Wednesday, July 18, 2018

"The Throne of Grace"


"The Throne of Grace"

    In our relationship with God, any confidence that is not Christ-based involves deception and delusion.  Moreover, any lack of confidence involves failure to realize the magnitude of grace provided through the Lord Jesus:

    "Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him" (Ephesians 3:11-12).

    So long as we come with humble, trusting hearts that "look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith," we can always approach the aptly termed "Throne of grace" (Hebrews 12:2; 4:16).  In times of faith and faithfulness, we make our approach through our Savior, affirming all credit to Him for our obedience and realizing that we come "by the faith of Him."  The way to God remains Christ and Christ alone in even our best moments.  "Our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:1-2).  Such recognition maintains our walk in Truth, guarding us from pride and directing all honor unto the only One worthy thereof.  "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth's sake!" (Psalm 115:1).

    Thankfully, our worst moments also involve "the faith of Him" as our basis of "boldness and access with confidence."  Unbelief and disobedience do not bar our way to the throne of grace, again, so long as we come with humble, trusting hearts that "look unto Jesus" in honest repentance.  The prodigal found a faithful Father awaiting him when he arose to return home from his wayward journey (Luke 15:18-24).  Born again believers find the same.  However, we also recognize that a faithful Son paved the path to the throne of grace whereby He originated our access - "being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).  The Lord Jesus also maintains our access - "He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25).  Thus, we may come, so long as we come through Christ.  This is our confidence.  He is our confidence, in times of both faithfulness and failure.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  Nothing else.  Or, as the hymn writer so beautifully expressed, "Nothing in my hand I bring, only to Thy cross I cling!"

    How we need to consistently approach the throne of grace.  How we need the confidence that motivates consistent approach.  Our Lord's faithfulness provides such access and assurance.  We must therefore increasingly know His Person and work on our behalf, as revealed in the light of Scripture that illuminates the Blood-stained way to the Throne, the Throne of grace.

How can it be, o Lord, 
that You call me to this place, 
to gaze upon Your face?
Oh it must be, it is!  Thy Throne of grace!

I see the Blood-stained way
that nail-scarred Feet have traced,
I hear the Spirit call, O come unto this place.
Oh it must be, it is!  Thy Throne of grace!

All other paths my broken feet would stay,
I could not come by any other way, 
no other access could I find to this blessed and holy place,
Oh it must be, it is!  Thy Throne of grace!


"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
(I Timothy 2:5)

Weekly Memory Verse
    "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts" (Jeremiah 15:16).
  

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