Why?

“For we do not have a High Priest, who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help at the right time.” Heb. 4:15-16.

We know that God knows all things; therefore He can show us mercy from on high. Nevertheless, it is clear that this is not what is being spoken about here. Here “mercy” is used in a completely different sense namely, in the sense that is vital for us: that the Son of God Himself partook of our flesh and was thus tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin.

Why can we, as wretched and weak as we are, dare to pray for something so great as overcoming sin, just as Jesus overcame? How can we entertain the thought that something so great as this is possible? Is it not absurd? It most certainly would be if in the days of His flesh Christ had not had the same flesh as we do and was thus not tempted as we are.

However, according to the epistle to the Hebrews, it is for this very reason that we can come boldly to the throne of grace and ask for something so great; it is because we have a High Priest who on earth was clothed in flesh and blood just like we are, and who therefore was tempted in all things as we are, but who nevertheless did not commit sin.

To receive grace to help at the right time is first and foremost to receive grace and power beforehand, so that we do not fall in temptation when it comes. Grace after we have fallen—to be forgiven for our fall—is a grace we need when we have neglected to get the first and greatest grace: grace to overcome.

“Therefore” in Hebrews 4:16 is a key word. It gives full meaning to believing in full victory. Praised be God! Otherwise it would have had no meaning at all! But now we can with good reason come to the throne of grace and request the same power to overcome the same difficulties. Glory to God!

This key word opens the door to all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in Christ. Col. 2:3. This key word opens the door to a victorious and triumphant life in Christ Jesus!