Approaching the Throne of Grace with Confidence Amidst Life and Ideological Challenges
In my last article, I raised this question:
As we reflect that Jesus, our great high priest, can perpetually help us because of who he is, where he is sitting, and the promises he makes, what should our response be?
Based on Hebrews 4:14-16, I would like to answer the above question in this article.
Holding Fast Our Confession
First, the passage tells us of an imperative—holding your confession fast. Confession came from the Greek word “ὁμολογίας" which means a public declaration or statement. This word is associated with religious contexts, and confession is understood as an allegiance to the faith in the presence of others. It tells us that you can’t hold fast to your confession with a closed door. Therefore, being in the faith is an active confession and not a passive one.
Early Jewish Christians were called to stay firm amidst external pressure. Rome’s authoritarian abuse is a historical lesson and is still relevant if we look at the context of other countries. On the other hand, the Judaizers distortion of the gospel message is an ideological and cultural one. The modern counterpart of this gospel distortion is characterized by its subtlety, under the guise of critical and progressive thinking and inclusivity. We are now faced with a silent, but equally corrosive, and perhaps even more dangerous battle of ideologies. For example, the cultural push toward relativism undermines the objective ultimate truth that is Christ. The authority and inspiration of Scripture are questioned and denied. The ideological popularity of therapeutical individualism affects both secular and Christian thought—gospel is now seen as therapy—and sin is re-termed as “mistakes” that can be overcome with self-help methods.
To hold fast our confession means three things. First, it is about affirming one’s faith together with the body of Christ. Second, it is a call to stand firm amidst authoritarian hostility. Third, it encourages us to speak openly against claims and ideologies that distort, criticize, “advance”, and integrate, biblical and doctrinal truths.
Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence
Second, is another imperative—to approach the throne of grace with confidence. This imperative further enhances the first one, for the act of approaching the throne of grace with confidence builds upon the foundation of holding fast to one’s confession. This directive not only encourages believers to affirm our faith openly but also tells us the relational aspect of our faith. This relationship is characterized by the trust we have in Jesus. As such, confidence does not mean as the attitude of “boastfulness” or prideful arrogance. Rather, it conveys the idea of “speaking everything”. And to speak of everything implies the need of full trust. You cannot share everything with someone who lacks trustworthiness. Hence, it tells us to approach the throne of grace not in shame or arrogance, but with a full sense of trust and assurance, knowing that Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest is able to intercede and provide help without fail.
Moreover, “to approach” is a means of practicality such as prayer, confession, worship, reading of Scriptures, and communal relationships. However, we must not misunderstand it as a single momentary act or a rite of custom. The text does not tell us to “approach and withdraw afterwards” or to “approach and come back later.” Jesus is not our handyman. Instead, it is a continuous state of being near with God. This ongoing act of approaching is a lifestyle of persistent intimacy with God, where we believers should continually seek His presence, guidance, and grace. This ligns very well how we are sanctified by God moment by moment towards holiness as we grew near towards his presence.
For my Brethren in PTSCAS
For our dear faculties and employees, those among you entrusted with managing and guiding the school, you may face decisions that affect many lives. Many of you work tirelessly, often without enough compensation. Yet this passage assures us that Christ, seated at the right hand of God, understands your struggles and offers the help you need. You are not left to handle the weight of your responsibilities alone, for His position ensures that as you approach His throne, you will find perpetual help through his mercies and grace. Lean on His guidance and let His authority shape how you serve.
For my dear professors, you are tasked with shaping the minds of the next generation, a responsibility that sometimes brings stress. But Christ, seated at the throne of grace, provides the grace you need not just to teach well but to reflect His wisdom and truth in the classroom. You can approach Him with confidence, and know that His help in fostering is not just about academic excellence but also spiritual growth in your students.
For my dear classmates and schoolmates, we are at a stage in life where we are learning, growing, and preparing for the future. Sometimes, this can be stressful and frustrating. But remember that Christ is seated on the throne of grace, always ready to help us when we struggle. We can come boldly before Him, trusting that He will provide the mercy and grace we need for our studies, our relationships, and our future decisions. No matter the challenge, Christ is there to guide us, for he is our Great High Priest of perpetual help.
Lastly, for all who are involved in our institution academically, I implore you to hold fast your confession. We are on the frontline of an ideological warfare, and we must hold our station firmly. We ought to go back to the Scriptures as our eyeglasses to view the world. I encourage, especially you my dear classmates, to go back first to where our school stands—the Reformed tradition. So that you may have a standard to compare what it is biblically sound and what is not. Pray to God and ask for discernment to know what is true and what is false.
Conclusion
As we contemplate this section of Hebrews 4:14–16, my fellow believers, let us be reminded of the necessity of clinging to our faith. We must believe and live as though we have a high priest, Jesus Christ, who has ascended through the heavens and is sitting at God's right hand, regardless of the outward pressures we encounter, whether they be material, emotional, physical, spiritual, or ideological. He is not far from us; rather, He is well aware of our frailties, able to empathize with our hardships, and always willing to provide His unending assistance.
As we work to maintain our faith and believe that God's kindness and mercy, made available through Christ, are adequate for whatever circumstance we encounter, let us find solace in this reality. Knowing that Jesus pleads on our behalf and gives us the support and direction we require to endure in this life and our relationship with God gives us the confidence to approach the throne of mercy.
May we cling to the hope we have in Christ and keep seeking His mercy and grace as we go. Knowing that He is our great high priest of everlasting assistance, let us approach His throne with courage. Amen!
Note:
To understand the context of this article, I think I need to provide the links to the whole series:
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