“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.”
I used to be in a program through the church called “Awanas.” Every Sunday evening I would show up at the church, memorize, and recite scriptures to get jewels in a crown on my vest. Over time, I worked through the workbook and continued to rank up kind of like a spiritual boy scouts. It was satisfying over time having multiple crowns with multi-colored jewels in it like Thanos. I knew the scriptures well but the significance of them didn’t hit me until I was older.
The verse above is one I go back to regularly to appreciate the significance of it. Right before this verse, the writer of Hebrews goes in depth to let us know that we have a high priest who is able to empathize with our weaknesses because Jesus himself was tempted in every way but he did not sin. Jesus not only defeated the penalty of sin when he was crucified, but the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom that symbolized the division between man and God. Therefore, we now we have gained full access to a relationship with God through the sacrifice, and resurrection of the spotless lamb, Jesus.
The reality is that we have to perform and work to get what we want in life. For example, at work, if we do what our boss tells us, we will get money. At school, if we get good grades and score well on the test we will make it to the next grade. Or in my case with Awanas, if I just memorize enough scriptures I will get to rank up my Thanos vest. While this is certainly true and I am not downplaying the significance of hard work in life, the kingdom of heaven operates differently.
The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” No amount of sin, past mistakes, or lack of performance will separate you from the love of God. The price has already been paid. You don’t have to work to earn it. You don’t have to memorize a certain amount of scriptures to get right with God. Jesus has won. So today, approach God’s throne of grace with confidence and remember that you don’t have to have everything together and be perfect to talk to God. He welcomes you just as you are with open arms.
“Mercy is not getting what getting what you deserve; grace is getting what you do not deserve.” -Tony Evans
Let It Go 
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