November 7, 2004

THE MINISTER OF THE SANCTUARY

"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... which the Lord erected" (Hebrews 8:1, 2, NKJV).

Shifting the focus from Christ's finished work on the cross, Paul turns the spotlight on what Christ is doing now in heaven for us. In this role Jesus is described as "a Minister of the sanctuary."

Paul introduces Jesus as the extraordinary high priest who faithfully ministers to the needs of His people. The heavenly phase of Christ's ministry is described as "a more excellent ministry" (Hebrews 8:6). The basis for this "more excellent ministry" is the fact that Christ is the mediator of a better covenant established on better promises. In this better ministry, Christ is the only one fully qualified to appear before God on man's behalf. He is the one mediator between God and man (see 1 Timothy 2:5).

Embodied in the single word, "minister," as applied to Christ, is all that He does for His people in heaven in preparing them for the final redemption. As our minister in the heavenly sanctuary, He represents us as our great high priest, our faithful intercessor, our sympathetic mediator, and our able advocate. With such a minister, our salvation is sure. Speaking of those who come to God by Him, Jesus has promised, "I give them eternal life, and... no one can snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28, NIV). "Perfumed with the fragrance of His righteousness, these [their prayers] ascend to God as a sweet savor. The offering is wholly acceptable, and pardon covers all transgression. To the true believer Christ is indeed the minister of the sanctuary."--Signs of the Times, February 14, 1900.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I thank You for the eternal salvation made possible through Christ my heavenly Minister. Amen.