Project Description

2017/05

The Throne of Grace

Whatever comes from this throne is all of grace, otherwise it is not suited to the nature of the throne. Grace is written on its every step, and from it the God of grace gives liberally.

God’s throne of grace, unlike earthly thrones, is established in perfect righteousness. It is built on the foundation of justice satisfied and judgment executed. The Psalmist declares: ‘justice and judgment are the habitation (establishment) of thy throne’ (Psalm 89:14). His justice demanded that the law be honoured and its penalty endured. Our glorious Surety, who fulfilled all righteousness, magnified the law and made it honourable. His priestly work is its very foundation, and since He has an unchangeable priesthood (Psalm 110:4), the foundation is totally secure. Such a foundation was necessary, so ‘that grace might reign through righteousness’ (Romans 5:31) – the very righteousness Christ wrought for us by His doing and dying. This is the ‘throne of God and of the Lamb’ (Revelation 22:1). The Lamb in the midst of the throne (Revelation 7:17) reminds us of His exalted position. So, knowing that all power in heaven and in earth is His, we may ‘come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need’ (Hebrews 4:16). He is there to hear and plead our cause. He is an ever-ready Advocate, never absent, continually appearing in the presence of God for us.

Coming to His throne is an inward matter. It is when the heart goes unto God in Christ for grace and mercy, that there is a real coming to the throne of grace. God would have His people come with confidence and expectation, for He is ‘a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat’ (Isaiah25:4). All the grace and mercy in the heart of the Saviour is ordained and secured for them by the blood that He shed. When He says, ‘Seek ye my face’, let your heart’s response be ‘Thy face, Lord, will I seek’ (Psalm 27:8).

We know that mercy and truth are before His face (Psalm 89:14). It is mercy connected with and conveyed in a word of truth since ‘Mercy and truth are met together’ (Psalm 85:10). When at the throne of grace, we claim mercy on the ground of the promise or covenant established in Christ.

The Spirit of Christ as ‘the Spirit of grace and supplication’ (Zechariah 12:10) guides; fills our mouths with arguments; and ‘helpeth our infirmities’ (Romans 8:26). Whatever comes from this throne is all of grace, otherwise it is not suited to the nature of the throne. Grace is written on its every step, and from it the God of grace gives liberally. His treasuries are inexhaustible and never impaired by such giving. However much grace has been given, there is as much as ever still to give. The voice of prayer has a sweet sound in God’s ear at this throne for He says, ‘Let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice, for sweet is thy voice and thy countenance is comely’ (Song of Solomon 2:14). The prayer of faith is the appointed means for receiving the promised mercy and grace.

Olive Maxwell.