Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 12:1–2 (NIV) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Old Covenant Temple:
Mark 15:37–38 (NIV) 37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
The Veil Was Torn The Way Is Opened.
“Forgiveness grants access.”
The Priesthood of Christ: The Role of the Priest (Old Covenant):
Hebrews 4:14–16 (NIV) 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 7:22–25 (NIV) 22 Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. 23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Approaching Boldly Hebrews 10:19–23 (NIV) 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
1. Approach with Reverence, Not Reluctance Hebrews 10:22 (NIV) Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience...
“Reverence is holy sincerity.”
4 Hindrances of Entering God’s Presence 1. Apathy: I don’t care. 2. Pride: I don’t need God. 3. Fear: God won’t accept me. 4. Shame: God doesn’t want me.
“Reverence mixed with shame isn’t humility—it’s dishonoring the cross.”
“Shame denies what the cross accomplished.”
2. Approach Confidently, Not Arrogantly.
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV) Let us hold unswervingly...
Romans 12:1 (NIV) In view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
3. Approach with Passion and Gratitude.
Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.
