GRACE AND MERCY IN INTIMACY

“Let us therefore COME boldly to the THRONE of GRACE, that we may obtain MERCY and find GRACE to help in time of need” – Hebrews 4:16

Believers are guaranteed access to GRACE and MERCY in INTIMACY with God: “Let us therefore COME boldly to the THRONE of GRACE, that we may obtain MERCY and find GRACE to help in time of need” (Heb.4:16). We’ve seen consistently that wherever and whenever God or His Word says “COME,” it’s a Call to Divine Intimacy. Two examples: “COME to ME, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt.11:28); “If anyone thirsts, let him COME to ME and drink” (Jh.7:37). Here, we’re encouraged to approach God's Throne of Grace with the Confidence of Faith, knowing we'll receive Mercy and find Grace to help in our time of need.

The preceding verses highlight Jesus’ role as our empathetic High Priest, who understands our struggles and is able to truly help us. This understanding of His role strengthens our confidence in approaching God's Throne of Grace. We are therefore invited into a relationship of Intimacy with God, where we can come to Him with our burdens and receive His support. Such Intimacy is then further fostered through God's Grace and Mercy, both of which are not distant resources, but accessible to those who seek the Lord. We can cultivate Intimacy with God by actively seeking Him through prayer, His Word, and worship, receiving Grace ad Mercy as we draw near to experience His Presence. 

Grace and Mercy hold great significance in the Christian Life. Grace – God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense – is God's unearned gift that enables us not only to be saved, but also to live to please Him. It is God’s ability working in us to do His Will; divine enablement freely made available to humanity. Mercy is the manifestation of God’s Love – His compassion and leniency that withhold punishment for our sins. God is extremely Rich in Grace and Mercy (Eph.2:4-5). In spite of His Omnipotence, He remains compassionate and merciful. Although He is the Lord of the Universe, His Mercy endures forever. He relates with our frail frame and does not treat us with the wrath we deserved: “For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psa.103:14).

God’s Great Love is the backbone of His rich Mercy and super-abundant Grace: “But God, who is RICH in MERCY, because of HIS GREAT LOVE with which He loved us” (Eph.2:4). Every time we call upon or draw near to Him, His Mercy will answer and His Grace will speak for us. God’s Mercy keeps us from the punishment that we deserved. His Grace grants us access to enjoy the things we don’t deserve. When Mercy is at work, every sinner has a glorious future. When Grace is in place, every saint has no sinful past. Beloved, it’s time to be thankful for and embrace Grace and Mercy in the place of Intimacy with God!