Hebrews 4:14-16
Before Christ, God was unapproachable. God’s presence resided in the Holy of Holies in the temple. Once a year the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies and make a sacrifice before the Lord. The high priest did not enter the Holy of Holies with extreme confidence. There was always some fear. If his heart was impure, God might strike him dead. He had a rope tied around his waist, and tinkling bells upon the hem of his garments. If the bells stopped ringing, the other priests would know he was dead, and would pull his body out. It is easy to see why approaching God was a fearsome thing.

Christ came and changed everything. As the new high priest, he ascended into the heavens into the very presence of God. Christ is not a high priest that only sees God once a year. Christ does not need tinkling bells and a rope tied tight around his waist. Jesus sits at the right hand of his father. Because of our faith in Jesus, we have received permission to approach God with confidence. When we pray we do not need to pray through an intercessor. We can pray directly to God and know he hears our prayers. We know that God sits upon a throne of mercy and grace. He shows us mercy in that he does not give us the punishment we justly deserve. He shows us grace in that he gives us many blessings that we have not earned.

Faith in Christ caused us to accept his gift of salvation. That faith needs to be a living and growing thing in our lives. Salvation is but the start of our walk with Jesus; it is not the end. As our faith grows, we approach God with growing confidence. Christians do not live without troubles and needs. God’s mercy and grace will help us in our time of need. Trust in the lord, and our needs will never outgrow his grace.