Our text is Hebrews 4:14-16 and here is our first response to the central question below:
How can Jesus as the Great High Priest be our perpetual help?
In this article, I want to share the second and the third answers to the above question.
The second answer is that we must see Christ as our perpetual help because of where He is seated. Where, then, is Christ seated at?
At the throne of grace with the Father!
To understand the phrase “throne of grace,” we must first define what a “throne” is. We can do so by looking back at the past—at the ancient, medieval, and feudalistic political structure of our history. We understand it as the highest place of authority of any earthly kingdom. It is where the king resides, and his words carry final authority. However, when we describe a throne as “the throne of grace,” its implications are quite difficult to grasp for those who do not have an understanding of the Bible. Indeed, it is exclusive to us Christians—since in history, we know that a “throne” symbolizes authority that often transgresses human rights.
Thrones in the past are often the nest of abuse of power. For example, consider the throne of Pharaoh in the Old Testament. Pharaoh was regarded as a deity by his people, ruling with an iron fist, and deciding life or death over anyone in Egypt, including the Israelites. When Moses came before Pharaoh to ask for the release of God’s people, Pharaoh’s hardened heart and oppressive rule demonstrated the earthly thrones' potential for injustice and cruelty. Another clear example is the oppressive reign of Rome, which serves as the historical backdrop of Hebrews.
However, the throne of grace described in our text offers something outright different. It represents God's mercy, help, and justice, accessible through Christ. It is reasonable to suggest then, that the author of Hebrews was comparing the earthly throne of man against the divine graceful throne of God.
And who is seated on this throne? Is the seat vacant? If so, we are doomed! But behold! It is Jesus Christ, at the very right hand of God, with the position of divine authority and power. Christ's seat does not signify only his ascension or victory over death but also His active role as our Great High Priest, for He continually intercedes for us and dispenses mercy from the very throne of God. From this position, He executes both divine sovereignty and compassionate mediation, and he ensures that grace is always available to those who approach.
Should we not approach the throne of grace knowing it is the place of ultimate power that makes even earthly thrones accountable? Are we not able to be saved and find firmness knowing our faith stands because someone protects it?
And now to the last point, Christ can perpetually help us because of the promises he gives. What does Christ promise us?
Christ promises us mercy and grace. Unlike the old covenant that was based on laws and sacrifices. Grace had become a radical experience for the early Christians under the new covenant. The grace of God through Jesus Christ is freely available and provides perpetual help for those who believe. Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice brought a new era where mercy is continuously available, and grace empowers believers to endure.
God promises us his mercy and grace to continue even to this era, because of the finished works of Christ. Mercy is understood as not receiving something you deserve. If you have done something wrong, and you are not punished for it, it is mercy. It is when God withholds the judgment that we rightfully deserve because of our sins. In our school perhaps you fail to pass a requirement in a given time, and if you pass it to your professor and he or she accepts it, then that is mercy. It is compassion or forbearance, especially in situations where punishment or judgment is due.
But God also promises us something more—His grace. Grace is not only about withholding judgment but giving us something we don’t deserve. Grace is an unmerited favor. It’s when God not only forgives us but also blesses us with provision and opportunities for growth. In our institution, there are a lot of instances of grace. Some students fail multiple times in their exams, quizzes, and assignments, some even fail to pass their requirements. Now, despite this, the professor decides to give the student a passing grade. Well, that is grace, an unmerited favor.
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 gives, what, then, should our response be?
And that's the application question I am going to answer in the next article.
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