Because Jesus is our great high priest. This speaks to His DIETY.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest…” 4:14a
2. Because Jesus ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God. This speaks to His AUTHORITY.
“…who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” 4:14b
3. Because Jesus can relate with our weaknesses. This speaks to His HUMANITY.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses…” 4:15a
4. Because Jesus was tempted in every way, but did not sin. This speaks to His VICTORY.
“…but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” 4:15b
All of this is the “THEN.” This is why we can approach God’s throne with confidence. This is why we are able to receive mercy and find grace. This is why we can come to the Father during our times of need.
The why is JESUS.
It’s ALL because of JESUS.