Hebrews 4:12-16
Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” vs. 16
Through the centuries humans have come to believe that there will be a final judgment. And though some now disparage that notion, they need to recognize that eliminating judgment will also pretty much do away with any sense of accountability for how we live our lives. In fact, the major reason for believing in a Judgment Day is to preserve the conviction that the way we live does make a difference. We should never believe that our words and deeds are without consequence! They have enormous importance, now and forever! The writer of Hebrews believed that our every thought, word, and deed was known to God–there was nothing in our lives that could remain hidden to the Divine Presence–and one day we will be called upon to make an account. But then he surprises us! He doesn’t say we will make our accounting before the throne of judgment, but the throne of grace, and that there is no reason for us to be frightened. Why not? Because the throne is occupied by our great high priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, and from him we will receive mercy and find grace. That’s quite an amazing twist, and this promise colors everything we have ever believed about the future. Yes, we are accountable. Yes, there are consequences for our sins. But our judge sits on a throne of grace!
Thought for the Day: How can there be accountability and forgiveness at the same time?
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