Further Thought:

“Christ’s ascension to heaven was the signal that His followers were to receive the promised blessing. For this they were to wait before they entered upon their work. When Christ passed within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst the adoration of the angels.

Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com

As soon as this ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in rich currents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even with the glory which He had with the Father from all eternity. The Pentecostal outpouring was Heaven’s communication that the Redeemer’s inauguration was accomplished. According to His promise He had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to His followers as a token that He had, as priest and king, received all authority in heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed One over His people. …

They could speak the name of Jesus with assurance; for was He not their Friend and Elder Brother? Brought into close communion with Christ, they sat with Him in heavenly places. With what burning language they clothed their ideas as they bore witness for Him!” — Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, Pages 38, 46.

Discussion Questions:

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Read Hebrews 12:22-24. In what sense have we arrived at heavenly Jerusalem into the presence of God?

It is argued that believers “have come” to Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, through faith. In this sense, their experience anticipates the future. Thus, the heavenly Jerusalem belongs to the realm of the things “hoped for” and “not seen” but nevertheless assured to us through faith (Hebrews 11:1).

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While true, this is not the whole meaning of this passage. We have also arrived at Mount Zion, in the very presence of God, through our representative Jesus (Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 3:1). Jesus’ ascension is not a matter of faith, but of fact. It is this historical dimension of Jesus’ ascension that provides compelling force to the exhortation of Hebrews to hold fast to our confession (Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:23). Paul says: “Since … we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, … let us … with confidence draw near” (Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 4:16, ESV).

Thus, we have already arrived through our representative and, therefore, should act accordingly. Through Him, we “have tasted the heavenly gift … and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come” (Hebrews 6:4-5, ESV). The reality of Jesus’ ascension and ministry in the heavenly sanctuary is “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19, ESV), the guarantee that the promises have substance and are worthy of confidence (Hebrews 7:22). For us, faith has a historical anchor.

God’s purpose will be fulfilled not only in Jesus, however, but also in us. We have said that Jesus’ ascension fulfilled the typology of the first two yearly pilgrimages of Israel, Passover and Pentecost. According to Hebrews and the book of Revelation, the last pilgrimage, the Feast of Booths, is yet to be fulfilled. We will celebrate it with Jesus, when we are in the “city … whose architect and builder is God,” in the heavenly homeland (Hebrews 11:10 [NIV], Hebrews 11:13-16). We will not build booths, but God’s booth, or tent, will descend from heaven, and we will live with Him forever (Revelation 7:15-17; Revelation 21:1-4; Revelation 22:1-5; Numbers 6:24-26).

<–Wednesday Friday–>

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You can view an in-depth discussion of Jesus Opens the Way Though the Veil/a> in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. Click on the image to view:

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

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This video is produced by the South Pacific Division Discipleship team.

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Read Hebrews 10:19-22. What invitation do we have in this passage?

The book of Hebrews argues that Jesus has entered into the heavenly sanctuary and invites us to follow His lead. This idea agrees with the conception introduced before that Jesus is the “captain” and forerunner of believers (Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 6:19-20; Hebrews 12:2). The “new and living way” is the new covenant that Jesus inaugurated with His sacrifice and ascension.

Image © Kerri Guthrie at Goodsalt.com

The expression “new and living” contrasts with the description of the old covenant as “obsolete and growing old” (Hebrews 8:13, NKJV). It is the new covenant, which has provided forgiveness of sin and has put the law in our hearts, that makes it possible for us to approach God with confidence, not because of ourselves or anything we have done, but only because of what Jesus has done for us by fulfilling all the covenant obligations.

Hebrews noted that the inauguration of the old covenant involved the inauguration of the sanctuary and the consecration of the priests (Hebrews 9:18-21; compare with Exodus 40:1-38; Exodus 19:4-6; Leviticus 8:1-9:24). The purpose of the covenant was to create an intimate relationship between God and His people (Exodus 19:4-6). When Israel accepted this relationship, God immediately commanded that a sanctuary be built so that He could live among them. The inauguration of the sanctuary and God’s presence in the midst of His people was the moment when the covenant between God and Israel was completed.

The same is true of the new covenant. The new covenant also implies the inauguration of Jesus’ priestly ministry in our behalf (Hebrews 5:1-10, Hebrews 7:1-8:13).

Jesus’ ascension before God has inaugurated a new era for the people of God. Zechariah 3:1-10 mentions that Satan was in the presence of God to accuse God’s people, who were represented by the high priest Joshua. This accuser is the same that raised questions about Job’s loyalty to God (Job 1:1-2:13). With the sacrifice of Jesus, however, Satan has been cast out of heaven (Revelation 12:7-12, compare with John 12:31, John 16:11). Now it is Jesus who intercedes for us and through His sacrifice and faithfulness claims salvation for us!

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

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