What we have received is not a “Mercy Seat” but “the Throne of Grace.”
Just for your thoughts:
What we have received is not a “Mercy Seat” but “the Throne of Grace.”
It is the “Throne of Grace,” not the “Mercy Seat.”
Hebrews 4:16 has been translated in the Power Version as, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the Mercy Seat.”
However, the Catholic Tamil translation correctly renders it as: “Let us approach the Throne of Grace with confidence.”
Similarly, the Sri Lankan Tamil translation states: “the Throne of Grace.”
This is the accurate translation.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – KJV
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” – NLT
In the Old Testament, the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle included the Mercy Seat. Once a year, the high priest (Aaron) would enter the Most Holy Place, offering a bull for his own sins and those of his household. He would sprinkle its blood seven times before the Mercy Seat. Then, he would slaughter the goat for the people’s sin offering and sprinkle its blood the same way (Leviticus 16:1–17).
The term “Mercy Seat” used here (cf. Exodus 25:22) is reflected in the Old Testament and is also seen in older translations of Hebrews.
However, in Hebrews 4:16, the correct term in the New Covenant context is “Throne of Grace.”
In the New Covenant, Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, has offered Himself once for all as the atoning sacrifice and has entered the heavenly sanctuary, where He is now seated at the Throne of Grace in the presence of God.
This throne is full of mercy and grace. Jesus Christ sits upon it.
We no longer need to stand outside the Tabernacle with fear as the people of the Old Covenant did.
This throne is not just one of judgment but one of compassion and kindness. Therefore, we can approach it boldly.
The Mercy Seat in the Old Covenant was where only the High Priest could enter once a year — it was where God met His people.
But now, under the New Covenant, we do not approach a “Mercy Seat” but the “Throne of Grace.”
Anyone may approach this throne:
The fearful
The sinful
The weak
Even if we are not victorious like Caleb or Joshua, even if we are like Peter who denied,
Even if we are poor, sick, or uneducated — it does not matter.
Because we have a High Priest—Jesus Christ — who was tested in all things just like us, yet without sin.
He understands our feelings. He knows our weaknesses and failures.
That is why we are not left outside the temple like the Jews of old.
We now have the privilege to boldly enter His presence.
Everyone has direct, equal access and can receive mercy and grace at any time.
This is the glory of the New Covenant priesthood:
We have equal, unlimited, and free access to the Throne of Grace.
Equal status means whether someone is a new believer or a mature Christian with decades of experience — both have the same standing before God.
Direct access means: no need for a mediator; we can approach the Father directly through the Son.
At all times means, unlike the Old Covenant high priest who could enter only once a year, we can approach God’s presence 24/7 through Jesus Christ.
This is the confidence we have — full assurance to enter into the presence of God.
What more does a believer need than this?
We can receive anything from God, according to His will, directly in His presence.
This is the glory of the New Covenant priesthood.
Ezekiel Shanmugavel