Hebrews 4:16

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

Notice the word therefore.

Because Jesus is our great High Priest…
Because He understands our weaknesses…
Because He has been tempted in all the ways we are…

Therefore — come.

Not cautiously.
Not nervously.
Not wondering if God is in a good mood today.

Come boldly.

Catch this.

The throne we are invited to approach is not called the throne of judgment. It is not the throne of evaluation. It is not the throne of “let’s see how you did this week.”

It is the throne of grace.

Look at what happens when we come.

We obtain mercy.
We find grace.

Mercy means you don’t receive what you deserve.

Grace means you receive what you don’t deserve.

Consider that.

Most people think approaching God will result in a lecture, a correction, or a reminder of everything they’ve done wrong.

But Hebrews says something entirely different.

You come expecting a reprimand…
and instead you receive mercy.

You come expecting disappointment…
and instead you find grace.

It’s almost like walking into a courtroom expecting the gavel to fall, only to find the judge smiling and sliding a hot fudge sundae across the bench.

That’s the shock of grace.

Look at this with me.

The verse doesn’t say to come when you’ve fixed yourself.
It doesn’t say to come after you’ve cleaned everything up.

It says to come in time of need.

In other words, come when you’re struggling.
Come when your faith feels thin.
Come when you realize your own strength isn’t enough.

That’s exactly when the throne is open.

Here’s the thing.

Religion often tells people to stay away from God until they improve.

The gospel says the opposite.

Come now.

Come boldly.

Because the One sitting on the throne already knows everything about you — and He still invites you to the table.