Greek Key Terms:
Context: Hebrews 4:14-16 concludes the section on Jesus as our great high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses. Because we have such a high priest—who has passed through the heavens, yet was tempted as we are—we are exhorted to "hold fast our confession" (v. 14) and to "draw near to the throne of grace with confidence" (v. 16). This invitation contrasts dramatically with the old covenant, where approaching God's throne (the mercy seat behind the veil) meant death for all except the high priest once yearly.
Connections:
Christological Connection: Hebrews 4:16 unveils the revolutionary access Christ's high priestly work provides. Under the old covenant, the throne of grace (the mercy seat behind the veil) was death-threatening—Leviticus 16:2 warned Aaron not to approach "so that he may not die." Even the high priest entered once yearly with fear, blood, and protective incense. But because Jesus is our "great high priest who has passed through the heavens" (v. 14), believers are invited to "draw near to the throne of grace with confidence"—the very opposite of old covenant terror. What Aaron did annually with trembling, we do continually with boldness. Christ's perfect sacrifice has satisfied divine justice completely, transforming the throne from terror to confidence. The mercy we receive addresses past sin; the grace we find provides "timely help" for present need. This access is not abstract theology but pastoral reality: when we face temptation (v. 15: "tempted as we are"), weakness, or struggle, we approach the throne—not as distant suppliants but with parrēsia (confidence, freedom of speech)—because Christ our high priest "sympathizes with our weaknesses" (v. 15). The veil that barred access is torn (Matthew 27:51); the way through Christ's flesh is opened (Hebrews 10:20); the throne that threatened death now dispenses mercy and grace to all who draw near through Christ. The old covenant said, "Stay away or die"; the new covenant says through Christ, "Come boldly and receive."
Connection Method(s): Contrast; Redemptive-Historical Progression — The invitation to "draw near to the throne of grace with confidence" contrasts with Leviticus 16:2's death-threat, marking the redemptive-historical shift from old covenant terror to new covenant boldness through Christ's high priesthood.
Trajectory Table: 167 - Veil (Access Through Christ's Flesh)