Lord’s Day, Vol. 7 No. 46

Christ Entered Into Heaven

Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

God’s command for Israel to build the Tabernacle in the wilderness of Sinai and later the Temple in Jerusalem provided a picture of the presence of God with His people. It is a signification of the ultimate destination of God’s people in the presence of God in heaven.

The final revelation of God to His people was to send His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to enter human history. Jesus is the exact representation of God, He was the express image of the Person of God (Hebrews 1:2). The purpose of Jesus’ first coming was to bring salvation to all mankind who will turn to Him in repentance for the forgiveness of their sins.

The writer of Hebrews explained well in Hebrews 9:26-28 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

All who will receive the offering of Christ upon the cross for their sins will escape the judgment of God for sins when Christ shall return again from heaven to judge the world.

Two thoughts for our meditation summed up in these words:

(1) Heaven Itself (v24a)

(2) For Us (v24b)

(1) Heaven Itself (v24a)

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself,

The resurrected Christ was ascended into heaven to be at the right hand of the Father – when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (Hebrews 1:3b). Jesus entered heaven itself. Heaven is a real place. A place of God’s presence. The truth concerning the eternal destination of God’s people is presented here. We are a people destined for heaven. Jesus has gone before us and He will return to receive His people to our eternal abode in heaven. Are you excited that we are going to heaven?

The picture of the Tabernacle and the Temple brings assurance of God’s presence and protection in the hearts of God’s people visibly – Exodus 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

It brings strength to the hearts of God’s people of God’s care for them. What is heaven like? Revelation 21:3-4 tells us, “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

When will God’s people go to heaven? 2 Corinthians 5:8 tells us, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” When our earthly life ends, our heavenly life with Jesus begins!

After Jesus resurrected from the dead and was ascended to heaven, Jesus entered heaven itself, opening for us the way to heaven. We have the assurance we will enter heaven itself, receiving the promise of our eternal inheritance (v15), when we die. We shall escape the eternal judgment of hell!

(2) For Us (v24b)

– now to appear in the presence of God for us:

How is Jesus “for us” after He has ascended to heaven? Verse 25 provides us the context, “Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others …”The high priest of Israel has to enter the holy place every year to make atonement for the sins of the nation. But Jesus’ sacrifice put away sin once and for all – Hebrews 9:28 “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Our salvation is complete when we repent of our sins and place our faith in the finished work of Christ. Therefore, the people of God are called to hold fast to our profession as believers in Christ. Furthermore, Hebrews 7:24-25 tell us, “But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

Jesus is “for us” in that He ensures that we will never be lost but will arrive safely in heaven by His continual intercession on our behalf. As for the people of God on earth, we are asked to call to the Father in heaven in prayer for any help that we need in Jesus’ Name – Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Since Jesus is ascended into heaven for our sake, believers are called to be steadfast in the faith. Practically speaking, we are to:

• Do good and encourage others to do good, that is, to impact souls for good eternally.
• Encourage one another in consistent corporate worship and prayer.

Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

May the Lord help us. Amen.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee