Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)
Many people use the words mercy and grace interchangeably. However, these two words are different. God’s mercy is His forgiveness and kindness to us. However, when the Bible speaks of God’s grace especially in the New Testament, it’s referring to His ability to do what you cannot do.
To really live the Christian life we need both. We need God’s mercy because, without His complete forgiveness, we’d be unable to have any kind of true relationship with Him. However, without God’s grace (His ability working in us and through us) we are not really able to live like Jesus.
To receive this grace (the ability of God) we need to come to Him. Not just once, but whenever we need His empowerment. This often is when we are being tempted. This is the opposite action we’d normally take. Usually, when we are being tempted, we want to sneak off away from God and then come back later.
This verse is saying that we can come to God boldly at any time and we will receive His mercy and grace. Today, don’t be afraid of getting close to God even in times you are being tempted. Run to Him and receive His mercy and His grace.
