Fathers

Hebrews 4

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Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

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What the Fathers say

Hebrews 4:16

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Let us come then boldly with confidence unto the throne of His grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." What "throne of grace" is he speaking of? that royal throne concerning which it is said, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand." (Ps. cx. 1.) What is "let us come boldly"? Because "we have a sinless High Priest" contending with the world. For, saith He, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John xvi. 33.); for, this is to suffer all things, and yet to be pure from sins. …

Homily on Hebrews 7 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since, he says, we have a sinless High Priest Who conquered the world, Who said: "Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33), we ought to approach with boldness, that is, not with a burdensome conscience, without wavering, but with full faith in the High Priest. For even if we have sins, He is sinless. And His throne is a throne of grace, not of judgment; therefore we ought to approach with boldness, in the hope that He will grant us all that we desire. …

Commentary on Hebrews ↗

Oecumenius

"Let us therefore come with confidence." Let us approach, He says, to the throne of His Father, in which He sits. With confidence, or not hesitating in faith, or because He has overcome the world. Therefore, it is evident that He will also conquer those who now afflict us. Or because the throne is not now a throne of judgment, but of grace: therefore, approach even if you are a sinner. …

The Pseudo-Oecumenian Catena on Hebrews ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, Let us go therefore with confidence to the throne of grace, he urges us to have confidence in him. As if to say: Since He can have compassion, let us go with confidence: 'Behold, God is my savior; I will deal confidently and will not fear' (Is. 12:2). Let us go, I say, to the throne. The king's seat is called a throne. But Christ is king: 'The king will reign and he will be wise' (Jer. 23:5). But this throne has a twofold state: one, of justice in the future: 'You have sat on the throne, who judge justice' (Ps. …

Commentary on Hebrews ↗

Bonaventure

The Apostle Paul urges those wishing to obtain grace to approach the throne of grace, that is, the glorious Virgin. "Let us approach," he says, "with confidence to the throne of his grace."

Collationes de Septem Donis, Collation 1 ↗