Amazing Grace #30

11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 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. (Hebrews 4)

The passage above is actually the conclusion to a lengthy discussion that began back in chapter 3 about 
"entering into God's rest." Whenever God does a great work, like creation, or making a new creation, He then rests, and invites His people, His creation or new creation, to join with Him.  More than once, the writer has mentioned that many often refuse to enter His rest or are disqualified from doing so by their refusal to trust and obe Him , like those who refused to enter the promised land and ended up wandering in the wilderness, never experiencing His rest.  Now, in the Good news of the Gospel, God has offered another opportunity and call to enter His rest. In this passage we have two classic statements often meditated upon and memorized. First, in verse 12 we are reminded that the Word of God is like a sharp sword, that cuts deep into our heart and soul, revealing our sin and need for God's grace, reminding us we all do, and will, stand before our Creator. This same Word also reveals to us His grace in Jesus Christ, who offers to make us His new creation. We are called upon to consider what Christ has done by passing through the heavens - coming here to live on earth, then passing back through after His resurrection to return to His rest having accomplished this work.  He is One who understandings our temptations and trials, our sins and suffering. He's been through it all, without sin. The second class verse is just two verses later, verse 16: 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 throne, where God is, where Christ is, is the place of grace, where God offers us the grace we need - to receive His salvation, to receive His rest, to receive His ability to handle all those things we cannot do our own.  Praise God for His throne of Grace.