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.

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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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