Graciousness, Mercy, and Grace—They’re Not the Same

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)

Good teachers give good definitions. I’m a teacher of the Bible more than I am a preacher. I can preach, but that’s not what God called me to do. As a teacher, one of the most important things to do is to clearly define terms from the Word of God because if you get the definition for something wrong, you won’t catch the revelation.

Consider, for example, graciousness, mercy, and grace.

Graciousness is God's kindness and wisdom, truly illustrating His attitude toward people. You never have to wonder if God will be in a good mood, because He always is. That’s His graciousness.

Mercy, on the other hand, is compassion toward the guilty. It’s not giving you what you deserve. Mercy says, “Yes, you messed up, but instead of the punishment you should have gotten, I’ve already forgiven you.”

Then there’s grace. Grace and mercy are often confused with each other. God’s grace is not merely favor; it’s a divine empowerment to fulfill whatever God has called you to do, especially if you feel weak about it.

In the New Testament, the word “grace” signifies that we have supernatural assistance in any task placed in our hands. Understanding the differences in these terms is vital, as it alters how you read and define God’s Word.

Practical Application

Meditate on these three words: graciousness, mercy, and grace, and study the Word of God to find verses where they are used. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you study the Word.

Romans 5:2; Exodus 34:6

Bold Access Through Trust

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)

Submission to God is not weakness; instead, it is an expression of trust and humility. Submission always brings protection. When we yield our will to God, we gain access to His mercy and grace. There is power in submitting our plans to God’s will, even when we do not understand what He is doing. Trusting in God’s better plan is a test of faith.

How is humility related to approaching God’s throne boldly?

We do not approach God’s throne based on our own righteousness, spirituality, or strength. Our boldness is not arrogance; it is the confidence that we are children of God and are welcomed into His presence.

When we enter His presence with confidence and expectation, we receive grace and mercy. Mercy is the forgiveness we obtain for our wrongs, while grace provides the strength and assistance we need in our most challenging times.

In this verse, the Greek word for help is boetheia, which means to bring back to shore or rescue. 

When we approach God's throne with confidence, He doesn’t only offer us words or advice—He provides us with His practical, life-changing power to help us in our struggles.

When God instructed me to leave my job, take my wife and our new baby boy, and go to Bible school thousands of miles away, I had to choose to trust and submit. It didn’t make sense to my mind, but it resonated with my spirit. His plans are better than our own. True peace comes from knowing we are trusting in the right source.

Practical Application

In moments of uncertainty, trust God, even when it doesn’t make sense. Lean on Him when you do; there is grace and mercy to help in the midst of difficult decisions.

Ephesians 3:12; Exodus 25:17

The Battle for Your Affection

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)

John didn’t sugarcoat the struggle that we face in this world as believers. Here, he breaks down the core temptations that pull us away from God into three simple categories:

1. The lust of the flesh – refers to the craving for pleasure and the desire to satisfy our physical and emotional appetites that contradict God’s Word and His law.

2. The lust of the eyes – this is covetousness. It signifies the desire to possess what others have: their belongings, their status, and their successes.

3. The pride of life – this manifests as boasting about our possessions, accomplishments, or how we are perceived by others. It reflects an obsession with our own importance.

The pattern of using these three temptations is nothing new. Satan employed them at the very beginning of time. He made sure Eve saw that the forbidden fruit was “good for food” (the lust of the flesh), “pleasant to the eyes” (lust of the eyes), and “desired to make one wise” (pride of life). Do you know why the enemy hasn’t changed his tactics? Because they still work!  John was trying to remind the church that these desires do not originate from God; they emerge from the world and from Satan, who is the god of this world’s system.

So, how can we combat these three traps?  Instead of indulging our fleshly desires, we trust and rely on God by walking in the Spirit.We don’t follow Eve’s example by fixating on what we’re not meant to have. Instead, we set our eyes on Jesus, and He will align our desires with His will.

When pride shows up in our hearts and emotions, we decide not to measure our worth by our status, achievements, or the approval of others. We measure our worth based on what God says about us.

Practical Application

Ask yourself, “What desires have been pulling me away from God?” Make it a point to replace your worldly cravings with godly pursuits. Spend more time in the Word and worship, and find ways to serve others in your free time.

Romans 13:14; Genesis 3:6