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.

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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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Key Thought: The ascention of Jesus to heaven is central to the theology of the Hebrews. It marks the beginning of Jesus’ High Priestly ministry on our behalf.
March 5, 2022

1. Have a volunteer read Leviticus 16:1,2 Leviticus 10:1-3.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What warning do we have in these passages?
3. Personal Application: Why should we not be afraid to draw near to a holy God? What are the conditions for us to be able to draw near? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Is there any other church that teaches the heavenly sanctuary and Christ’s ministry for us there? Why does your church think there is a judgment day in 1844? Wasn’t that based on a mistake?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 10:19-22.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How do we follow God’s lead into the heavenly sanctuary as He invites us to?
3. Personal Application: What accusations could Satan make against you before God? How much would He have to lie to seek your condemnation? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “What does it mean to be able to enter into the holiest through the veil through His flesh and blood by a new and living way? And what does it mean to have our hearts sprinkled and our bodies washed?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 12:22-24.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. In what sense have we “arrived” at the heavenly Jerusalem in the presence of God?
3. Personal Application: How do we make the promise of eternal life real in this world so full of pain and suffering? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “This talk about eternal life in heaven with no sin, no evil, all good is just a fantasy to help us feel better about our lives here and now.” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 12:18-21.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What was the experience of Israel at Mt. Sinai?
3. Personal Application: How would we even presume to even think about approaching such a holy God, let alone boldly, in light of Israel’s experience? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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Veils have a double function. The term Hebrews uses for veil (katepetasma) could refer to the screen of the court (Exodus 38:18), the screen at the entrance of the outer apartment of the sanctuary (Exodus 36:37), or the inner veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (Exodus 26:31-35). These three veils were both entrances and boundaries that only some people could cross.

Read Leviticus 16:1-2,  and Leviticus 10:1-3. What warning do we have in these passages?

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The veil was a protection for the priests as they ministered before a holy God. After the sin of the golden calf, God said to Moses that He would not accompany them in the way to the Promised Land lest He consumed them because they were a “stiff-necked people” (Exodus 33:3, NKJV). Thus, Moses moved the tent of meeting and pitched it far off, outside the camp (Exodus 33:7). After Moses interceded, however, God agreed to go with them in their midst (Exodus 33:12-20), but He established several measures to protect the people as He dwelled among them.

For instance, Israel camped in a strict order that created a hollow square in the middle where the tabernacle was pitched. In addition, the Levites camped around the tabernacle in order to protect the sanctuary and its furniture from encroachment by strangers (Numbers 1:51, Numbers 3:10). They were, in fact, a kind of human veil that protected the people of Israel: “But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the people of Israel. And the Levites shall keep guard over the tabernacle of the testimony” (Numbers 1:53, ESV).

Jesus, as our Priest, has also been our veil. Through His incarnation, God pitched His tent in our midst and made it possible for us to contemplate His glory (John 1:14-18). He made it possible for a holy God to live in the midst of an imperfect people.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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The titles of the thirteen Sabbaths of study this quarter give us two hymns to use as the themes:
Hymn 593 – In Times Like These and Hymn 177 – Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness.

On Sabbath afternoon, the book of Hebrews tells us of “the ascension of Jesus to heaven” and this is sung in:
Hymn 182 – Christ Is Alive (verse 4),
Hymn 228 – A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing (verse 1),
Hymn 378 – Go, Preach My Gospel (verse 4),
Hymn 408 – Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor,
Hymn 415 – Christ the Lord All Power Possessing and
Hymn 417 – O Solemn Thought.

Sunday tells of the blood Jesus shed for me, 
Hymn 177 – Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness, then he rose 
Hymn 148 – O Love How Deep How Broad, and is again now before the Father.

God’s invitation asks us to consecrate our lives to Him: 
Hymn 330 – Take My Life and Let It Be. We then wish to follow in the footsteps of Israel of old and see God’s glory: 
Hymn 435 – The Glory Song but not have Israel’s lack of faith: 
Hymn 533 – O For a Faith. As God tried to teach Israel, we ask today 
Hymn 193 – Savior, Teach Me as we see 
God’s Free Mercy Streameth – Hymn 110.

It is with awe and wonder we see that as Christ died on Calvary, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom: 
Hymn 178 – The Unveiled Christ.

With all that Jesus has done, and is doing for us, 
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place – Hymn 523 as I need no other evidence. We have in front of us 
The Name That Brings Salvation – Hymn 646.

Our earthly history shows that we have our anchor in Jesus: 
Hymn 534 – Will Your Anchor Hold? so that we will soon be able to see Jesus 
Face to Face – Hymn 206.

Hold on, dear people as we are 
Marching to Zion – Hymn 422, that beautiful City of God where “we will celebrate it (Feast of Booths) with Jesus” – Thursday’s closing remark.

As “the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples” (Friday), so we ask to be rekindled today in 
Hymn 269 – Come Holy Spirit as 
The Spirit of The Lord – Hymn 261 is revealed to each of us.

We are bound for The Promised Land! Hallelujah!! – 
Hymn 620 – On Jordan’s Stormy Banks. Come, Lord Jesus, come – very soon.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing, but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Read Hebrews 12:18-21. What was the experience of Israel at Mount Sinai?

When God called Israel from Egypt, His plan was to create a personal, intimate relationship with them. He said, “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself” (Exodus 19:3-4, NKJV).

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Thus, through Moses God gave the necessary instructions to prepare the people to meet with Him. The people needed to consecrate themselves first (Exodus 19:10-15). Those who ascended to the foot of the mountain without preparation would die. Nevertheless, once the people had prepared themselves for two days, then “when the trumpet sounds a long blast” on the third day, God instructed that the people “shall come up to the mountain” (Exodus 19:13, ESV). He wanted them to have the experience Moses and the leaders of the people would have when they ascended the mountain and “beheld God and ate and drank” in His presence (Exodus 24:9-11, ESV). The people later recognized that they had seen God’s glory and that it was possible for God to speak “with man, and man still live” (Deuteronomy 5:24, ESV). But, when the moment came, they lacked faith. Moses explained years later: “you were afraid because of the fire, and you did not go up into the mountain” (Deuteronomy 5:5, ESV). Instead, they asked Moses to be their intermediary (Deuteronomy 5:25-27, compare with Exodus 20:18-21).

God’s manifestation of His holiness at Mt. Sinai was to teach the people to learn to “fear,” or respect, Him. The “fear of the Lord” leads to life, wisdom, and honor (Deuteronomy 4:10; compare with Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 10:27) — and also to learn that He is merciful and gracious (Exodus 34:4-8). Thus, while God wanted Israel to come to Him, the people became afraid and requested Moses to be their intermediary. The description in Hebrews of the events at Sinai follows primarily Moses’ reminding the people of their lack of faith and their apostasy with the golden calf, and how he was afraid of meeting God because of their sin (Deuteronomy 9:19). The people’s reaction was not God’s plan for them; it was, instead, the result of their faithlessness.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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