8.4 The Good News from the Most Holy Place
Redemption in the Most Holy Place: Invitation to Forgiveness and Obedience

Read Hebrews 4:14–16 and 10:19–22. What assurance and divine invitation are contained in these verses for each of us?

Assurance:

1. Jesus as Our High Priest:

• Jesus, who has passed through the heavens, sits at the right hand of God and represents us as our High Priest. This gives us the assurance that we have a powerful and compassionate advocate in heaven.

2. Compassion for Our Weaknesses:

• Jesus can have compassion on our weaknesses since he was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. This understanding strengthens our confidence that he understands our struggles and challenges.

3. Boldness to the Throne of Grace:

• We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace. This means that we can approach God without fear or shame to receive mercy and grace to help us in times of need.

Divine Invitation:

1. Entry into the Sanctuary:

• Through the blood of Jesus, we have free access to the heavenly sanctuary. This new and living way was opened for us through his sacrifice. We are invited to utilize this access and enter into the presence of God.

2. Heart and Conscience Cleansed:

• We are to draw near with a true heart and full assurance of faith. Our hearts are cleansed by the blood of Jesus, and our evil conscience is sprinkled, enabling us to appear before God in purity.

3. Continuous Access to God’s Grace:

• The invitation to come boldly to the throne of grace is a constant invitation that we can avail ourselves of at any time. We are encouraged to seek God’s grace and mercy repeatedly.

Summary: What Paul says in the book of Hebrews is: “Hold fast” and “come with confidence.” Never give up and direct your faith to Jesus, our great High Priest. In Jesus, we have everything we need. Through faith, we can enter the heavenly sanctuary through the “new and living way” that Jesus has opened for us.

When we look into the courtyard, we see blood on the horns of the bronze altar. In the Holy Place, we see blood on the golden horns of the altar of incense. We see the sprinkled blood on the veil before the mercy seat.

The blood of Jesus prepares the way at every step. This gives us hope because we can only be reunited with God when Jesus forgives us and blots out our sins. God’s mercy is infinite, but so is his justice. Justice cannot accept Christ’s sacrifice as atonement for our transgressions unless Jesus guarantees to forgive us of our sins first and then blot them out.

Read Revelation 11:19. Why is this vision significant in the context of the Great Controversy? How does it demonstrate the inseparable connection between the Law and the Gospel?

Revelation 11:19: “And the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.”

Significance of the Vision in the Context of the Great Controversy

This vision is of great significance in the context of the Great Controversy, which describes the conflict between good and evil, between Christ and Satan. Here are some aspects that illustrate this significance:

1. Revelation of the Heavenly Sanctuary:

• The opening of the temple of God in heaven and the visibility of the ark of the covenant show that the heavenly sanctuary plays a central role in the divine plan of salvation. It emphasizes the reality and importance of the heavenly sanctuary, which is the place of divine presence and divine judgment.

2. God’s Law at the Center:

• The ark of the covenant contains the Ten Commandments, God’s unchanging law. Its visibility in the heavenly sanctuary underscores the immutability and eternity of God’s law. This emphasizes that no earthly power can change this law.

3. Justice and Mercy United:

• In the Most Holy Place, where the ark of the covenant is kept, God’s justice and mercy are united. Justice is represented by the observance of the law, while mercy is revealed through the atoning sacrifice of Christ.

4. The Great Controversy and the Law:

• The Great Controversy involves the question of loyalty to God’s law. Satan has tried to undermine and change God’s law. The visibility of the ark of the covenant in heaven shows that God’s law remains valid and is at the center of the divine plan.

Inseparable Connection Between the Law and the Gospel

The vision demonstrates the inseparable connection between the Law and the Gospel in several points:

1. The Law as the Basis of the Covenant:

• God’s law, kept in the ark of the covenant, is the basis of the new covenant, as described in Hebrews 8:10: “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” This shows that the law is anchored in the hearts of believers.

2. Forgiveness and Renewal through Christ:

• Through faith in Christ, who has perfectly fulfilled the law and died for our sins, we find forgiveness and the power for renewal. Christ writes the law in our hearts, enabling us to live obedient lives. This shows the harmonious relationship between the law and the Gospel: the law shows us our need for redemption, and the Gospel provides the solution through Christ.

3. Complete Redemption:

• In Hebrews 7:25, it says that Jesus “is able to save completely,” meaning he frees us both from the penalty of sin and from its power. This complete redemption includes forgiveness of past sins and the empowerment to live a new, obedient life. The Gospel fulfills the requirements of the law through the grace of Christ.

In conclusion, Revelation 11:19’s vision highlights the central role of God’s law in the great controversy and the close connection between the law and the Gospel. While God’s law remains immutable in the ark of the covenant, the Gospel through Christ provides the means to fulfill the law and redeem humanity. This is a strong message of hope and encouragement for all believers.

Why is Jesus’ intercession such incredibly good news? If we were to stand before the law as the standard of righteousness, what hope would we have without the Gospel?

Jesus’ intercession is incredibly good news for several important reasons:

1. Jesus as Our High Priest and Advocate

Hebrews 4:14-16 and 10:19-22 emphasize that Jesus is our High Priest who is familiar with our humanity and was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. He understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us before God. Through his intercession, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus hears and understands our prayers.

2. Forgiveness and Cleansing

Through his intercession, Jesus grants us forgiveness and cleansing from our sins. Without his mediation, we would be hopelessly lost before the holy and just law of God. But through his sacrifice and ongoing intercession, we can find forgiveness for our past sins and live in a renewed relationship with God.

3. Access to God

Jesus has opened the “new and living way” through which we have access to God. His blood has paved the way so that we can approach God directly and confidently. This access was reserved only for the high priest once a year in the Old Testament, but through Jesus, it is now available to every believer at any time.

4. Righteousness Through Faith

Without the Gospel, we would have no hope of fulfilling the righteous standard of the law, as all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The Gospel proclaims that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. His righteousness is imputed to us, allowing us to stand righteous before God.

5. Liberation from the Power of Sin

The Gospel offers us not only forgiveness but also the power to live a new life. Through the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sends, we are empowered to overcome sin and live in holiness.

Conclusion: Hope and Assurance through the Gospel

If we were to stand before the law as the standard of righteousness, we would have no hope without the Gospel, for we have all sinned and deserve God’s just judgment. But the Gospel proclaims that Jesus died for our sins and through His resurrection and intercession, He gives us new life. His intercession means that we do not need to be justified by our own works, but by His accomplished victory over sin. This gives us hope and confidence that despite our imperfections, we can stand in the presence of a holy God.

Key Bible Passages on Jesus’ Intercession and Hope in the Gospel

• Hebrews 4:14-16: “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

• Hebrews 10:19-22: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Through these Bible passages and the message contained therein, we understand that Jesus’ intercession is our only hope to stand before the law as the standard of righteousness. His intercession grants us forgiveness, access to God, righteousness through faith, and the power to walk in a new life. This is the good news of the Gospel!

The connection between Jesus’ intercession and the assurance described in the book of Hebrews with our everyday life and faith is profound and practical. Here are some key aspects of how these teachings can influence our daily lives:

1. Certainty and Trust in God’s Presence

Jesus as Our High Priest

• Meaning: Jesus, who has passed through the heavens and sits at the right hand of God, represents us as our High Priest. This gives us the assurance that we have a powerful and compassionate advocate in heaven.

• Daily Life: We can pray with confidence and assurance, knowing that Jesus hears and understands our prayers. This gives us courage and peace in difficult situations, knowing that we are not alone.

Compassion for Our Weaknesses

• Meaning: Jesus can have compassion for our weaknesses because He was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

• Daily Life: This understanding strengthens our trust that He understands our struggles and challenges. In moments of weakness and temptation, we can rely on His help and compassion.

2. Access to God’s Grace and Mercy

Boldness to Approach the Throne of Grace

• Meaning: We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and help in times of need.

• Daily Life: This invitation allows us to seek God’s help at any time and in any situation, whether through prayer, fellowship with other believers, or reading the Bible. It fosters a close and trusting relationship with God.

3. Cleansing and Renewal

Purification of Heart and Conscience

• Meaning: We are to approach with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. Our hearts are cleansed by the blood of Jesus, and our consciences are sprinkled clean.

• Daily Life: This awareness of cleansing and forgiveness motivates us to live a life of purity and holiness. It encourages us to let go of old habits and sins and to live in renewal through the Holy Spirit.

4. Obedience and a New Life in Christ

Continuous Access to God’s Grace

• Meaning: The invitation to come boldly to the throne of grace is a continual invitation that we can avail ourselves of at any time.

• Daily Life: We are encouraged to continually seek God’s grace and mercy. This means living daily in dependence on God’s strength and guidance, regularly examining ourselves, and repenting.

Connection with Revelation 11:19

Revelation of the Heavenly Sanctuary and God’s Law

• Meaning: The opening of the temple of God in heaven and the appearance of the ark of the covenant show that the heavenly sanctuary and God’s law are at the center of the divine plan of salvation.

• Daily Life: This vision reminds us that God’s law and the Gospel are inseparably linked. Our obedience to God’s commandments is not only a duty but also a response to His grace and love.

Conclusion

1. Hope through Jesus’ Intercession

• Righteousness by Faith: Without the Gospel, we would have no hope of fulfilling the righteous standard of the law. But the Gospel proclaims that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ.

• Practical Application: This hope motivates us to trust Jesus in all areas of life, to seek His way, and to follow Him. We recognize that through His grace and intercession, we are able to lead a fulfilled and sanctified life.

2. Strength and Support in Daily Life

• Freedom from the Power of Sin: The Gospel offers us not only forgiveness but also the power to live a new life.

• Practical Application: Through the Holy Spirit sent by Jesus, we are empowered to overcome sin and live in holiness. This affects our daily decisions, behavior, and relationships with others.

Overall, the message of Hebrews and Revelation is a call to fix our eyes on Jesus, our High Priest. His intercession, sacrifice, and compassion are the foundation of our trust and hope in daily life. Through His grace and guidance, we are able to live a life that honors God and reflects His love.

Through Jesus, we have free and bold access to the throne of grace, where we receive mercy and find grace to help in times of need.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-light-from-the-sanctuary-8-4-the-good-news-from-the-most-holy-place/

8.3 The Judgment Has Come
The Inevitable Judgment: Prepared through Christ

Compare Daniel 7:9–10 with Revelation 14:6–7. What similarity exists between these two passages?

Daniel 7:9-10 and Revelation 14:6-7 share some remarkable similarities, especially in their depiction of judgment scenes and the emphasis on God’s holiness and the importance of worship. Here are the two passages:

Daniel 7:9-10: “9 As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. 10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.”

Revelation 14:6-7: “6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.’”

Similarities:

1. Judgment Scene:

   • Both texts describe a scene of judgment. In Daniel 7, the court is opened, and the books are opened, indicating a judicial investigation. In Revelation 14, the angel proclaims that the hour of judgment has come.

2. Divine Authority:

   • Daniel 7 emphasizes the authority and holiness of the “Ancient of Days” (a portrayal of God), who sits on a fiery throne to judge. In Revelation 14, God is worshipped as the Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and the springs of water, emphasizing His authority by calling people to fear Him and give Him glory.

3. Worship and Reverence:

   • Both passages highlight the worship of God. In Daniel 7, thousands serve before God’s throne, indicating an attitude of worship and service. Revelation 14 calls people to worship God, especially in the context of His impending judgment.

4. Worldwide Context:

   • Both texts include a worldwide dimension. Daniel 7 describes a vast assembly before God, including “thousands upon thousands” and “ten thousand times ten thousand.” Revelation 14 speaks of the eternal gospel being proclaimed to all nations, tribes, languages, and peoples.

These parallels show that both passages offer an eschatological perspective on God’s judgment and the importance of worship and reverence before God. They emphasize God’s sovereign authority and His righteous rule over all creation, while urging believers to live in the knowledge of His holiness and power.

Read Revelation 22:10–12. What is the fate of all humanity when Jesus returns? What clear statement was made to John?

Revelation 22:10–12: “10 Then he told me, ‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.’ 12 ‘Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.’”

The fate of all humanity at Jesus’ return: These verses from Revelation emphasize that at Jesus’ return, the fate of all people will be finalized and irreversible. There are four essential statements in these verses that illustrate the fate of humanity at Jesus’ return:

1. The time is near:

   • The angel tells John not to seal the words of prophecy because the time is near. This means that the events described in Revelation are imminent, and people must be prepared.

2. State of humanity:

   • It is said that people will remain in the state they are in: Those who do wrong will continue to do wrong, those who are vile will continue to be vile, but also: those who do right will continue to do right, and those who are holy will continue to be holy. This means that at the time of Jesus’ return, people’s decisions about their moral and spiritual lives will be final.

3. Reward by Christ:

   • Jesus says that He is coming soon and that He brings His reward with Him to repay each person according to their deeds. This implies that there must be a preceding judgment to decide who receives what reward or punishment.

4. No second chance:

   • The clear statement is that at Jesus’ return, there will be no second chance for repentance or change of fate. Everyone has had enough time and information to make a final decision for or against Christ.

Clear statement to John: The statement to John is clear and unequivocal: The words of the prophecy should not be sealed because the fulfillment is near. It is emphasized that people will remain in their respective states, whether it be unrighteousness or righteousness, and Jesus will come to reward each person according to their deeds. These passages underscore the urgency and finality of the decisions people make in their lives, highlighting the importance of living a righteous life in anticipation of Jesus’ return.

Read Matthew 25:1–13. Why does Jesus behave so differently towards these two groups of believers?

In this parable, two groups of virgins (the wise and the foolish) are treated differently based on their preparation and expectation regarding the arrival of the bridegroom. This illustrates important spiritual lessons about vigilance, preparation, and the kingdom of God.

1. Preparation and Vigilance:

   • The wise virgins are prepared and vigilant. They not only bring their lamps but also extra oil to be prepared for a possible delay of the bridegroom. This symbolizes spiritual readiness and constant vigilance in faith.

   • The foolish virgins, on the other hand, are unprepared. They bring their lamps but no extra oil. Their lamps run out, and they are unable to meet the bridegroom when he finally arrives. This symbolizes a superficial or inadequate preparation in faith.

2. The Significance of Oil:

   • Oil symbolically represents the Holy Spirit, spiritual sustenance, and the inner readiness a Christian needs to remain steadfast and prepared for the return of Christ. The wise virgins have made an effort to maintain their relationship with God and uphold the necessary spiritual sustenance.

   • The foolish virgins, however, have neglected this preparation. They attempt to get oil at the last minute, revealing their inability to recognize the importance of continuous spiritual preparation.

3. The Closed Door:

   • The closed door symbolizes the end of the grace period. Once the bridegroom (Jesus) arrives, there is no further opportunity for repentance or preparation. Those who are ready enter, while the others remain outside. This final separation emphasizes the urgency of being prepared in faith now, rather than waiting until the last minute.

4. Recognition and Relationship:

   • Jesus’ statement “I don’t know you!” to the foolish virgins underscores that a superficial or unprepared attitude in faith is insufficient. It’s about having a genuine, deep relationship with Christ. The wise virgins are recognized and accepted because they have nurtured this relationship.

Summary: The parable teaches that genuine believers are characterized by continuous vigilance and preparation. They nurture their relationship with God and live in constant anticipation of His return. This requires spiritual discipline and a conscious decision to grow in faith and prepare for Jesus’ arrival. The differential treatment of the two groups of virgins demonstrates that only those who are truly prepared will participate in the wedding (the kingdom of God).

The Inevitable Judgment and Preparation by Christ are central themes with profound implications for our daily lives and faith. The scriptures and the parable of the ten virgins teach us important lessons about vigilance, preparation, and our behavior as believers.

1. Vigilance and Spiritual Preparation:

   • Daniel 7:9-10 and Revelation 14:6-7: These passages remind us that God is the sovereign Judge and that a judgment is impending. Therefore, our daily lives should be characterized by an awareness of this divine reality. We are called to live in constant anticipation and preparation by nurturing our relationship with God and continuously feeding ourselves spiritually.

   • Matthew 25:1-13: The wise virgins, prepared and vigilant, serve as examples of living in constant readiness. This means not relying solely on outward religious practices but building and maintaining a deep, personal relationship with God.

2. Responsibility and Faithfulness:

   • The parable of the ten virgins illustrates that our daily faithfulness and responsible actions are crucial. We should not be negligent or unprepared but strive to live consistently aligned with God’s will and strengthen ourselves spiritually through prayer, study of the Bible, and fellowship with other believers.

3. Finality of Decisions:

   • Revelation 22:10-12: These verses emphasize the urgency and finality of our decisions in life. When Christ returns, our fate will be sealed based on the decisions we have made. This means we should view each day as an opportunity to align our lives with God’s will and choose a righteous and holy life.

4. Faith Assurance and Trust:

   • We need not fear the judgment because through Christ, we have forgiveness, freedom from guilt, and the power to live a life pleasing to God. This confidence in Christ’s atoning sacrifice and ongoing intercession gives us the assurance that we can stand in the judgment. This certainty should encourage and strengthen us in our daily lives to live in holiness and righteousness.

5. Witness and Evangelism:

   • Revelation 14:6-7: The angel proclaiming the eternal gospel reminds us that as believers, we have the responsibility to share the message of God’s judgment and His grace with the world. Therefore, our daily lives should also be characterized by amissionary zeal, preparing others for the imminent return of Christ.

In summary, the connection between the Inevitable Judgment and our everyday life and faith lies in constant readiness, vigilance, and faithfulness in our relationship with God. By nurturing our connection with God, living responsibly and faithfully, recognizing the finality of our decisions, finding assurance in Christ, and actively sharing the gospel, we can lead lives that align with God’s will and prepare ourselves and others for Christ’s return.

Our daily lives should be marked by vigilance and constant preparation for God’s impending judgment, sustained by the assurance that Christ enables us to stand in righteousness and faithfulness.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-light-from-the-sanctuary-8-3-the-judgment-has-come/

8.2 In the Holy of Holies
The Day of Atonement: Repentance, Cleansing, and Christ’s Representation

Read Leviticus 16:21, 29–34; 23:26–32 and Hebrews 9:23–28. Why was the Day of Atonement very important for ancient Israel?

The Day of Atonement, also known as Yom Kippur, was of utmost importance for ancient Israel as it symbolized the culmination of the year of repentance and forgiveness. On this day, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary to intercede for the sins of the people and seek reconciliation with God. It was a day of fasting, repentance, and serious reflection on one’s personal relationship with God.

The ceremonies of the Day of Atonement, including the sacrifice of the scapegoat and the ritual cleansing of the sanctuary, underscored the pursuit of purity and reconciliation with God. The removal of the scapegoat Azazel into the wilderness symbolized the liberation of the people from their sins and their separation from sin itself.

Similarly, Jesus Christ, our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, fulfills the role of mediator for our sins. His substitutionary sacrifice on the cross and His ongoing intercession before God enable us to receive forgiveness and cleansing from our sins. By accepting His righteousness, we can be justified before God and lead a life of sanctification.

The Day of Atonement reminds us that through Christ, we have the opportunity to be liberated from our sins and live in communion with God. It is an encouragement to live our lives in accordance with God’s will and continually strive for holiness.

The significance of the Day of Atonement in everyday life and faith is multifaceted and profound. Firstly, it reminds us of the necessity of repentance and cleansing from sin in our lives. We all make mistakes and fall short of God’s standard, but the Day of Atonement encourages us to seriously reflect on our sins, confess them before God, and seek forgiveness. This practice of repentance and cleansing helps strengthen our relationship with God and leads us on a path of holiness.

Furthermore, the Day of Atonement highlights the significant role that Jesus Christ plays as our High Priest and Mediator. His substitutionary sacrifice on the cross enables us to receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God. By accepting His righteousness, we are justified before God and have access to a vibrant relationship with Him. This realization should permeate our daily lives as we consciously strive to follow Christ and live out His example of love, forgiveness, and purity.

Moreover, the Day of Atonement reminds us of our responsibility to continually strive for holiness. The separation of the scapegoat Azazel from Israel symbolizes our need to separate ourselves from sin and lead a life of purity and devotion. By aligning ourselves in this manner, we can live in deep and fulfilling communion with God and put our faith into action.

Overall, the Day of Atonement should influence our daily lives and faith by encouraging us to repent, cleanse ourselves from sin, and deepen our relationship with God through Christ. It reminds us that through Christ, we have the opportunity to be liberated from our sins and lead a life of holiness that honors God and serves our fellow human beings.

The Day of Atonement reminds us that Christ enables our reconciliation with God and encourages us toward sanctification.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-light-from-the-sanctuary-8-2-in-the-holy-of-holies/

Lesson 8.Light from the Sanctuary
Light and Redemption from the Sanctuary: Jesus’ Intercession and Perfection

In Lesson 8, we delve deeper into the understanding of the sanctuary, a central theme in biblical theology. The sanctuary served as a place of God’s presence and as the center for divine service and worship. It reveals important aspects of the divine character and His plan of redemption for humanity.

In this lesson, we will particularly focus on the significance of Jesus’ ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. We will examine how His sacrifice on the cross and His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary are connected and why this is crucial for our faith. Furthermore, we will consider the role of judgment in the plan of redemption and how our daily lives and faith are connected to this sublime concept.

Let us delve into the rich teaching of the sanctuary and discover how it helps us experience and reflect God’s love, mercy, and justice in our lives.

8.1 The Heavenly Sanctuary
Assurance of Redemption through Christ

Read Exodus 25:8–9, 40 and Hebrews 8:1–6. What two sanctuaries are described in these verses?

The distinction between the earthly and heavenly sanctuaries is crucial as it forms the foundation of Christian faith and Adventist doctrine concerning end-time events. The Holy Scriptures describe the earthly sanctuary, built by Moses according to God’s instructions, as a pattern or foreshadowing of the heavenly sanctuary. This earthly sanctuary and its ceremonies prophetically pointed to redemption through Jesus Christ, who offered the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

The fulfillment of the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 in 1844 marks a crucial turning point in prophetic chronology and points to the heavenly sanctuary as the place of end-time cleansing and heavenly judgment. Jesus Christ is portrayed as our High Priest who ministers in the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf, securing our redemption and protection from the power of sin.

The assurance of redemption through Christ and liberation from the bondage of sin are cornerstones of the Christian faith. Through His sacrifice on the cross and His ongoing intercession in the heavenly sanctuary, Jesus offers us the opportunity to be free from guilt and condemnation and to live in communion with God. These truths encourage us to hold fast to faith and embrace the hope of the perfect work of redemption realized in Christ.

What does it mean for you to know that Jesus ministers for you in heaven, that is, that He intercedes for you there? Why do you need a mediator? Why is this truth good news?

The certainty that Jesus ministers for us in heaven is a source of hope and comfort. It means that we are not alone, that we have a mighty advocate who intercedes for us and represents our concerns before God. This is particularly significant because as humans, we often fail, make mistakes, and succumb to temptation. In such moments, we need someone to advocate for us, someone who knows our weaknesses and stands up for our salvation.

The need for a mediator stems from our imperfection and sinfulness. As sinners, we cannot stand directly before a holy God. Our sins separate us from Him. A mediator, like Jesus Christ, who was without sin, stands in our place to bridge this gap. Through His substitutionary sacrifice on the cross, He bore the penalty for our sins and enables us to be justified before God.

This truth is good news because it gives us hope. It means that our past does not determine our destiny. Through Jesus, we have the opportunity to be reconciled with God and lead a new life. We can confess our sins, repent, and through faith in Christ, receive forgiveness and healing. It is an encouragement to know that our relationship with God is not based on our own merits but on His grace and love expressed through Jesus Christ.

The truth about Jesus’ ministry in the heavenly sanctuary and His role as our mediator has direct implications for our daily lives and our faith.

Firstly, it gives us hope and comfort in difficult times. When faced with challenges, temptations, or feelings of guilt, we can remember that Jesus intercedes for us and represents our concerns before God. We do not have to struggle alone or feel alone but can rely on Jesus being with us and supporting us through His intercession.

Secondly, this truth reminds us that we can confess our sins and ask for forgiveness. Since Jesus intercedes for us, we have the opportunity to approach God with a clean heart and receive His forgiveness. We do not have to be burdened by guilt and condemnation but can experience the freedom and healing offered through forgiveness in Christ.

Thirdly, this truth strengthens our faith and our assurance of redemption. By understanding that Jesus ministers for us in the heavenly sanctuary, we recognize the depth of His love and dedication to us. This strengthens our faith in His ability to save us and keep us in His grace, giving us the assurance that we are loved and accepted, regardless of our circumstances or mistakes.

Overall, the knowledge of Jesus’ ministry in the heavenly sanctuary encourages us to strengthen our faith, confess our sins, and rely on His infinite grace and love as we journey through life.

The certainty that Jesus ministers for us in heaven gives us hope in our weaknesses and comfort in our trials.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-light-from-the-sanctuary-8-1-the-heavenly-sanctuary/

Series THE GREAT CONTROVERSY with Pastor Mark Finley  |

Lesson 8.Light from the Sanctuary  |
Light and Redemption from the Sanctuary: Jesus’ Intercession and Perfection |

In Lesson 8, we delve deep into the significance of the heavenly sanctuary, a central theme of the Christian faith. We explore the role of Jesus as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, his intercession for us before God, and the significance of his sacrifice on the cross for our redemption. This lesson illuminates the inseparable connection between God’s law and the Gospel, as well as Jesus’ invitation to follow him on the path of redemption and perfection. Let us immerse ourselves in the light emanating from the sanctuary, granting us hope, forgiveness, and strength.

Memory Text: hebrew 8:1.2 – “We have such a High Priest, who is seated at 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 erected, and not man.”

Content:
8.1 The Heavenly Sanctuary
Assurance of Redemption through Christ

The two sanctuaries described in the mentioned Bible passages are the earthly sanctuary built by Moses and the heavenly sanctuary. The earthly sanctuary served as a model or “type” for the heavenly sanctuary to which it pointed. With Christ’s sacrifice, the earthly sanctuary lost its significance, and the heavenly sanctuary of the new covenant came into focus.

The earthly sanctuary and the worship services therein were precursors to the divine plan of redemption, with each sacrifice pointing to Golgotha. Jesus Christ is depicted as the sacrificial lamb and eternal High Priest who lives for us and intercedes for us forever.

Through Christ, we are freed from the guilt and power of sin. His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary works for us by freeing our lives from sin and granting us assurance of redemption when we hold fast to faith in him.

8.2 In the Holy of Holies
The Day of Atonement: Repentance, Cleansing, and Christ’s Representation

The Day of Atonement was of crucial importance for ancient Israel, as it represented a time of repentance and cleansing where the people confessed their sins before God and humbled themselves. On this day, the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place with a blood sacrifice before God to cleanse the sanctuary and the people from sin. The scapegoat symbolized God’s assumption of sins as it was removed from the camp. These actions illustrated the cleansing of the people and the sanctuary from sin and guilt.

In the heavenly sanctuary, Christ serves as our representative, justifying us through his sacrifice and representing us before God. Our participation in his righteousness means turning away from sin and leading a life of holiness by humbling ourselves and growing in grace. Thus, we endure divine judgment through Jesus and have assurance of our redemption.

8.3 The Judgment Has Come
The Inevitable Judgment: Prepared through Christ

The Bible clearly speaks of the impending judgment, mentioned in Daniel 7:9–10 and Revelation 14:6–7, among other passages. It is an inevitable event where God reveals all the works of humanity and demands accountability. Jesus emphasized the importance and inevitability of this judgment. When Christ returns, the final destiny of each person is determined, and there is no second chance. The different treatment of believers in Matthew 25:1–13 underscores the importance of personal faith and readiness to follow Christ. Ultimately, we need not fear judgment, for through Christ, we have forgiveness, freedom from guilt, and ultimate victory.

8.4 The Good News from the Most Holy Place
Redemption in the Most Holy Place: Invitation to Forgiveness and Obedience

The verses in Hebrews 4:14–16 and 10:19–22 convey powerful assurance and divine invitation. We are encouraged to come boldly to our great High Priest Jesus, who has saved us and now meets us with compassion and grace. The blood of Jesus paves the way for our reconciliation with God, and his mercy surpasses his justice. The vision in Revelation 11:19 emphasizes the importance of the heavenly sanctuary in the Great Controversy and demonstrates the inseparable connection between God’s law and the Gospel. In the sanctuary, we find forgiveness for our sins and the power to lead an obedient life, as Jesus writes the law in our hearts and saves us completely.

8.5 Jesus, Our Advocate in the Judgment
The Immeasurable Grace: Jesus’ Intercession and Perfection

Hebrews 10:9–14 highlights the crucial difference between the priest’s service in the earthly sanctuary and Jesus’ service in the heavenly sanctuary. While the sacrifices of earthly priests were temporary and could not completely remove sin, Christ, with his unique sacrifice on the cross, brought eternal redemption and then entered as our advocate in the heavenly sanctuary. His invitation to follow him is a call to participate in his perfect sacrifice and mediation for us before God. Through Jesus, we can understand the true meaning of redemption and receive the power of his intercession in the heavenly sanctuary to withstand the Great Controversy against evil.

8.6 Summary
The Sanctuary: Center of Redemption and Intercession

In Lesson 8, “Light from the Sanctuary,” important aspects of the heavenly sanctuary and its significance for Christian redemption are illuminated. Through passages like Hebrews 4:14–16 and 10:9–14, it is shown that Christ serves as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary and offers us redemption and intercession before God. His unique sacrifice on the cross allowed for the removal of sin and opened the way to forgiveness and perfection. The inseparable connection between God’s law and the Gospel is also emphasized, and Jesus invites us to follow him in the midst of the Great Controversy, accepting his path of redemption and intercession.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-lesson-8-light-from-the-sanctuary-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/