Hebrews 4:16 is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible. The exact wording may vary depending on the translation, but a common version is from the New International Version (NIV):
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
To better understand Hebrews 4:16, it can be helpful to consider the broader context of the verse within the book of Hebrews and the overall message of the Bible. Here are some key points to consider and explore including relevant Bible verses:
Context of the Book of Hebrews
The Book of Hebrews was written for Jewish Christians who were facing challenges and persecution. The author aims to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and discourage them from returning to the rituals and practices of the Old Testament law. The central theme is the superiority of Christ and the new covenant over the old covenant.
Relevant Bible Verses:
- Hebrews 1:1-2 (NIV): God’s Final Word: His Son“In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”
- Hebrews 2:17 (NIV): Merciful and Faithful High Priest
“For this reason, he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” - Hebrews 4:14-15 (NIV):Jesus the Great High Priest
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” - Hebrews 8:6 (NIV): Jesus is Mediator
“But in fact, the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.” - Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV): A Call to Persevere in Faith
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have the confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
These verses highlight the overarching theme of the superiority of Christ, emphasizing his role as the high priest who understands the challenges faced by believers. The encouragement is to hold fast to faith in Jesus, who has ushered in a new covenant with better promises. Understanding these verses helps provide a foundation for interpreting Hebrews 4:16 and the confidence believers have in approaching God’s throne of grace.
The High Priestly Role of Jesus
In the book of Hebrews, Jesus is presented as the ultimate high priest, bridging the gap between God and humanity. His role is unique and superior to the high priests of the Old Testament, offering a new and better covenant.
Relevant Bible Verses:
- Hebrews 2:17 (NIV): Merciful and Faithful High Priest
“For this reason, he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.”
- Hebrews 4:14-15 (NIV): Jesus the Son of God is Our High Priest
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
- Hebrews 5:5-10 (NIV): God Made Jesus a Priest Forever For All Who Obey Him
“In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’ And he says in another place, ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’ During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.”
- Hebrews 7:24-27 (NIV): Jesus Always Lives to Intercede for Us
“But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.”
- Hebrews 9:11-14 (NIV): The Blood of Christ
“But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”
These verses highlight the uniqueness of Jesus as the high priest who empathizes with human weaknesses, intercedes for believers, and offered himself as a perfect sacrifice for the redemption of sins. Understanding these passages contributes to grasping the significance of Jesus’ role as the high priest when interpreting Hebrews 4:16.
Approaching God’s Throne of Grace
The concept of approaching God’s throne of grace with confidence is a central theme in the book of Hebrews. Believers are encouraged to draw near to God with assurance because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
Relevant Bible Verses:
- Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV): Jesus is our Great High Priest
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
- Hebrews 7:19 (NIV): A Better Hope
“For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”
- Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV): Let us Draw Near to God with a Sincere Heart
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
- Ephesians 3:12 (NIV): In Him and Through Faith in Him
“In him and through faith in him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
- 1 John 5:14-15 (NIV): We Can Ask Anything According to His Will
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”
These verses emphasize the privilege believers have in approaching God’s throne with confidence. The confidence is rooted in the work of Jesus as the high priest who understands human weaknesses and has provided access to God. This assurance encourages believers to draw near to God in prayer, seeking mercy and grace in their times of need. Understanding these verses provides a solid foundation for interpreting Hebrews 4:16 and the invitation to approach God with confidence and expectation.
Receiving Mercy and Finding Grace
