Hebrews 4:16 KJV
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
I decided a long time ago that I was going to eliminate any Christian cliches that I was not able to support with scripture. Most of these little southern sayings are harmless such as, "chunk 'em and dunk 'em." (That's the only one I could come up with. Give me a break, it's early.)
Occasionally however, there are cliches that directly conflict with what the word of God teaches. One such is "inviting Jesus into our presence." The Bible teaches us over and over again in verses like this that God is always with us:
Matthew 28:20b NLT
"And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 18:20 KJV
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
It may seem harmless, but I wonder what impression an unbeliever or someone who, like me as a teenager, is new to studying the Bible gets from these "harmless" cliches.
To try to fit in as quickly as possible, I imitated all these Sunday School phrases as quickly as possible and used them whenever I had the chance. That is until I was completely embarrassed several years ago when my pastor mentioned one in a sermon that I had used boldly and quite publicly as I usually do everything I do that is even slightly embarrassing. (I promise I am much more level headed and sophisticated when I am alone.)
I heard this, "come boldly before the throne of God" said so eloquently in prayer yesterday and thought to myself, "oh, how I hope this one is in there somewhere." I was pleased to come across it this morning in my Bible study along with lots of personal needs that reminded me that my God is watching me and loves me even when I'm acting like me. I am studying Hebrews and this is my 3rd time through in 2 weeks. This is the first time i noticed this verse. I wonder so often how God has patience for me, but he does. Patience and endless love. So...
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 KJV
