The BASIC of Life

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence….” Hebrews 4:16


Back before computers were beyond consumer understanding, there was BASIC, a programming language which allowed the one who bought the machine, not just the one who built it, to tell the computer what to do. The commands were few and, well, basic. IF…THEN, REPEAT…UNTIL, and GOTO (as in “go to”) were the fundamental functions entered by the user.


Though we are not creatures who can be programmed, understanding the basics of our relationship with God will help us run at our full potential. Hebrew states it this way: “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God…Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…”(Heb. 4:14&16). Because of the cross, God uses “SINCE…THEN” not “IF…THEN” for the fact of Christ’s sacrifice is a constant not a variable. “SINCE we have Jesus, let us THEN go to God.”


Since we have Jesus, and only since we have Jesus, we can come into God’s presence courageously. We can “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” We come with boldness because all of our badness has been covered by Christ’s goodness(1 Cor. 1:30). We come near without fear for we are no longer liable for breaking God’s law(Rom. 8:2). We are free to come close anytime for anything (REPEAT…UNTIL). We’re not required to anxiously await an invitation. And because of Jesus, we do not dread disapproval or rejection but are assured of acceptance.


Though none of this is new, sometimes the simplest and most obvious is the easiest to overlook and under appreciate (e.g., gravity). Today as you pray, thank the One who went before you and made the way for you to come. Let the “SINCE” of the cross lead you to the “THEN” of the throne, and may it be a place you GOTO constantly and confidently.


God’s program is BASIC. And best.