Hebrews 4:16
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
It is a great verse to quote and put our faith upon. However, this verse ends the last four chapters in which the writer warns the reader to be careful that they fail to enter into a "rest" from there works that God has provided through the work of His Son. Christ came to finish the work and purify us. Through faith, then, we are to cease from our works (like God did after He created the world and rested on the seventh day) and take rest in that finished work. When the writer begins this verse, above, with the word "therefore" we have to realize this is a summary statement as to what he has just outlined for us. We can draw near in confidence to the throne of grace and find mercy because the Son has provided it. Our faith in that fact and historical and theological event is essential for us to cease from our own works. We are not to "fall back" into the trap of practicing faithless worship and believe our works will bring us closer to God. Remember, this book was written to the Hebrews. They were tempted to think that the worship system they left in Judaism was necessary to approach God. They missed the fact that this system, that God gave them, was to show them the "picture" of coming to God, not the "method." Christ is the ultimate method and He provides the way. Cease from your work and allow the Son to finish His work in you by having faith in His work.
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