Jesus Ministering in the Heavenly Sanctuary
Jesus is ministering in the heavenly sanctuary for the saints. The Bible says, “We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man” (Hebrews 8:1,2).
Christ is our intercessor and advocate with the Father in the heavenly sanctuary. “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrew 7:25). This truth is clearly stated in Scripture (Hebrews 4:14–16; 7:25; 9:11,12, 24; 1 John 2:1).
This must not be taken to mean that God the Father needs to be persuaded to do good things for His people, for it was He who so loved the world that He gave His only Son (John 3:16). The nature of this divine intercession may, perhaps, be illustrated by Christ’s intercessory prayer for His disciples (John 17:11, 12, 24).
The Bible says that it is not a dead but a living Christ upon whom we depend. It is not only a living Christ but a Christ enthroned in power. It is not only a Christ in power but a Christ of saving love, who ever lives to make intercession in the heavenly sanctuary for His struggling people (Hebrews 7:25). The Lord gives the assurance that nothing can separate the Christian from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35).
The Scriptures picture all of heaven continually at work to save the God’s children. It teaches of the work of the Father in calling, justifying, and glorifying. It describes the leading and intercession of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The angels are represented as ministering spirits, who are “sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). The Godhead could do nothing more. If a man is eternally lost, it can only be the result of his own decision to resist and reject the Lord’s loving call and power to save.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
