240. Boldness At The Throne.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16.

PRAYER occupies a most important place in the life of the Christian. His vigor, happiness, growth, and usefulness depend thereon. In Scripture, the utmost encouragements are held out to prayer. This verse is one of the sweetest of invitations to prayer.

I. HERE IS OUR GREAT RESORT DESCRIBED:— "The throne of grace."

Once it was called "the mercy seat," but now "the throne." In drawing near to God in prayer, we come—

1. To God as a King, with reverence, confidence, and submission.

2. To one who gives as a King; therefore we ask largely and expectantly. He has riches of grace and power.

3. To one who sits upon a throne "of grace" on purpose to dispense grace. It is his design, his object in displaying himself as King.

4. To one who in hearing prayer is enthroned and glorified. Grace is at its utmost when believers pray; it is grace on the throne.

5. To one who even in hearing prayer acts as a sovereign, but whose sovereignty is all of grace.

To the throne of the great God, poor sinners are invited to come. Oh, the privilege of having audience with the King of Grace!

II. HERE IS A LOVING EXHORTATION:— "Let us come."

It is the voice of one who goes with us. It is an invitation—

1. From Paul, a man like ourselves, but an experienced believer who had much tried the power of prayer.

2. From the whole church speaking in him.

3. From the Holy Spirit, for the apostle spoke by inspiration. The Spirit, making intercession in us, says, "Let us come."

Let us not be indifferent to this sympathetic call. At once let us draw near to God.

III. HERE IS A QUALIFYING ADVERB:— "Let us come boldly."

Not proudly, presumptuously, nor with the tone of demand, for it is the throne, yet "boldly," for it is the throne of grace.

By this adverb, "boldly," is meant—

1. We may come constantly, at all times.

2. We may come unreservedly, with all sorts of petitions.

3. We may come freely, with simple words.

4. We may come hopefully, with full confidence of being heard.

5. We may come fervently, with importunity of pleading.

IV. HERE IS A REASON GIVEN FOR BOLDNESS. "Let us therefore come."

1. "That we may obtain mercy, and find grace;" not that we may utter good words; but may actually obtain blessings.

· We may come when we need great mercy, because of our sin.

· We may come when we have little grace.

· We may come when we are in great need of more grace.

2. There are many other reasons for coming at once, and boldly.

· Our character may urge us. We are invited to come for "mercy," and therefore undeserving sinners may come.

· The character of God encourages us to be bold.

· Our relation to him as children gives us great freedom.

· The Holy Spirit's guidance draws us near the throne.

· The promises invite us by their greatness, freeness, sureness, etc.

· Christ is already given to us, and therefore God will deny us nothing.

· Our former successes at the throne give us solid confidence.

3. The great reason of all for bold approach is in Jesus.

· He once was slain, and the mercy-seat is sprinkled with his blood.

· He is risen and has justified us by his righteousness.

· He has ascended and taken possession of all covenant blessings on our behalf. Let us ask for that which is our own.

· He is sympathetic, tender, and careful for us; we must be heard.

Let us come to the throne, when we are sinful, to find mercy.

Let us come to the throne, when we are weak, to find help.

Let us come to the throne, when we are tempted, to find grace.